Deciding on the best shape or cut of diamond to buy for a diamond engagement ring is a decision that’s not taken lightly. At the end of the day though, it all comes down to personal choice – as each shape offers unique beauty, brilliance, and points of difference. Having said this, though, there are certain things to look for and be aware of when choosing the right diamond for you.
Pear-shaped diamonds, also known as teardrops, are one of the more popular shapes for engagement rings. This is because of their unique look, which is born from being a hybrid between the marquise cut and the round brilliant diamond.
We’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know about pear-shaped diamonds so you can decide whether it's the right diamond shape for you.
What is a pear-shaped diamond?
A pear-shaped diamond is named from its shape. When looking at it from above, it resembles a pear or a teardrop. On the wider, round end of the pear-shaped diamond, it’s cut like a round brilliant diamond. On its narrow, pointed end, it's cut like a marquise diamond.
A pear-shaped diamond is a unique engagement ring choice, and its shape can symbolise tears of joy, which is fitting for important events such as getting engaged. Some choose this shape simply for its elegant and modern aesthetic – pear shaped diamonds look stunning, and might be a personal favourite.
Things to consider when choosing a pear-shaped diamond ring
One of the main pros of a pear-shaped diamond is that the elongated shape of the cut can make it look ‘bigger’ than a round diamond. However, pear-shaped diamonds don’t just look larger – they are 8% larger on their top surface. Their elongated shape can also make the wearer’s fingers appear longer and slimmer – which can appeal to many as a bonus.
Another positive is that pear-shaped diamonds can on average, cost than classic round diamonds with the same carat weight. This is because the pear-shape produces less waste when cut from a raw diamond, and have slightly less popularity in the mainstream market.
Pear-shaped diamonds are also more versatile and can suit a vintage, modern, or classical look. There’s no right or wrong way of wearing a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring – you can wear it tapered side up or down. It’s completely up to your personal preference!
Be careful though – because of the tapered tip’s angle, it can be quite fragile and prone to chipping. However, if it’s set properly, the claws in the ring setting should prevent any damage.
What to look for when buying a pear-shaped diamond ring
Once you’ve decided to look for the perfect pear-shaped diamond ring, there are some considerations to take into account. One of the most important characteristics when choosing your diamond is the cut, which is often referred to as the make. This relates to how perfectly the diamond has been cut and polished, and also its symmetry.
All diamonds will sparkle, but some are more brilliant and livelier than others; this comes down to how they’ve been cut and therefore how they interact with light. Cutting is what gives a diamond its fire, brilliance, and life.
Finding a well-cut pear-shaped diamond can be difficult. This means you have to carefully examine the sparkle and shape to find a well-cut stone. Judging the cut quality in a pear-shaped diamond can be especially difficult without professional help, so we recommend the guidance of an expert to help make sure the pear-shaped diamonds you choose from are beautifully cut and display accurate symmetry, with a truly magnificent-looking result for your diamond engagement ring.
Symmetry plays an important part in a pear-shaped diamond’s cut. When viewing a pear-shaped diamond from above, imagine a vertical line cutting through the centre of its rounded end. Looking at either side of the line, the diamond should perfectly mirror itself. If there’s a lack of symmetry, it’s immediately noticeable and the diamond will look skewed or faulty.
When pear-shaped diamonds are cut, there will always be a shadowy area around the centre of the diamond. These are often referred to as the ‘bowties’. The bowtie effect happens in areas where light can’t bounce back into the stone and refract, so it leaves a dark shadow, which impacts slightly on the diamond's performance and brilliance.
Depending on how the pear-shaped diamonds are cut, some will display a stronger bowtie than others. You can’t avoid the bowtie effect, so the key is to choose a pear-shaped diamond that has a subtle bowtie instead of a dominant one.
Another key characteristic to consider is the ratio of the diamond. When shopping for a pear-shaped diamond, you’ll notice that some are longer and narrower, while others are wider. Longer diamonds appear larger and have a slimming effect on the finger. Classic pear-shaped diamonds will have a ratio of 1.50 to 1.75. Any number higher than this will look long and slim, while anything with a lower ratio will look wider.
There’s no right or wrong length-to-width ratio for a pear-shaped diamond. It all comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for something more classic, go for a ratio of 1.50 to 1.75. If you’re looking for something unique, consider a diamond with a more atypical ratio.
As diamond specialists, Fifth Avenue can help you choose and set your ideal pear-shaped diamond.
Get a Custom made pear shaped diamond ring
When selecting the perfect diamond for you, Fifth Avenue Diamond Experts take all these factors into account to ensure you get the best diamond possible that fits your brief and price range. And, if you’re looking for something a bit more personal and unique, consider getting a custom-made pear-shaped diamond engagement ring.
The process is much simpler than you might think; we work with you to design and create a beautifully hand-crafted ring that meets your specifications and budget. We sit down with you and listen to your thoughts and ideas, then turn them into a sketched design, which we refine with you. Finally, we then beautifully hand-craft your dream ring to give you something you’ll love and cherish for many years.
Visit our specialists at Fifth Avenue Diamond Experts in Takapuna. Have a chat with us, view our diamonds, and ask any questions you may have about purchasing a pear-shaped diamond ring.