Elegant, unique, and timeless: pear cut diamonds are a beautiful choice for an engagement ring, a pendant, or any other diamond jewelry. But buying one requires a careful eye. Diamond cuts aside from the round brilliant cut are called “fancy diamond shapes,” and shopping for them is a bit different than shopping for those ever-popular brilliant rounds. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for and what to avoid, as well as how to choose the best pear-cut diamond for your budget.

1. What is a Pear-Cut Diamond?

Pear-cut diamonds are also known as teardrop diamonds. They combine the brilliance of a round diamond with the elongated elegance of a marquise, pointed on one end and rounded on the other. This flattering shape originated in the 1400s as diamond cutting techniques became more advanced, but they have generated renewed interest in recent years as people are increasingly drawn to elongated diamond shapes.   

2. Key Factors to Consider When Shopping

1. Cut Quality: Pear diamonds are considered a modified brilliant cut. Unlike round brilliant diamonds, modified brilliant cuts and fancy diamond shapes do not have standardized cut grading. Even without standardized grading, you can still judge a pear diamond effectively by looking at a few qualities:
   1. Symmetry: The pointed tip and the rounded end should align properly. The sides should slope in a smooth and even manner.
   2. The Bow-Tie Effect: Due to their dimensions and cut needs, all elongated brilliant cuts have something called the bow-tie effect, which is a dark, bow-tie shaped shadow in the center. However, in a well cut diamond, this effect should be barely–if at all–noticeable.
2. Length-to-Width Ratio: The standard ratio for a pear cut diamond is 1.45-1.75. Slimmer ratios (1.6-1.75) offer an elegant, dramatic, slim look. Shorter ratios (1.45-1.55) offer the more classic teardrop shape.
3. Clarity: Pear cut diamonds hide inclusions better near the rounded end, but show them more near the thin, pointed end. Try to choose eye-clean stones. Stones with visible inclusions will not be as brilliant (sparkly) as eye-clean diamonds.
4. Color Grading: Pear cuts show color more than round diamonds do, especially at their narrow tip. Color grades D-F will look white under almost all lighting, while color grades G-I may show a little warmth, but this can be offset by a platinum or white gold setting. Color grades J-K have a bit more warmth, but this can look nice in a yellow gold or rose gold setting.
5. Carat Weight: Due to their higher surface area and elongated shape, pear cuts look larger per carat than round diamonds. They also cost less per carat than round brilliants. If you want a bigger diamond for your buck, you may want to consider a pear cut!

3. Setting Styles and Practical Tips

1. Protecting the Diamond’s Pointed Tip: The thin tip of a pear cut diamond is beautiful, but very vulnerable. It’s much easier to snag or chip than the round edge of the diamond. Protect the tip of the stone with a v-prong (a setting where one prong protects the point, while two prongs hold the bottom of the stone in place) or bezel setting.
2. Popular Ring Settings for Pear Diamonds
   Solitaire: These timeless settings let your diamond steal the spotlight.
   Halo: Accent diamonds add brilliance and enhance perceived size.
   East-West: The diamond is set horizontally for a bold, modern look.
   Three-Stone: Typically flanked by round cuts, trillion cuts, or smaller pear cuts set east-west. 
3. Which Way Should A Pear Cut Diamond Face?
   Pear cut diamonds are typically worn with the point facing up toward the fingertip, but it all boils down to personal preference. Some prefer the point facing down toward the knuckle. Wearing it with the point toward the fingertip helps flatter and elongate the finger, but wearing it with the point down can make a trendy statement.

4. Choosing the Right Jeweler

Because pear cut diamonds are complex, you only want to shop for a pear diamond with trusted, experienced jewelers. Look for jewelers who are certified through the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society), which hold jewelers to strict educational, professional, and ethical standards. Good jewelers will happily answer all your questions, show you the diamonds under different lighting and magnification, and share the diamonds’ specifications. 

If you’re lucky enough to live in Savannah, Georgia, we hope you’ll come visit us at Levy Jewelers to start your diamond buying journey! We’ve been a local, family-owned business for over 100 years, and our jewelry experts are certified, passionate professionals.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

So far, we’ve offered suggestions on what to look for when shopping for a pear cut diamond. Now, here’s what you should not do when shopping for a pear cut diamond:

• Don’t buy a pear cut diamond without seeing it in person.
• Don’t ignore the bow-tie effect.
• Don’t choose a setting without proper protection for the diamond’s pointed tip.
• Don’t judge quality by carat weight alone–consider the color, clarity, brilliance, shape, and proportions.

 

Discover Pear Cut Diamonds at Levy Jewelers in Savannah, Georgia

Pear cut diamonds are distinctive, romantic, and elegant. With the right cut, color, clarity, and proportions, they offer incredible beauty and great value. It’s always wise to prepare yourself with the facts before shopping for a diamond, and familiarize yourself with the quirks of each cut. While pear cut diamonds have their complexities, a good jewelry will give you the information and support you need to make the shopping process easy and fun. At Levy Jewelers in Savannah, Georgia, we won’t let you get lost along the way. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to helping you find the diamond of your dreams, no matter what shape, style, or budget! Come visit our downtown Savannah store to start exploring our diamond collection today.