Pear

Sometimes referred to as the tear-drop, pear diamonds combine the best of the round brilliant and marquise cuts. This results in an elegant shape that tapers to a distinctive point. Faceted to showcase its brilliance, light bounces through the shape, enhancing the magnificent sparkle of the diamond. It can be worn in a variety of styles and is sure to stand out.

As with the round cut diamond, the teardrop shape has a subtle slimming effect on the wearer’s finger. Unlike round stones, however, the pear cut isn't standardised. This means you can select your favourite proportions.

A quality pear shaped diamond features gently rounded shoulders and wings. If cut to a high standard, the wings should create an attractive arch effect. If these are too slight, they make the stone appear narrow. On the other hand, if they’re too rounded, they make it look stubby.

Pear shaped diamonds generally hold more colour than round brilliant diamonds, so we advise customers to select a diamond that is high on the official GIA colour scale.

Symmetry is at the heart of a gemstone’s beauty and appeal, but it’s an especially important factor to consider when looking to buy pear shaped diamonds. High shoulders, flat or bloated wings, and undefined points can all have a detrimental effect on the gem’s symmetry. Check also that the culet and table are centrally positioned.

Many industry experts favour a length-to-width ratio between 1.50–1.75:1.

"If you’re looking for a pear cut diamond ring, remember that the point is vulnerable to chipping. You may want to use a V-prong to protect it. Alternatively, you could opt for a bezel setting around the whole stone."

It seems like a modern cut, but the pear shaped diamond can actually be traced back to Flanders in 1475. An engineer named Lodewyk van Bercken had just built the first diamond-polishing wheel, enabling him to place facets onto a diamond rough with near perfect symmetry. His preferred 58 facets remain the industry standard to this day.