Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings: A Guide

Also known as a ‘tear-drop diamond’, the pear shaped diamond is actually a hybrid of a round diamond and a marquise shaped diamond. A diamond cutter called Lodewyk van Bercken invented the pear shaped diamond in Flanders (now Belgium) in 1475.

PEAR SHAPED DIAMONDS – DEFINITION AND HISTORY

The diamond industry was revolutionised by van Bercken at that time. He created a polishing tool called a ‘scaif’, which could swiftly and efficiently cut facets into diamonds. Van Bercken established new ways of cutting and new types of cuts; his cutting-edge new machines (literally!) and techniques permitted him to polish each individual facet on diamonds. There is a statue of Lodewyk van Bercken in Antwerp in Belgium which commemorates his enormous contribution to the diamond trade and to that city.

PEAR SHAPED DIAMONDS AND THE FOUR C’s

Pear shaped diamonds and carats:

Every pear shaped diamond has 48 facets, just like a round brilliant diamond does. This means pear shaped diamonds have exceptionally high levels of light return – they are super sparklers! Visibly, they actually appear bigger than similarly sized round diamonds, because of their proportions and elongated form. Pear shaped diamonds do have a larger top surface – around 8% more than rounds. So, they don’t just look larger, their crown & table area actually is bigger. Pear shaped diamonds are, however, generally significantly less per carat than their round cousins, representing terrific value for money.

Pear shaped diamonds and colour:

It’s very important to liaise with an expert when selecting a pear shaped diamond for an engagement ring. The stone needs to be carefully assessed and explained by a professional, as you may want to create the setting specially, in a way which ‘lifts’ the pear shaped diamond’s colour. Typically, pear shaped diamonds will display their best colour at the pointy end.

Pear shaped diamonds and clarity:

Inclusions or flaws are usually very difficult to see on a pear shaped diamond, which is great. This means you can afford to overlook this element and spend up on cut, carat or colour, which are generally of more consequence when it comes to visual magnificence. Definitely one of the top reasons why you would opt for a pear shaped diamond engagement ring.

Pear shaped diamonds and cut:

This is a very important factor to consider when selecting a pear shaped diamond engagement ring. Only a small percentage of diamonds are cut pear shaped every year. Out of those, not all will meet the highest of standards which businesses, such as ours, expect. The result is that the best quality pear shaped diamonds are somewhat rare and exciting to find.

PEAR SHAPED DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS AND CELEBRITIES WHO WEAR THEM

The pear shaped diamond often strikes people as a very contemporary, modern cut. Yet as we’ve seen, it’s actually been around for a while. Golden age of Hollywood star and jewellery icon Elizabeth Taylor was known to adore pear shaped diamonds. One of her numerous engagement rings was pear shaped. Current global celebrity powerhouse Victoria Beckham sports a pear shaped diamond engagement ring. Other pear shaped diamond engagement ring wearers include Princess Charlene of Monaco, Kaley Cuoco, Katherine Heigl and Jessica Simpson.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A PEAR-SHAPED DIAMOND?

Exactly which aspects need to be ascertained, when you’re choosing the perfect pear shaped diamond engagement ring? Probably the most important characteristic is its length-to-width ratio. Some are longer and narrower, others more voluptuous. Your selection might depend upon personal taste - and also the hand and finger upon which the ring is to sit.

Symmetry is also critical. You want the point to line up exactly with the centre of the round end, or apex. This curved end should be rounded evenly, without ballooning out at all on one side or the other - it should be a precise semi-circle - with the sides elegantly sloping, uniformly. The pear shaped diamond should get lots of attention due to its dazzle and drama and definitely not because its symmetry is skew-whiff.

Oval cut and pear shaped diamonds need to be assessed by an expert for a phenomenon known as ‘the bowtie effect’. This can occur when ovals and pears are not cut to the ideal criteria and a dark blur can appear in the middle. We examine every diamond incredibly carefully and we don’t deal with any stones which are exhibiting any ‘bowtie effect’, but you should be aware of this anomaly, if you are shopping around.

PEAR SHAPED DIAMONDS AND ORIENTATION

Mostly, pear shaped diamond engagement rings are worn with the point facing down, or toward the tip of the finger. When worn this way, it makes the fingers and hand look elegantly svelte and elongated. When you select a stone and a style with us, we need to ensure that it will sit beautifully balanced and safely on your finger. Pear shaped diamonds need to be tightly secured and as slim-lined as possible in their setting.

WHAT ARE THE DESIGN OPTIONS WITH PEAR SHAPED DIAMONDS?

Many popular designs which hero pear shaped diamonds are very creative and unique. Simple and chic works well too. Classic, delicate looking pear shaped diamond rings consist of a simple band and three prongs supporting the solitaire stone. Black diamonds look amazing in pear shape. Pear shaped diamonds lend themselves nicely to pairing with the more fanciful bands, like rose gold and undulating or criss-cross precious metalwork with pave diamonds. Diamond halos look fantastic surrounding central pear shaped stones. Pear shaped diamonds have even been known to feature on engagement rings with their own mini ‘tiaras’ at the top end, comprised of smaller diamonds or other gemstones.

Pear shaped diamonds are a fabulous, fun, fresh choice of centre stone for a striking engagement ring. Contact us to discuss enchanting options and compelling custom creation possibilities.