In a diamond, a "bow tie" is a dark area that resembles a bow tie or butterfly shape that appears in the centre of some elongated fancy-shaped diamonds, such as marquise, oval, and pear-shaped diamonds.

A bow ties is caused by light entering the diamond and reflecting off its facets in such a way that it creates a shadow effect in the diamonds centre.

A bow tie effect is considered a negative attribute in diamonds, as it can affect the diamond's beauty and reduce its overall value.

However, not all elongated diamonds have a bow tie effect, and some diamonds may have a minimal or almost imperceptible bow tie that does not affect their appearance significantly.

When choosing a diamond, it's essential to consider its overall beauty, including its sparkle, brilliance, fire, and the presence of any visual defects such as a bow tie.

February 27, 2023 — Jana Neill