💧 Pear Shape

Elegance with a Pointed Edge

✨ Introduction: Graceful, Glamorous & Distinctly Feminine

Also known as the teardrop diamond, the pear-shaped diamond blends the soft curves of a round brilliant with the elongated elegance of a marquise. The result? A beautifully unique shape that offers romance, refinement, and just a hint of drama.

With its graceful taper and brilliant sparkle, the pear diamond is a favourite for those who want something slightly different, deeply personal, and endlessly flattering.

💡 Half round, half marquise—all individuality.

🕰️ History of the Pear Cut

The pear-shaped diamond dates back to 1458, when Flemish polisher Lodewyk van Bercken—the inventor of the polishing wheel (scaif)—cut the first pear-shaped diamond. This invention also marked the start of symmetrical, faceted diamonds as we know them today.

🧾 Timeline Highlights:

• 1450s: First pear diamonds appear in European royal collections
• 18th–19th century: Pears become popular for earrings and pendants
• 20th century–today: Modern cutting techniques refine sparkle and symmetry, with increasing use in engagement rings

🕊️ It’s one of the oldest cuts still in use—and one of the most elegant.

🎯 Why Choose a Pear-Shaped Diamond?

• 💫 Brilliant sparkle – uses a brilliant-cut facet pattern for fire and shine
• 🤲 Slenderising shape – elongates the finger beautifully
• 🎨 Unique look – bold and graceful at once
• 💍 Versatile in orientation – can be worn pointing up, down, or even sideways (east-west)
• 💶 Smart value – appears larger per carat than rounds due to its elongated shape

🌟 Celebrities with Pear-Shaped Diamonds

Many stars and royals have been captivated by the elegance of the pear shape:

• 💍 Victoria Beckham – one of her many engagement rings features a stunning pear solitaire
• 💍 Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) – sleek, minimalist pear diamond ring
• 💍 Ariana Grande – oval and pear-shaped diamonds worn as combo
• 💍 Elizabeth Taylor – gifted a 69.42ct pear-shaped diamond by Richard Burton, famously worn as a necklace

🌟 Dramatic yet feminine, the pear is a shape for icons.

💠 Pear Cut in Ring Designs

💡 The pointed end creates natural direction—wear it pointing up for empowerment, or down for softness.

📐 The Bow-Tie Effect & Shape Balance

Like ovals and marquises, pear diamonds may show a bow-tie shadow—a dark shape across the centre caused by light leakage. A well-cut pear minimises this and maintains even sparkle from base to tip.

✏️ What to Look For in Proportions:

• Length-to-width ratio:
  • 1.45–1.75 is the classic range (longer = more slender)
• Symmetry:
  • Should have even shoulders, a well-centred tip, and a rounded base

⚠️ Avoid overly wide or short pears—they can appear stubby or unbalanced.

🧠 Buying Tips & Considerations

• Cut: No GIA cut grade—judge by proportions and light performance
• Clarity: Eye-visible inclusions are more noticeable near the point, so opt for VS2 or better
• Colour: Pears show more colour at the tip—G–H is ideal for white gold/platinum, I–J fine for yellow or rose gold
• Protection: The point is vulnerable—look for settings that shield it with prongs or bezels

📊 Pear vs Other Diamond Shapes

💬 FAQs – Pear-Shaped Diamonds

✅ Pros & Cons of Pear-Shaped Diamonds

✅ Pros:

• Unique, elegant shape with brilliant sparkle
• Elongates the finger beautifully
• Appears larger per carat
• Ideal for solitaires, halos, and statement pieces
• Flexible in orientation and design

⚠️ Cons:

• Point can chip if unprotected
• Bow-tie effect possible in poorly cut stones
• Asymmetry is more noticeable—requires close inspection

Mitigation Tip: Request high-res images or videos and inspect shape symmetry, especially the curve and tip alignment.

🏁 Final Thought: Bold Grace with Sparkle to Match

The pear-shaped diamond is perfect for the bride-to-be or buyer who values originality, femininity, and graceful strength. It’s romantic without being too traditional, elegant without being too soft—a teardrop of timeless beauty.

Martin Commins

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