Pear-shaped diamonds are beautiful, gorgeous, and one-of-a-kind. This unusual diamond shape is an excellent choice for individuals who want something lovely yet a little out of the ordinary.
The exquisite pear-shaped diamond is popular in a wide range of jewelry.
The size of a diamond in this shape in a diamond pendant elegantly accentuates the neck. Pear-shaped gems placed in a ring make the hand look thinner.
But how can you tell which pear-shaped diamonds are perfect for you? In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know before purchasing a pear-shaped diamond so that you can choose the one you’ll love.
Diamond’s Cut Vs. Diamond’s Shape
Even though the phrases “diamond shape” and “diamond cut” are sometimes used equally, they are distinct concepts.
One of the 4Cs is diamond cut, which is one method of evaluating a diamond. It all comes down to arithmetic, physics, and geometry – how a diamond cutter creates the facets and ratios in a diamond to allow light to beam through it.
A heart-shaped gem, for instance, can be cut too deep or too shallow, and it can be dazzling or dull. These factors, however, do not affect the gemstone’s form; it is still heart-shaped.
This thought may dull you, or it may intrigue you. In any case, it has a significant influence on the attractiveness of your diamond.
On the other hand, the diamond shape is typically the first consideration for most individuals when selecting a diamond engagement ring. It denotes the stone’s contour or exterior figure.
For example, heart-shaped, round brilliant, and pear-shaped refer to the diamond’s form and look.
What Is A Pear-Shaped Diamond?
A customized brilliant-cut pear-shaped diamond is a cross between a round and a marquise shape, with a tapering tip on one end.
What does that mean? Well, it means that the pear-shaped diamond’s broader, rounded end is cut like a round brilliant gem, and the narrower part of the pear-shaped stone is cut like a marquise one.
This interesting shape – just like the oval and marquise cut – is available in a range of broad to narrow cuts, and it has the benefit of making the wearer’s fingers look longer and thinner.
A pear-shaped diamond has five sections. They are, from the rounded edge to the pointy tip:
- The oval end of a pear-shaped diamond
- The shoulder is a round, curving part of the body that connects the head to the belly
- The tummy is the narrowing core of a pear-shaped gem
- The wing is the portion that joins together tightly to meet the tip
- The point is the pointy tip of a pear-shaped stone
Related Read: Pear Vs. Oval Diamond: What Is The Better Shape?
The History Of A Pear-Shaped Diamond
The pear-shaped diamond may be traced back to the late 1400s when Flemish gem cutter Lodewyk van Berquem first presented it. Previously, Van Berquem designed the “scarf” – a diamond polishing machine.
This equipment transformed the industry by allowing facets to be set in diamonds with complete symmetry. With that accomplished, it created the basis for developing the complicated dazzling diamond shapes that we recognize and love today.
The pear-shaped stone was not well received when it was first introduced. It wasn’t frequently utilized until a well-known Hollywood couple bought a massive pear-shaped diamond and made the shape famous.
In 1969, Elizabeth Taylor, known for her jewelry collection, received a 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond from her husband, Richard Burton. The stone became recognized as the Taylor-Burton Diamond – and was also one of Taylor’s most famous compositions.
With this surge in popularity, the pear-shaped diamond remained fashionable for the rest of the twentieth century. In recent years, this lovely shape has developed as a new preference for engagement rings – particularly for individuals seeking a distinctive and uncommon expression of their individuality in their rings.
How To Pick A Pear-Shaped Diamond
Now that you understand what a pear-shaped diamond is, let’s discuss what to seek when purchasing a pear-shaped diamond.
First, we’ll go through the 4Cs of pear-shaped diamonds – and then we’ll discuss additional concerns to bear in mind while purchasing a pear-shaped diamond.
Learn More: 4 C’s Of Diamonds – Order Of Importance: The Most Important C?
Symmetry
For pear-shaped diamonds, symmetry is crucial. Diamond of this shape should preferably have very good or excellent symmetry.
The point should be aligned with the curved end’s apex. The wings and shoulders – as well as the top and bottom curvature on the stone’s right and left sides – should produce homogeneous, symmetrical curves with no sharp edges.
The oval top should seem semi-circular rather than narrow or squat.
To calculate the symmetry of a pear-shaped diamond, imagine the tip of the diamond, then an imagined vertical line running down its center. If it’s absolutely symmetrical, the forms on either half of the line will precisely mirror one another.
A pear-shaped diamond’s absence of symmetry is apparent. An asymmetrical pear-shaped gem will appear crooked or “off.”
In an erroneous attempt to increase the mass of a diamond by integrating more of the raw stone into the final cut, cutters sometimes add thickness towards the tip or top – creating the diamond with a squatty or a squared-off look.
So, while shopping for a pear-shaped diamond, have in mind that symmetry is beyond essential – and buy a stone with excellent symmetry.
Proportions
Contrary to the symmetry, there’s no one optimal width to length ratio to define the dimensions of a pear-shaped diamond. Regarding pear-shaped gems, it’s all about personal preference.
While the traditional ratio for this diamond shape is 1.40 – 1.70, personal desire will still be the deciding factor. Pear-shaped diamonds might be longer and thinner, or they can be shorter and broader.
The greater the length-to-breadth ratio, the longer and thinner the gem. Most people like pear-shaped gems with a “traditional” pear-shaped form, which, as previously stated, results from a ratio of 1.4 to 1.70.
The proportion you select for your teardrop-shaped diamond is entirely up to you. The stone’s ultimate setting might also influence shape preference: A slender pear-shaped diamond is suitable for dangle earrings, although a larger shape might be preferable for a solitaire ring.
Related Read: Diamond & Solitaire: What Is A Solitaire Diamond?
Bow-Tie Effect
The “bow-tie” effect, a darkening region in the middle of the stone with a bow-tie form, is almost always present in pear-shaped diamonds. The presence of a bow-tie effect can only be determined visually – not by studying the diamond certificate or size.
Nevertheless, the visibility of this bow tie varies greatly. Sometimes it’s practically invisible, and other times it’s rather noticeable. Buyers often dislike a conspicuous bow-tie on a pear-shaped gem and strive to prevent it. Bow ties, on the other hand, are pretty easy to recognize.
Simply search for an excellently cut pear-shaped diamond with a minimal bow-tie appearance to prevent a bow-tie – which is easily spotted just by glancing at a diamond.
Color
Color evaluation of pear-shaped diamonds is personal. Aside from oval and marquise cut diamonds, any hue will stand out more in pear-shaped gems. That is a characteristic of the cutting method – not a flaw in the pear form.
In platinum and white gold, a G or higher color grade will appear finest with this approach. The hue of bigger pear diamonds (above 1 carat) may seem somewhat darker towards the tip. As a result, purchasers might choose to step up one color grade compared to other diamond shapes.
Those who favor a warm metal and want to utilize a yellow gold or rose gold setting may find that lowering down to an I is sufficient for creating a lovely ring. The rich tones of the rose and yellow precious metals serve to balance out the diamond’s brighter hue.
Clarity
Measuring clarity in pear-shaped diamonds, like color, is subjective. With their clarity grades, GIA gives fantastic assistance.
In this regard, it’s essential to keep in mind that each consumer will have a slightly different understanding of what clarity means to them. Some people may be utterly OK with inclusion as long as they can’t notice it. Others may be more concerned with a technically faultless look.
Pear-shaped diamonds are excellent at hiding imperfections. Their spectacular faceting technique, paired with their form, makes it easy to achieve eye-clean clarity for higher grades from the rounded part to the pointy end.
Nonetheless, more prominent inclusions should not be placed too near the gem’s tip, as this is the diamond’s weakest point and makes it more prone to chipping or cracking.
Carat
The final cut proportions and consequent carat masses of pear-shaped diamonds will differ tremendously. Since pear cut diamonds are cut to the optimal length-breadth ratio for the quality of the gem being cut, linear adjustments in carat size and dimensions are not always possible.
For instance, you might locate a 1-carat pear cut diamond with dimensions of 8.50 x 5.30 mm and a 0.95-carat stone with dimensions of 8.45 x 5.60 mm. Both may have a similar, excellent shape.
Still, the lesser carat diamond will most likely be somewhat less expensive since it weighs less than the whole carat one – since that’s when the price increases enormously. It will also look a little more prominent due to the larger dimensions.
Related Read: How Big Is A 1 Carat Diamond?
The Best Setting For A Pear-Shaped Diamond
Even though the pear shape is not the most common form for diamonds, it adds a distinctive aspect to an engagement ring and appears lovely on any finger.
On the other hand, the pear shape may be rather delicate due to its single sharp tip that can get stuck on things and chip off.
Choosing the correct setting for your pear-shaped gem is the most significant way to show it off yet maintain it secure.
Halo, prong, and bezel settings are the most typical choices for pear-shaped diamonds – but as many people have stated, the prong setting is definitely the one that won’t let you down.
Learn More: Types Of Diamond Settings: A Guide To Setting Styles
Prong Setting
The metal claws that keep a diamond in position on the setting are referred to as prongs. Prong settings have the advantage of allowing optimum light reflection and displaying a gem brilliantly without hindrance.
The more prongs you put, the more secure the gem is, but the less visible.
One problem of prong settings is that the prongs can flex or even fracture over time when the metal starts to wear or is subjected to impacts. It is critical to have a jeweler inspect the quality of your prong setting regularly.
The average number of prongs for this diamond shape is 5 or 6.
Due to the apparent vulnerable point, a V-shaped tip is frequently added to safeguard the pear’s point. A V-tip provides the most safety for a teardrop-shaped diamond and keeps the end from being exposed.
With six prongs, including a wide V-tip, this setting provides security for the pear-shaped gem.
The number of prongs, whether four or eight, impacts the ring’s overall appearance.
Furthermore, although 4-prong settings reveal more of the stone and its sides, a 6- or 8-prong setting may emphasize the symmetry and curve of the diamond to optimum effect.
Smaller stones with less than five prongs are okay, but larger ones should have more prongs to prevent the stone from unintentionally fracturing or slipping out of the ring.
Prong settings are ideal for displaying your teardrop diamond and allowing it to take center stage. It may be done simply or more elaborately by adding emphasis stones and complex features to the setting.
Read Also: 4 Prong Vs. 6 Prong: Which Diamond Ring Setting Is Better?
Conclusion
There is no disputing that pear-shaped precious stones are making a significant comeback, and it’s easy to understand why. So, why should you go for pear-shaped diamonds?
These magnificent teardrop-shaped diamonds are not only classic and eye-catching, but they also ensure a more appealing appearance. You see, the teardrop form of these jewels produces a modest slimming effect on your finger.
In contrast to round diamonds, these teardrop-shaped gems are not regulated, so you may pick the proportions that suit you best.
Furthermore, a pear-shaped diamond always appears to sparkle somewhat more than its peers – regardless of size.
