Up till this point we have been examining patterned diamonds cut to rare levels of optical symmetry as observed in the famed "Hearts & Arrows" type diamonds.  I have also introduced you to two proprietary patterned diamonds, the Solasfera and the Eighternity.  All of these patterned diamonds represent some of the rarest and most highly valued diamonds on the market.  They represent less than 1% of diamonds cut in the world and many connoisseurs seek them out as they generally take up to 4x the amount of time to cut to attain that level of precision.  The greater majority of "Ideal" cut diamonds however do not have this precise symmetrical patterning as found in the cuts we've been exploring till this point.  Most represent the stone showed to the right in the above illustration.  It is important to note at this point in our presentation that GIA and AGS do not take into account this aspect of "optical symmetry". GIA mentions the patterning present within diamonds but do not acknowledge optical symmetry in their final grade. We have personally decided to take the task of instituting an "optical symmetry grade" upon ourselves and from this point onward, or in the very near future will be grading optical symmetry as it deals directly with diamond appearance and craftsmanship issues that pertain directly to the value of diamonds since  it takes longer, with more waste in rough to cut and produce.

It could properly be said that all diamonds have a pattern.  Even the diamond to the right in the above illustration has a pattern which can be identified by a set of numbers. The difference however is that one diamond (left) has an organized, structured pattern which took at least 4x longer to cut while the stone on the right has a more chaotic pattern and took less time to cut.  Remember, GIA and  AGS are not considering optical symmetry in their grading system so on paper both diamonds may appear to have similar "numbers" yet produce entirely different looking appearances.

Here is a simulation of both stones in various lighting environments.

	H&A Patterned Diamond	Non-Patterned Diamond
Actual Static Image
Simulated Static Image
Dynamic Image (Contrast Brightness AGS)

The patterned Hearts & Arrows diamond is more rare, therefore valued more than the non-patterned ideal cut however if you personally prefer the non-patterned diamond those are in abundance and can generally be had for a less expensive price whereas the H&A constitutes less than 1% of diamonds cut.  Our recommendation is purchase what appeals to your eyes most.  If you are after certain rarity elements with regards to cut you may want to strongly consider a patterned diamond.