Pear Shaped Diamonds; The Ultimate Guide

Key Takeaways

• While it’s not the most consistent, the Pear sees periods of high popularity in the world of engagement rings. Unlike the Round, it’s not exactly ‘evergreen’, but the beauty and versatility of the Pear means that it will always come back into popular opinion.
• As a modified brilliant, it offers a great facet pattern for producing a high sparkle, although, as ever, it won’t produce as much as a well cut Round Brilliant – par for the course with any other diamond shape.
• The Pear’s elongated shape means that it looks a little bigger than many other shapes of the same carat weight, but that it can feature a bow tie (and area of reduced light). Extreme bow ties should be avoided at all costs.

We talk a lot about the versatility of different diamond shapes and, for the most part, the message is the same: all of the most popular cuts lend themselves to a wide range of different styles, ring designs and accents. Nevertheless, few offer as much scope for personalization as the Pear.

From the fact that it can be arranged to sit in a wide range of different directions on the finger, to its ability to look either super plush and glamorous to incredibly modern and minimalistic, the Pear cut is one that continually comes back into popular favor – particularly among celebrities.

The benefits of choosing this cut are hard to deny, there’s a lot more you need to know about it before you device it’s going to take center stage on your own engagement ring design.

• What Does a Pear Diamond Cut Look Like?
• Pear Diamond History
• Pear Diamond Engagement Rings
• Pear Diamond Cost
• Choosing a Pear Cut Diamond
• Pear Cut Diamond Pros and Cons
• Our Summary

What Does a Pear Diamond Cut Look Like?

The Pear shape is a combination of the Round Brilliant and Marquise diamond cuts, with a tapered point at one end and a rounded end at the other.

As a result of the Brilliant facet pattern, this cut is known for its tremendous sparkle. It is also called a teardrop or drop cut, as it resembles a drop of water. A typical Pear shape contains 58 facets, with the number of pavilion facets ranging from 4 – 8. 

Unlike some other cuts, there is a lot of discrepancy between the exact shape of the Pear. This can make it trickier for shoppers to find a worthwhile diamond to buy but, armed with a little research, they can definitely make a great choice.

One of the most notable things to realize about the Pear cut is the fact that it is asymmetrical. The Heart is another notable example of this but, for the most part, as far as diamond cuts go, this is pretty unique. We will look at this in more detail below but, for now, it’s important to keep in mind. 

Pear Diamond History

The Pear shape has been around for centuries, with the first one created way back in the 1400’s by Flemish cutter, Lodewyk van Berquem of Bruges. He was also the inventor of the diamond-polishing wheel (scaif), which revolutionized how diamond cutters created those glassy facets after the initial cuts were made.

The romantic and feminine curves of the Pear shape have many celebrities wearing this comeback style. Elizabeth Taylor famously turned her teardrop diamond engagement ring into a necklace, while other such as Victoria Beckham, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Anna Kournikova, wear the stunner on their fingers.

Why Do They Call Pear Teardrop?

Put simply, because it looks like a teardrop.

While that may sound at-odds with the whole tone of a proposal, those who prefer the name ‘Teardrop’ to ‘Pear’ are almost always thinking of the happy tears couples shed when an engagement takes place.

In that way, it’s one of the most romantic diamond shapes you could pick. While the Marquise was made to resemble a pair of lips, and the Heart is, well, a literal heart, the Pear diamond is a permanent reminder of the unparalleled joy you and your beloved felt when you decided to spend the rest of your lives together. This is why it is typically worn with the pointed end up, and the curved end closer to the base of the finger – so that it holds onto that teardrop-like shape.

The name ‘Teardrop’ is actually more commonly used for Pear cut diamonds used in earrings and necklaces, rather than engagement rings. There’s no real reason behind this and, ultimately, it comes down to the jeweler’s preference. Either way, they will know what you’re talking about.

Interestingly, it’s also called the pendeloque cut in some circles – a French word meaning ‘pendant’ – although you’re a lot more likely to hear jewelers using the term ‘Pear’ or ‘Teardrop’. This is primarily down to the fact that it’s a more descriptive name. Most of the popular cuts are named self-descriptively – with the exception, perhaps, or the Marquise and Asscher. Even the Cushion cut bears a resemblance to its namesake.

Ultimately, you can call your Pear Cut diamond what you want. It holds a shape that is distinctive and memorable enough that anyone in the business will know what you’re referring to, so don’t get too caught-up on the name. Whether it evokes images of happy tears for you, rain, pears, or anything else that bears the shape, it’s a beautiful diamond cut to wear on your finger.

Pear Diamond Engagement Rings

While the diamond is beautiful enough on its own, it’s impossible to know whether or not it can be used to create the perfect engagement ring before you find out more about this unique cut – and how it looks when worn on the finger. 

Are Pear Shaped Diamonds in Style?

Unlike some of the more traditional diamond shapes like the Round and Emerald, the Pear’s popularity among couples tends to ebb and flow, but…

Inarguably, what’s more important is the fact that the Pear shaped diamond will always be a beautiful and arresting center stone for any ring. Yes, there will be times when it finds more favor among public figures and celebrities – and, of course, times when it is no longer sitting front-and-center in every jewelry store window – but, no matter what, it will look stunning.

An engagement rings significance – and, indeed, what you and your bride to be think of the ring – goes far beyond a trend or fashion, so it’s important that you don’t get too hung up on this side of things as you make your choice.

This sleek and elegant Pear Cathedral Engagement Ring will continue to look graceful throughout the decades, while the absolutely incredible level of sparkle offered by this Pear Pavé Engagement Ring design checks all the boxes for brilliance, beauty and grandeur.

Are Pear Cuts Sparkly?

Yes, the Pear offers high levels of fire, brilliance, and scintillation thanks to its brilliance facet structure.

The Pear won’t sparkle quite as much as the Round Brilliant, but the fact that it closely resembles this cut at one end (if not the other) means that, for those looking for a more original shape, the Pear offers a great option whilst losing the least amount of sparkle possible.

Are Pear Shaped Diamonds Bad Luck?

While there is a superstition over the Pear cut, it really is just a superstition and nothing more.

Over the years, the Pear’s resemblance to a teardrop has not gone unnoticed, with some superstitious folk stating that such a close similarity between the two means that brides who are proposed to with a Pear will inevitably be left weeping.

But, given the number of happy brides out there wearing the Pear cut, we prefer to think of this beautiful shape as being a symbol of tears of happiness, rather than sadness or misfortunate.

Nevertheless, if your partner is the superstitious type, you might be better off looking at another cut.

Are Pear Diamonds Rare?

Compared to the most popular diamond shapes, yes, but they’re not hard to come by if you’re worried about finding one.

Pear cut diamonds account for about 4% of diamonds on the market today – a number that can make them sound rarer than they really are. In truth, plenty of brides wear this cut, although the number of Round, Oval and Princess diamonds featured in engagement rings will inevitably make every other cut sound ‘rare’ in comparison.

Which Way Should a Pear Shaped Diamond be Worn?

There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way, but the most common way to wear a Pear is with the tapered end pointed away from the wearer, and toward the fingertip.

While this is considered the ‘norm’, a Pear can be worn so that the tapered end points toward the knuckles – or, much more rarely, in an East-West configuration. This creates a highly asymmetrical ring with a bold, contemporary charm.

And, while it is most commonly used as a center stone in engagement rings, it also offers a beautiful choice as a side or accent stone, too – particularly when placed in that East-West configuration.

In truth, there are no rules concerning the Pear’s arrangement – or how it’s worn – only personal preference.

Does the Pear Cut Look Bigger?

Yes, thanks to its elongated shape and larger table, the Pear is one of the diamond cuts that looks the largest per carat.

This means that, if you were to place a 2 carat Pear alongside a 2 carat Round Brilliant and a 2 Carat Cushion, the Pear would look considerably bigger, simply because its weight-distribution favors its face-up appearance.

What Does a Pear Shaped Engagement Ring Say About You?

The asymmetry of the Pear is perfect for those who harbor rich, multifaceted styles – and personalities.

The Pear enjoys the best of both worlds, with its soft, smoothed curve of the Oval and Round, and the sharp, bold point of the Marquise. As a result, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who can be as steely as they can be calm, as bold as they can be peaceful, and as avant-garde as they can be traditional.

Pear Diamond Cost

Whatever your price point, it always comes right back around to price in the end. It can be confusing for newcomers to realize that predicting diamond prices means accounting for a wide range of factors – including shape – but, once you get your head around it, the going will get much easier.

Are Pear Diamonds More Expensive?

No – compared with the Round Brilliant, the Pear costs around 30% to 35% less, making it much easier for you to pick out a larger diamond, or one with a higher clarity, at your price point.

Nevertheless, quality should never be sacrificed for the sake of price. With some knowledge and savvy by your side, however, it’s totally possible for you to get an incredibly good price on a Pear cut.

Why Are Pear Shaped Diamonds Cheaper?

Popularity has driven up the prices of some of the more popular cuts, meaning that the Pear – which isn’t consistently popular among couples – represents one of the more affordable cuts.

Also, unlike the Round, it’s possible for diamond cutters to preserve a lot of the original rough stone when making this shape, and this significantly influences the overall cost of one of these diamonds.

Diamond cutters are always looking to get the biggest diamonds possible out of their rough stones, and the Pear requires much less of a sacrifice than some of the more complex shapes.

How Much Will a 1 Carat Pear Cost?

For a good quality diamond, you can expect to pay around $3,000+, with factors like clarity, color and cut bringing the price as high as $10,000 – or, in rare cases, even higher.

Remember that carat is only one of the forces driving a diamond’s value higher, but that you don’t need to go to the very top grade in the rest of the Four Cs to find a beautiful and eye clean diamond.

We will go into more detail below about the ideal grades across Color, Cut, Clarity – and other factors like fluorescence – but, for now, it’s useful to know that it’s possible to find a knock-out 1 carat Pear between $3,000 and $6,000.

Do Pear Diamonds Snag?

A little more than some of the rounder cuts, yes.

The Pear’s sharp point can prove a little more unwieldly than some of the more ‘aerodynamic’ shapes, like the Round, oval and Cushion, but most wearers will get used to wearing it very quickly.

An additional prong at the Pear’s tip, as in this Pear Shaped Solitaire Engagement Ring, can offer a little extra protection to the diamond, if you’re worried about durability. Your jeweler can, of course, provide more specific advice on your chosen ring setting, since they will be the one making it. 

Choosing a Pear Cut Diamond

Symmetry is one of the most important characteristic in choosing Pear shapes. The point should line up perfectly with the peak of the rounded edge. And the shoulders, bellies and wings should form a mirrored image of each other. Most people don’t realize that the Pear cut is one of the hardest to get right, and a cutter can so easily produce a diamond that looks too squat, too rounded, too long or, as we mentioned above, totally off-center.

In essence, practically every Pear diamond you look at will be different from the next. Some of ti comes down to personal preference but, as always, some of it comes down to a poor cut. Our Pear cut diamonds all feature grades of either Very Good or Excellent for Symmetry and Polish, making it much easier for you to find a quality diamond. 

Also important to note is the fact that the most vulnerable part of the Pear diamond is its point. Protecting it with a V-prong is important in keeping the value of the diamond. Also, when it comes to a shape like the Pear, avoiding a major bow tie is very important.

What Does a Bow Tie in a Diamond Mean?

Some of the more elongated shapes, like the Pear and Marquise, are vulnerable to a pretty significant dark spot that runs through the center of the diamond, in a shape that is often likened to a black bow tie.

facets. In many diamonds, this effect is subtle enough to go unnoticed most of the time, but it is important to understand what causes this effect – and how to avoid it – if you’re shopping for a Pear.

What Causes Bow Tie Effect in Pear Diamonds?

A bow tie is caused when light is unable to refract properly through the center of the stone, creating some pretty major ‘dark spots’ within the stone.

It is a result of the fact that creating a cut that is beautiful (and free from dark spots) from all angles is an incredibly complex process, and one that doesn’t always work out.

Finding out whether or not the diamond you are looking at features a bow tie is simply a matter of looking at it. This isn’t something you can reliably judge via a computer screen – or without an expert eye to help confirm your own opinion – so, as always, we’re going to recommend you book a consult with your local jeweler well before you reach for the credit card.

Pear Shaped Diamond Dimensions

The classic length-width ratio ranges from 1.40 – 1.60, with symmetry being the most important factor. The table of the diamond should be perfectly centered on the line of symmetry.

Pear shaped diamond ratio – 1.40, 1.55, 1.70

The following cut, color, and clarity guides should be taken into consideration when choosing a Pear shaped diamond: 

Pear Shaped Diamond Cut Guide

The cut attributes of a diamond contribute to its sparkle, brilliance, and bling. Most knowledgeable buyers would choose attributes from the Excellent – Very Good columns.

Pear Shaped Diamond Length-to-Width Guide

A classic Pear Shaped diamond has a length-to-width ratio between 1.55 – 1.62.

Pear Shaped Diamond Symmetry, Polish, Cut and Fluorescence Guide

Our experience suggests that Cut, Symmetry, Polish, and Fluorescence contributes to a diamond’s brilliance so that most buyers will choose Excellent – Very Good and Fluorescence None – Faint.

Pear Shaped Diamond Color Guide

Most buyers prefer size over color hue and will buy a diamond of G color.

Pear Shaped Diamond Clarity Guide

Most buyers prefer size over clarity and will buy a diamond of SI1 Clarity.

Pear Shaped Diamond Pros and Cons

There are advantages and disadvantages to every cut, including the Pear Shaped diamond. 

Advantages

An advantage of the Pear is that it makes your finger look thinner and longer, due to its length. Another advantage is the choice of how to wear it. Brides can choose to wear it tip up or tip down, depending on personal preference. 

It’s also a great choice if you like the Marquise diamond cut, but don’t want to sacrifice sparkle at both ends of the diamond. This way, you can get the best of both worlds and take advantage of the high brilliance of the curved end, and the bold, dramatic point of the diamond’s tip.

Disadvantages

A disadvantage of the Pear is its bow-tie effect. Because of its narrow shape, the Pear shape can produce an area of reduced color in the center of the gem, resembling a bow tie or ribbon. This can really interrupt the beauty of the stone, so make sure you’re on the look-out during your consultation. Of course, a reputable jeweler wouldn’t steer you toward one of these diamonds, anyway, and so long as you’re aware of it, you won’t accidentally spend thousands of dollars on one.

Another disadvantage is the fact that the Pear, unlike some other diamond shapes, tends to come in and out of fashion every few years – but, the important thing to remember is that it always comes back. What’s more, what’s ‘in fashion’ is irrelevant once you find the ring.

Our Summary: Is the Pear Shaped Diamond Good?

Yes, but it’s not for everyone. This is a bold cut, featuring a rare asymmetry, a dramatic point, and a unique combination of shapes. It’s going to be a perfect shape for some, and a controversial choice for others.

There’s no denying that a Pear cut diamond is beautiful – and a great way to show off every element of a high quality stone. But, when it comes to wearing it on your finger, the Pear is a little more divisive than, say, the classic Round or the symmetrical Princess cut. It features such a distinctive silhouette that some more traditional wearers may be better suited to a round, square or rectangular shape, instead.

Then again, it’s got plenty going in its favor – particularly if you have a sneaking suspicion that your partner is as drawn-in by this fascinating shape as you are. For one thing, it looks bigger than many of the other shapes; for another, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds by combining the curve of the Oval with the length and precise point of the Marquise.

The Pear cut creates beautiful engagement rings, whether it’s featured at the very center of the ring, or as an accent on the side. Provided you think carefully about this diamond – both in terms of your bride-to-be’s style, and the potential for a bow tie or poor shape – it could easily turn out to be the perfect choice.

Hand-Selected Pear Cut Diamonds