What Is A Pear Shaped Diamond?

The Perfect Pear

To jewelry aficionados, pear cut diamonds represent the best of both worlds. This stone combines the brilliant fire of a round cut diamond with the original look of a marquise diamond. The overall effect is a beautiful teardrop shape, with a rounded bottom and one pointed edge, which is usually worn pointed towards the wearer.

The pear cut diamond is a popular choice for couples who want a piece of jewelry that is stunning, yet still unique. This particular cut is not quite as popular as round or princess cut diamonds, giving it a fashionable appeal for the bride who wants her ring to be different from everyone else’s.

Why the Pear is Perfect!

How do you know whether or not you’ve bought the right stone? You are bound to see many diamonds at your diamond retailer (both in a store and online), each with their own unique sparkle and shape. If you’re looking for a pear cut diamond, here are a few things you should know before you make your purchase.

The pear shaped diamond was first developed in 1458 by the Flemish polisher Lodewyk van Berquem. Though his new style, a modification on the round brilliant cut, was not well received at first, it paved the way for today’s modern pear cut. Today, the unique cut has gained popularity for its original look - and the way it manages to make fingers appear more slender.

The Diamond Dimensions

Whenever you buy a diamond, there are things you should be looking for. The 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), the diamond’s depth and table, even its length to width ratio should all be considered - not to mention how it looks under different kinds of light. Each diamond cut has its own standards for beauty, and the pear cut is no different.

Pear cut diamonds should have a table (the flat part along the top of the stone) that measures between 53 and 63 percent of the diamond’s diameter. Its depth (the measurement from top to culet, or tip) should be between 58 and 64 percent of the diameter.

A Slimmer Fit

The diamond should have a very thin girdle (the area around the diamond where the crown and pavilion meet), and its length to width ratio should be between 1.45 and 1.55. With this ratio, you’ll be most likely to see that subtle slimming effect when you slip the ring on her finger.

However, pear cut diamonds have one other element you should be looking for: symmetry. The diamond’s point should line up with the peak of the rounded edge, and both sides should arch outward equally. This gives the diamond a perfect teardrop shape, which heightens the overall design to great effect.

The Bow Tie Effect

A common flaw many jewelers and shoppers see in their elongated diamonds (marquise, oval, or pear shapes) is what’s called the bow tie effect. A misalignment of the diamond facets causes a dark shadow to spread across the center of the stone as light travels through. The result is a pair of triangular shadows, which mirror the look of a man wearing a bow tie.

Patience in Picking the Pear

Make sure you have an opportunity to view the stone in a variety of lighting, from the flattering fluorescents in the jewelry shop to the natural sunlight. This will help you inspect how light moves through the diamond and prevent the bow tie effect.

If you’re buying a diamond ring, rather than a loose stone, you’ll also want to make sure that your pear-shaped diamond is set properly. The pointed end of the diamond tends to be very fragile and vulnerable to chipping, which over time can damage both the shape and the sparkle. Ask your jeweler to set the ring with a prong at the point; this will protect the diamond and keep it beautiful for years to come.