Innovative Flemish Diamond cutter Lodewyk Van Bercken invented the Scaif in the mid 14th century.
The Scaif, a diamond polishing wheel that revolutionised the craft of diamond cutting and polishing and allowed for new and more intricate shapes.
This new tech led to the creation of the Pear-cut in 1475.
Pear-cuts are very "spready" which makes them appear larger than the majority of their counterparts by about 10 to 20% .
They also cost about 20% less than the Round Brilliant-cut .
(the most expensive shape)
This gives them great value with regards to size.
Pears are reasonable good at hiding pesky inclusions, although the larger the carat weight the lager the centre facets which will allow you to see straight into the stone. meaning the larger the stone the higher the Clarity needed to maintain an "Eye clean" appearance.
Experts prefer Pear-cuts with a ratio of 1.5 or 1.75 this is referring to the length vs width
But here at London rocks you know we are sticklers for the rules and we enjoy stones with character that don't always fit within these tight restrictions, although symmetry is key
Moving away from a good ratio will eventually result in a poor cut and a loss of sparkle, a well cut Pear shape diamond will have symmetrical proportions and excellent facet alignment allowing light to reflect and refract optimally
We believe that shape is a personal preference and sometimes the technical graded attributes can be overlooked for the sake of silhouette.
This must of course be within certain boundaries as the further a stone gets from an Ex, Ex cut grade the less the stone will refract light and the less it will sparkle.
Be sure to pay close attention to the "wings" of a Pear-cut Diamond as this is the main aspect that will change the shape of your stone when faced up.
Flat wings will result in a narrow longer Pear, where as Wings that are to curved will produce a short stubby appearance.
Remember there are two things going on here, shape and cut which are directly related but aren't mutually exclusive, you can step away from the industry standard of 1.5 ratio and still maintain an amazing sparkle. just make sure the cut grade is above Vg, Vg and you should be a in pretty safe territory.
CONS;
Pear-cut diamonds certainly aren't with out their issues, being a more shallow cut than a lot of other shapes, they can exhibit "Bowtie"
The centre portion of the stone where the facets are larger can result in a dark shadow ,although you can still make out a bowtie on a bright well cut stone. the longer and thinner the ratio the more you can expect to see darker shadows.
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COLOUR:
Pear-cuts can hold colour more than say Brilliant-cut or Cushion-cut diamonds. This can mean even though they are more affordable than Brilliant-cuts you may wish to keep a higher colour grade which will push the price upwards .
swings and round about.
CLARITY:
Inclusions can be an issue!
If located in the main body of the stone imperfections can be more visible through the larger facets or table. but if hidden in the point can make the stone weak.
The point of a Pear-cut is the weakest portion of the stone.
Only Pear-cut and Marquise-cut have this kind of point.
We have seen some jewellers creating bad designs and sometimes clients bring pictures of these into the shop. Whether you think the images below look good (which we do) it is irresponsible for any jeweller to sell rings with the point exposed , this is something we will never do!
The tip of a Pear should always be secured by a v claw a Talon claw or a bezel setting. This is not just for the protection of the stone but the protection of you and everyone around you. The tip of a Pear-cut can be extremely sharp and can cut through paper which means it can cut through skin.
WATCH THIS FLUID RING BEING MADE
THE FUN STUFF
When it comes to Design the Pear-cut ranks as a highly versatile shape .
Teetering between soft feminine aesthetics and edgy points , the Pear can adapt to many styles.
SOLITAIRES
Classic Solitaires is simple and elegant placing your diamond centre stage and can be emphasized by a diamond set band. Wed - fit Solitaires can be an issue so be sure to ask. Adding small details like Mill grain edges gives a timeless vintage aesthetic. Solitaires with stones of 2 carats or above can really benefit from wishbone or split bands
HALOS
Halos ring feature a delicate border of diamonds and can also benefit from a split band. These details can add brilliance and drama to already striking Pear-cut
CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR HALO RINGS
3 STONE RINGS
3 stones rings featuring Pear-cut centres can be flanked by anything from Tapered Baguettes to give the 1920s art deco vibe to heart shapes for a really balanced and unique look.
And lets not forget that Pear-cuts are great in other pieces, not always as a hero stone in an engagement ring. They can be side stones for 3 stones or be utilised in really interesting ways to create eternity rings and little tiaras.
The elongated shape lends itself very well to more modern abstract and asymmetric designs to!
WATCH HOW WE MADE THIS AMAZING RING
CLICK HERE FOR TOI ET MOI RINGS
Quirky oriented positions can create abstract designs that really catch the eye and the Teardrop shape is our go to when designing two stone( Toi et Moi) rings for custom clients.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW WE MADE THE BELOW RING
Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned one of the first Toi et Moi ring designs.
CLICK THE LINK TO WATCH THE STORY
The only thing left to consider is whether a Pear-cut diamond should be worn pointing down the finger or up
### The Ultimate Guide to Pear Cut Diamonds: Pros, Cons, and Why They're the Best (or Not!)
So, you’ve fallen down the dazzling rabbit hole of diamond shopping, and now you're staring at the shiny, teardrop-shaped *pear cut diamond* wondering if it's "the one." Are you about to pick the Beyoncé of diamonds, or are you risking a gem that's more like the fidget spinner of engagement rings? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and everything in between to help you make a sparkling, well-informed decision! 💎
### What is a Pear Cut Diamond, Anyway? 💎
The *pear cut diamond*—also known as the *teardrop diamond*—is a stunning combination of the traditional round brilliant and the marquise cut. It has a rounded end that tapers to a sharp point, giving it an elegant, elongated shape that many brides-to-be swoon over. Think vintage glamour meets modern chic.
This shape can work its magic as an engagement ring, a pendant, or even as earrings, and it’s one of the more unique choices in the sea of classic round or princess cut diamonds.
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### The Pros of a Pear Cut Diamond: Why You'll Love It 😍
1. **The Illusion of Size** ✨
If you're into optical illusions (and who isn’t when it comes to making a diamond look bigger?), the pear cut is your friend. Due to its elongated shape, a pear cut diamond can look larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight. So, you can get that “Wow, look at that rock!” effect without having to remortgage your home.
2. **Unique and Glamorous** 💁♀️
While round diamonds are classic, let’s face it—they’re everywhere. If you're looking for something a little more unique, a *pear cut diamond* is a showstopper. It's timeless, yet distinctive, so you’ll stand out from the crowd. Plus, celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Cardi B have flashed pear-shaped sparklers, and if it's good enough for them, well...
3. **Versatile for Different Ring Styles** 💍
Whether you prefer a classic solitaire setting or want to go full-on sparkle with a halo, the *pear-shaped diamond* works beautifully. You can wear the point facing up or down (there's no wrong way, just like eating pizza 🍕), giving you flexibility in how you design your ring.
4. **Flattering for the Hand** 🙌
The elongated shape of the pear cut has a flattering, slimming effect on the finger. Who doesn’t want a little bit of instant finger-slimming magic?
5. **Great for Light Reflection** 🌟
Like a *round brilliant diamond*, the pear cut has facets that make it sparkle like a disco ball at Studio 54. It's got that same light-reflecting power, especially when cut to perfection.
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### The Cons of a Pear Cut Diamond: Things to Consider 😬
1. **The Bowtie Effect** 🎀
Sounds cute, right? But no—this is not the kind of bowtie you want on your diamond. Many *pear cut diamonds* exhibit something called the *bowtie effect*, a dark shadow that appears across the center of the diamond. While a slight bowtie is common in many fancy shapes, a noticeable one can detract from the stone’s beauty. Look for a diamond with a minimal bowtie or have an expert assess it.
2. **Potential for Chipping** 🛑
The pointed end of a pear-shaped diamond is its most vulnerable spot. It’s like the Achilles' heel of diamonds. Without proper protection (read: a secure setting), that point could chip if you accidentally bang your hand on a table or something. Make sure your setting protects the tip, ideally with a prong or bezel.
3. **Requires Expert Cutting** ✂️
The pear cut is one of those shapes where the quality of the cut can vary significantly. An expertly cut pear will have good symmetry and brilliance, but a poorly cut one? It can look lopsided or wonky, and no one wants a wonky diamond, trust me. You’ll need to choose your jeweler carefully to avoid any disasters.
4. **Not Ideal for the Super Picky** 🤔
Pear cut diamonds can be a little finicky. Because of the teardrop shape, you might notice more clarity imperfections or inclusions compared to other cuts. If you’re someone who’s going to scrutinize every angle, you might be better off sticking with a round diamond, where flaws are less visible.
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### Tips for Picking the Perfect Pear Cut Diamond 💡
1. **Check the Symmetry** ⚖️
A well-cut pear-shaped diamond should have perfect symmetry. The curve on both sides should match, and the point should be centered. Think of it like eyeliner wings—they need to be even, or it throws off the whole look!
2. **Mind the Length-to-Width Ratio** 📏
This is a biggie! The ideal ratio for a pear cut diamond is between 1.50 and 1.75. If the diamond is too "fat" or too "skinny," it may look unbalanced. Find the ratio that suits your style and finger length.
3. **Choose a Secure Setting** 🔒
Protect that precious tip! Opt for a setting with a V-shaped prong to safeguard the point of the pear and avoid any unfortunate accidents. You wouldn’t buy a phone without a case, right? Same rules apply here.
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### Pear Cut Diamonds on YouTube: What’s the Buzz? 📽️
If you're like most of us, you've probably fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole of *diamond comparisons* and *engagement ring reviews*. When searching for pear-shaped diamond content, look out for videos highlighting key factors like how to avoid the bowtie effect, the best settings for pear-shaped stones, and what different carat sizes look like on the hand. Check out reviews from reputable channels and jewelers who provide high-res closeups and honest feedback.
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### Conclusion: Is a Pear Cut Diamond Right for You?
*Pear cut diamonds* are like the red lipstick of the jewelry world: bold, timeless, and not for everyone. If you’re looking for something unique, elegant, and with a bit of vintage glam, the pear shape is a stellar choice. But, you’ll need to watch out for those tricky flaws like the bowtie effect and vulnerable tip. With the right cut, setting, and jeweler, you can find a pear cut diamond that truly shines.
Remember, diamonds are forever—so whether you go pear-shaped or not, the key is finding a stone that you’ll love for just as long.
And if you’re still on the fence, don’t worry—you can always pull a Beyoncé and go with *both*. 💍💎
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