Pear Shaped Diamonds: Learn about the Distinct Tear Shaped Diamond

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Pear shaped diamonds are among the more interesting diamond shapes in the gemstone and gemstone jewellery world. Not finding itself among the top or better-known diamond shapes, and containing stylistic elements which converge on other interesting diamond shapes, the pear shape or tear-shaped diamond is an interesting entrant for new diamond jewellery buyers to consider.

In this Education page we will look at the pear-shaped diamonds, learn about what makes them different, and the interesting features which sets them apart from the rest.

What is a Pear Shaped or Tear Shape Diamond?

Pear-shaped diamonds are a particular shaping of a cut or faceted diamond, that resembles a pear or tear depending on how you want to see it. Also known as the ‘teardrop’ or ‘pendeloque’ cut, the pear-shaped diamond is one of the more interesting diamond types.

One way to explain what a pear-shaped diamond is by contrasting it with other similar and more popular variants upon which it is based on. The most notable being the round cut (shape) diamond. As the name implies is round and does not feature any type of elongation, and is notable for its high brilliance and high price.

Pear shaped diamonds contain the core of the round diamond but unlike them, they feature an elongation, which shapes nicely with a rounded head, a pointed tip on the other side, and with a shapely curving shoulder. This shape is somewhat akin to the better recognised oval-shaped diamond but different in its own right.

If the reader is wondering if the pear-shaped diamond is some obscure diamond shape, consider that the engagement ring of Elizabeth Taylor, given by Richard Burton featured such a stone. So buyers can rest assured that this diamond shape is a one-off. And it is considered a diamond shape that bridges something traditional with the modern.

Now it is worth noting that not all pear shaped diamonds look the same. Besides basis differences in terms of carat, they also differ with respect to the width of the stone: with some pear or tear-shaped diamonds featuring a lower length-to-width ratio, making the diamond look less slim. So it is up to you on the type of pear-shaped diamond you would prefer.

Strengths of Pear Shaped Diamonds for Engagement Rings

The first main advantage when opting for pear-shaped diamonds is the of course shape. The pear shape is not among the most widely used diamond shapes. Hence those who opt for it will stand out with respect to their choice of diamonds in a stylish engagement ring. With a decent diamond that scores well in the 4Cs, will stand out strongly.

One of the main strengths of the pear-shaped diamonds is that it builds from the core design philosophy of the round cut. Which is known for its top brilliance and great light reflectivity. The pear shaped diamond takes the essential features of the round brilliant cut and modifies it in important ways. It contains much of the high brilliance of the round cut but makes small sacrifices in favour of a more liberal design for its elongated shape, and it is that much more affordable.

A stylistic option is that the pear shape diamond opens the door to the freedom to wear it in two main ways. Depending on your preferences (and the freedom for customisation provided by your jewellery company) the pear shape can be worn straight, like a tear shape, or upside down, with the more rounded side facing up. This adds an interesting option for those who wish to push their diamond engagement ring design more towards the uncanny side.

The Development of Pear Shaped Diamonds

The exact origins of Pear-shaped diamonds are difficult to pinpoint, however, records trace it back to the middle of the 15th century, when polisher and cutter named Lodewyk van Berquem, who was from what is present-day Belgium is accredited for its development along with pioneering important diamond cutting instruments. Whilst the art of diamond and gem cutting was still very much in its early stages, the Pear-shape diamonds were soon recognised as a distinct style but did gain the type of recognition they did when they first came on the market.

One of the concerns was that in shaping the stone into the pear shape they were relatively higher losses in terms of the rough stone. An element that diamond buyers then, like today were not willing to sacrifice. Things started to change of course with the development of modern precision cutting methods, which ensured less wastage in producing the desired pear or tear-shaped cut.

However, the point remains that given its similarity to the round cut, which sacrifices a larger percentage of the rough stone to produce the high brilliance that the pear shape, does so as well. However to a less extent as we shall see.

When identifying the character of pear-shaped diamonds there is a tendency to compare it to marquise-cut diamonds. This is understandable since pear or tear-shaped diamonds contain design elements that are comparable to marquise cuts. However, what is interesting is that the marquise cut or shape is a latter entry. That entered popular to use sometime during the 18th century. However, for comparison's sake, there are interesting points of similarity

The most notable being the endpoints. Whilst the pear shape features a more round shape on the side, the marquise cut features a sharper edge, the pear shape has a more soothing look.

Factors to Consider when Buying Pear Shaped Diamonds

The first point to consider is that pear shaped diamonds is not for everyone. The diamond jewellery for top engagement ring designs tends to be dominated by the popular round brilliant, princess, and the cushion cut. The pear shape, along with marquise and to some extent the oval cut tends to be a less popular option. But this does not mean that pear-shaped diamonds and other, what are considered as fancy diamond shapes are not worth your consideration.

When opting for pear-shaped diamonds the most important question to ask yourself is: Is this particular diamond shape for me? If you are planning to opt for this diamond shape for your engagement ring, recognise that you must pick the band style carefully. One that can not only accommodate the specific diamond shape but also provide adequate coverage if needed. As noted, the pointed top of a pear or tear-shaped gemstone whilst a nicety also leaves it vulnerable to chips or even breaks. Thus picking the right ring setting for the pear shape gemstone, particularly if you are planning to wear your ring more often than not, is important.

When picking a pear-shaped diamond, and this is true even for marquise-shaped diamonds as well, is the overall symmetry of the stone is vital to consider. You see, unlike in conventional gemstone styles, where the shape is rather straightforward in terms of cutting when it comes to pear-shaped diamonds greater attention needs to be paid to the proportions, notably the length-to-width ratio: as these numbers when done correctly produce a discernable pear shape. But this is not always the case. And pear or tear-shaped diamond buyers need to pay attention to this.

Another consideration, which is relatively less of a concern in this diamond shape (unlike in emerald cuts), is the bow tie effect. Which is a function of poor faceting, occurring due to misalignment, which in turn produces a dark shadow-like effect. This needs to be minimised as it undermines the inner clarity of the diamond. The bow tie effect in pear-shaped diamonds becomes problematic if it is present in the centre. This is best avoided.