How to Shop for Pear Cut Diamonds

If you haven’t seen one yet, you’re bound to see it soon. Pear shaped diamonds are trending in everything from engagement rings to tennis bracelets. Unique, elegant, and surrounded by fascinating lore, the pear diamond is a timeless blend of classic beauty and modern edge.

In this article, we’ll dive into the symbolism and history of the pear diamond. Then we’ll explore the pros and cons of this unique diamond shape, share some buying tips, and show you some of the best settings to keep your pear diamond safe and sparkling. Whether you’re leaning towards the pear diamond for your engagement ring or you just want to learn a little more about this stunning shape, you’ve come to the right place.

The Symbolic Meaning of Pear Cut Diamonds

As with all diamond shapes, the pear shape carries its own special significance. Because of its teardrop-like shape (some people even refer to these as teardrop diamonds), the pear shaped diamond is especially associated with strong emotions–think tears of joy, the kind you might cry when you’re deeply, deeply in love! Some believe that this teardrop-like shape represents the emotional journey of love and life, from the stress of wondering if you’ll ever find “the one” to the contented bliss of your wedding day.

Its unique shape is a fluid blend of smooth and sharp, with the rounded bottom and pointed top. For some, this symbolizes the balance between challenges and joys in life. Combine these features and you get an overall gorgeous diamond, signifying that life–and marriage–are beautiful things, even through the ups and downs.

The History of Pear Cut Diamonds

Though its edgy shape has earned it a very contemporary vibe, the pear shaped diamond actually dates all the way back to the 1400s. Diamond cutting was a relatively new industry. As diamond cutters figured out how to make these gemstones look their best, a Flemish diamond cutter named Lodewyk van Berquen made a breakthrough.

He invented a machine called a scaif, a type of polishing wheel that allowed cutters to polish all facets of the diamond symmetrically. The total symmetry of these new cuts helped the diamonds better reflect light from every angle. He used the scaif to help create the briolette cut, a precursor to the pear shaped diamonds we know and love today. Modern pear shaped diamonds are brilliant cut, meaning that they have 58 precisely placed facets to optimize light refraction.

Pros and Cons of Pear Cut Diamonds

Every diamond shape has its strengths and drawbacks, and the pear is no exception. Pear shaped diamonds have a number of benefits, particularly as an elongated shape. Elongated diamond shapes (those which are taller than they are wide) have a flattering effect on the wearer’s finger, making it look longer and slimmer. The pear diamond’s tapered point adds to this effect.

The pear shape is also distinctive and unique, making it the perfect diamond for someone who wants their engagement ring to stand out and make a statement about their tastes. You can choose to wear it with the point facing up or down, or switch between the two, giving it some versatility and personality. It’s also more affordable per carat than the traditional round diamond.

The pear diamond shares a drawback with the other elongated brilliant cut diamond shapes: the bowtie effect. This is the name given to a bowtie-shaped shadow across the center of the diamond. Unfortunately, some degree of shadow is inevitable for elongated diamonds due to how their shapes interact with the light. However, it is hardly–if at all–noticeable in a well cut diamond.

Pear shaped diamonds also have a fragile tip. Thin and pointed, it is vulnerable to chipping or cracking. It’s important to try not to bump your pear diamond against hard surfaces, or to let it catch on sheets or clothes. To mitigate the risk, you can try putting it in a more protective setting, which we’ll discuss later in the article.

Choosing the Best Pear Cut Diamond

Length-to-Width Ratio

As with other elongated diamond shapes, length-to-width ratio is key in a pear diamond’s appearance. If the ratio is unbalanced, the pear shape may look either too squat or too elongated. A ratio between 1.50 and 1.75 is considered ideal. Ultimately, though, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you find the ‘chubbier’ or ‘slimmer’ pear shapes appealing, then go for it–it has no impact on the integrity of the diamond, only on its appearance.

Quality Cut

A quality cut is essential for any diamond, but it’s especially important for elongated diamond shapes like the pear. This is due to the aforementioned bowtie effect. Light has trouble bouncing into and around the middle of the diamond in elongated brilliant cuts, but over time, skilled diamond cutters have figured out ways to minimize this effect to the point that it’s almost impossible to notice.

A cut with strong symmetry will help disperse light properly throughout the diamond. This minimizes the bowtie effect, balances the diamond’s proportions, and disperses more sparkle.

Work with your local jeweler to find the best cut for your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it’s what they’re there for! They’ll be able to give you the information you need to choose the pear diamond that’s best for you.

High Clarity

Because pear diamonds have a larger surface area, there’s more room to see its potential blemishes or inclusions. So, it’s important to choose a diamond with a high clarity grade.

Diamond clarity grades measure the presence or absence of flaws in the diamond, including trapped bubbles, pitting, and feathering. Again, a jeweler will be able to give you specific information about and grades for each diamond you see in their store. So, it’s important to talk to an experienced jeweler that you trust.

Ancona Jewelers: The Chicago Area’s Diamond Experts

Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, and no matter which is your favorite, it’s always a good idea to shop for it with the help of an expert. The team here at Ancona Jewelers has been in the jewelry business for over 40 years. In that time, we’ve gained the expertise you not only need, but deserve, from a jeweler.

We know that diamonds are one of the biggest and most meaningful purchases you’ll make in your lifetime, and we want to help you find a diamond you can cherish for years to come. When you’re ready to start exploring your options, come visit our Addison, Illinois store. Or, start your journey by discovering our selection of engagement rings online. We are proud to offer one of the finest and largest diamond collections in the Chicago area.