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Everything You Need to Know About Pear Cut Diamonds
The Textured Coco with a 1 carat Pear Cut Diamond and The Hidden Halo Morgan with a 1.5 carat Pear Cut Diamond in Rose Gold
Sometimes called a teardrop diamond, the pear cut has a unique shape that dates back to the 15th Century. Pear cut diamonds are known for their characteristic sparkle, which results from the immense light refraction coming off the large surface area of the stone. Their increased surface area also makes pear cuts appear larger than other diamond cuts of the same carat weight. This means you get more “bling for your buck.”
What is a Pear Cut Diamond?
The pear diamond has an elongated teardrop shape. It looks like a brilliant round on one end and a marquise on the other and can be cut with varying length-to-width ratios, typically in the 1.3 - 1.7 range. Traditionally, a pear cut has 56 facets (though this can vary). Pear-shaped diamonds are occasionally given anatomical descriptions, including head; shoulder; belly; wing; point (also called the apex).
The Amora with a 3 carat Pear cut Diamond in White Gold
History of the Pear-Shaped Diamond
The first pear-cut diamond was created by the Flemish diamond cutter Lodewyk Van Berquem in 15th Century Flanders (which is in present-day Belgium). Some of the world's most famous diamonds are pear cuts, including the Star of South Africa (also called the "Dudley Diamond") and the Star of the Season.
While generally viewed as one of the more traditional fancy shapes, pear cuts have been rising in popularity over the past few years. Pear-shaped diamond engagement rings have been spotted on the hands of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Cardi B, Victoria Beckham, and Ariana Grande.
Why choose a Pear-Shaped Diamond?
Radiant and Pear cut Diamonds
Beyond its distinctive shape, a pear-shaped diamond is one of the best-value diamonds out there. A properly cut pear-shaped diamond can appear 20% - 30% larger than brilliant cut diamonds of the same carat weight. It also results in a higher yield than other shapes when cut from raw diamond stone. As a result, they tend to cost approximately 20% less than a comparable round brilliant cut diamonds.
Pear cut diamonds tend to hide imperfections well given that it’s difficult to see flaws through the sparkle. As a result, you can choose a diamond with a lower clarity grade in order to maximize budget (without sacrificing appearance!). The pear-cut diamond appears larger relative to other cuts because of its high surface area. Pear stone diamonds refract more light than other shapes, giving them a distinctive sparkle.
How To Wear a Pear Cut
The Pave Cecelia with a 2.5 carat Pear cut Diamond in White Gold
Like with any diamond shape, there's no right or wrong way to wear a pear-cut diamond. Traditionally, as a center stone, pear cuts are worn north-south for engagement rings with the point facing down (towards the fingernail). Many believe this orientation makes the ring finger appear more slender. When worn as a pendant necklace, it is also worn north-south, but typically with the point facing up.
How to Choose a Pear Cut Diamond: Start With a Ratio
Pear cut diamonds come in different length-to-width ratios. These ratios typically range from 1.3 on the low end to 1.7 on the high end, with most preferring a cut that falls in the 1.4-1.6 range.
Lower ratios have a tendency to look too "stubby," whereas higher ratios can appear too "skinny." A pear cut ratio can practically only be cut up to about 1.75. At that point, it's challenging to keep the tip intact and functional. Also consider the depth of cut, as too deep a cut can lead to light leakage. Deeply cut diamonds don’t refract light outwards properly, resulting in less sparkle.
Guard Your Pear-Cut Diamond From Damage
Pear cut Diamonds
Given their unique shape, pear cuts can be more fragile than other diamonds. The more elongated the stone shape, the higher chance of chipping or point breaking.
At L'Amour Brilliance, we specifically set prongs in a way that covers the delicate point of the pear cut stone to help protect them from damage and breakage. Halo settings can also provide added protection and help prevent the point from snagging on clothing, as can a bezel setting.
Conclusion
The pear cut diamond’s unique shape gives off a distinctive sparkle that helps the diamond appear larger than other cuts of similar carat weights. A great value stone, a pear diamond typically costs 20% less than brilliant round cuts of the same carat weight.
While viewed as a more traditional cut, pear-shaped diamonds have recently been on a surge in popularity over the past few years.
Be aware: a well-cut pear-shaped diamond can be difficult to find. Purchasing from a reputable jeweler will help ensure you find your perfect pear and don't run into problems such as asymmetrical shape, loose diamonds, or poor optical performance.
