A teardrop cut diamond, which is also commonly referred to as a pear shape, is a classic look when done right. Pointed on one end and rounded on the other, a nice pear shape can have an unparalleled shine. It’s just a matter of picking the right cut and setting, which we’ll help you with at Kanjimull.
What is a Pear Shaped Diamond?
A pear shaped diamond, also commonly called pear cut diamond or tear-drop diamond, is a brilliant-cut diamond, cut in the shape of a pear or tear drop (hence the name).
Pear cut or pear shaped diamonds have an elongated shape, much like a marquise or oval cut. In a pear cut diamond, one end is rounded (like an oval cut), and the other ends in a point (like a marquise diamond).
A pear shaped diamond can vary in its exact shape. Some pear shapes are more elongated, while others are shorter and stubbier. The length to width ratio of a pear shaped diamond generally falls between 1.5 and 2.0. The optimal ratio is usually somewhere between 1.55 and 1.75.
Pear Shape Diamond Color
Pear Shapes are among the diamond shapes that show color the strongest. Therefore, it is best to stick with H color or higher to ensure that your stone will look white. This of course only applies if you’re setting the stone in white gold or platinum. If you’re setting it in yellow gold or rose gold, feel free to drop down to J or K and save the money or buy a larger stone.
Pear Shape Diamond Clarity
Stick to SI2 clarity or SI1 clarity for the best value. Pear Shapes, like round brilliant diamonds, are great at concealing inclusions. At the rounded end of the stone, they work as well as a round stone.
At the pointed edge, it’s even stronger at hiding inclusions making it almost impossible to see any imperfections.
Pear Shape Diamond Cut
- Depth: Under 68%
- Polish/Symmetry: Good, Very Good, or Excellent
- Length/Width Ratio: Usually between 1.55 and 1.75 is considered ideal
As with cushion cuts, the suggested parameters are not particularly strict.
Length to Width Ratio
Most people find that they prefer pear shapes with a length to width ratio of about 1.55 to about 1.75.
As you can see above, both of these ratios look natural for the shape whereas the stone that has a 2.0 L/W ratio looks odd. Lets take a look at some real life examples:
As you can see in the picture above, a L/W ratio of 1.47 already looks way to short and stubby for a pear shape. This stone looks like a slightly stretched out round shape – not what you’d like to see in a pear.
In the picture above, you can see the opposite extreme. This stone has a L/W ratio of 1.89 which is way too long for a pear shape.
Straight vs. Curvy Pear Shapes
How the diamond is shaped, strictly in 2-dimensional terms, is really one of the most important aspects to a pear shape. This is the case particularly with pear shapes, over and above all other shapes.
Only the pear shape has this unique asymmetrical shape with a different top and bottom. So how the stone makes its way from the round end to the point is what this shape is all about.
Flat Back Pear Diamond
The left side of the stone (in this picture below) is supposed to be a perfectly round semicircle. Instead, it’s nearly flat. Furthermore, the sides of the stone should have a bit more curve to them. A close relative to the “triangle” pear shape is the “flat-back” pear shape.
Too Curvy Pear Diamonds
See the picture above. You’ll notice that the sides that come around towards the point do so with too wide of a slope.
Pear Shape Bow Ties
See the diamond above for a classic example of what a bow tie is. The “bow-tie” refers to that pattern that you see in the stone to the left running North to South in the photo running through the center of the stone.
This is yet more reason why it would be a very big mistake to buy a pear shape sight unseen. There is simply no way to tell whether or not your pear shape will show an ugly bow-tie like this simply by looking at the certificate.
Pear Shaped Diamonds Pros and Cons
There are some definite pros and cons about pear shape or teardrop cut diamonds. Take them into account when you’re picking out a diamond.
A Pear-shaped diamond appear bigger and more impressive than some more traditional cuts (such as a round diamond). The shape of a pear cut diamond means a greater surface area of the diamond is visible, compared to a different cut with the same carat weight.
This helps you save more when buying your ring, as you can go for a lower carat weight that maintains a similar or greater visual effect.
There are a couple of downsides to pear shape diamonds. The first is that the pointed tip is easier to damage than a round cut, for example. This makes the diamond prone to chipping, although it should be set to avoid this as much as possible.
It’s also harder to find a high-quality pear shaped cut diamond. It will take a lot of searching to find one with a good cut and ratio
Would you like help finding the right pear cut diamond? Contact us and let us know what your budget is and we’ll send you some personalized recommendations.
