Pear cut
What is a Pear Cut Diamond?
Pear cut diamonds are some of the most elegant cuts when it comes to buying diamond. It is a combination of two cuts: half Round cut and the other half, that of a Marquise. By combining these two cuts you get the best of both worlds, if not more. The round bottom ensures that the diamond’s fire and brilliances is brought to light while the top of the Marquise shape diamond gives classy and sophisticated look.
Pear shaped diamonds are brilliant cuts, which means that they are cut to maximise the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond.
A Pear cut is a “fancy” cut. Any cuts other than rounds are known as “fancy cuts”. A Pear cut is also known as a Teardrop Diamonds, although this name isn’t as popular anymore.
Although there are no official meanings connected to the Pear cut, it is said that women who choose a Pear cut are strong and independent women, due to its uncommon and unique shape.
There has also been mention that pear diamond wearers are true romantics, with the teardrop shape implying their strong connection to their emotions. Either way, the pear diamond is unique and a good choice for anyone looking for something different.
A pear-shaped engagement ring is traditionally worn with the tip toward the end of the finger but could be worn either way.
Why buy a Pear Shaped Diamond?
There are many reasons to buy a pear diamond. The first being it’s unique ‘Vintage meets Modern’ look. The elongated shape of the pear diamond is one that complements any woman’s finger. It makes the finger look longer and more elegant, without being overbearing.
Secondly, the ‘Flash for Cash’ factor. Because of the way the pear diamond is cut, it appears larger when compared to a round diamond of the same carat. Making it not only a beautiful diamond but also cost effective.
What to look for when buying a Pear Diamond.
Because of the uniqueness of the pear diamond, there are a few things to consider when deciding which diamond you want to buy.The curved lobe should be symmetrical with no square edges. This looks more beautiful and also increases the amount of light that is reflected to your eyes.
The tip of the diamond should be in line with the base of the round lobe and should not be too broad. Sometimes a cutter will leave the tip broader to retain carat weight at the expense of beauty.
Pear diamonds with a broad tip end up looking more egg shaped instead of teardrop shaped.
Another way of retaining carat weight is to leave ‘square’ corners on the lobe. This leave more weight but again takes away from the beauty and symmetry of the diamond.
The golden ratio
The length/width ratio of a pear diamond should be around 1.5, meaning that the length of the diamond is one and a half times longer than the width. Some people prefer higher ratios for a longer diamond but once the ratio goes above 1.75 it looks too elongated. Similarly, if the ratio falls below 1.4 the diamond starts to look short and fat.
Pricing of Pear Diamonds
Pear diamonds are generally cheaper than round diamonds when compared with the same carat, clarity and colour grading. Carat, clarity and colour all play a very big part in determining the price of a diamond. Although going for a large diamond might seem to be the best idea, clarity and colour must be taken into consideration.
It is better to have a modest size diamond that is eye clean and has a good colour and fire to it, than to have a large diamond with obvious flaws.
FAQs about pear diamonds
Yes, a Pear diamond is a brilliant cut, which means it is cut to maximise sparkle and fire.
Many pear diamonds include a ‘bowtie’ effect. This is a dark spot in the diamond where light isn’t reflected back to the eye. This effect can be minimised by choosing a diamond with the proper ratios.
There are a few choices when it comes to setting the stone.
A solitaire setting places the focus on the diamond itself and elegantly displays the beauty and fire of the diamond without other distractions.
A Halo setting increases the surface area that is viewed and creates an illusion of a larger diamond. This is a good option if you want more ‘flash for cash’
A Pavé setting is similar to a solitaire setting, where the main diamond is on display. However, the pavé setting includes many small diamonds which add to the sparkle of the ring as a whole and not just the diamond. Just as each diamond is unique, every person’s taste in diamond setting differs.
