Pear Cut Diamond: A Buying Guide

Short answer: The pear cut is a teardrop-shaped diamond with one rounded end and one pointed end. It combines the sparkle of the round cut with the long, graceful line of the marquise; it looks bigger than a round stone at the same carat and makes the finger look slim. When choosing one, look at the length-to-width ratio (about 1.45–1.75), the bow-tie shadow, the symmetry of the two shoulders, and that the point is protected by a “V” prong.

How is a pear cut worn?

In a ring, a pear-cut stone is usually worn with its point facing the fingertip. This direction lengthens the finger and gives the classic look. It can also be worn the other way round, which gives a more unusual look. On a necklace the point faces down, and the teardrop creates a natural focus at the centre of the neck. Pear necklace.

Why the pear cut?

• It looks big: a 1-carat pear cut is about 8–8.5 × 5.5 mm; it looks clearly bigger than a round stone of the same carat.
• It slims the finger: its long form and point make the finger look long and graceful.
• Graceful and different: a shape with character, popular but never ordinary.
• Versatile: it looks just as beautiful in a solitaire, a halo, a necklace or earrings.

What to check when choosing a pear stone

Length-to-width ratio

In a classic pear cut the ratio is about 1.45–1.75. Shorter ratios look full and close to round; longer ratios look slim and elegant. It is chosen by taste; the most balanced look is usually around 1.50–1.65.

The bow-tie effect

In elongated shapes, a dark bow-tie shadow can form across the centre of the stone. In a well-cut stone it is faint and pleasant; a strong, dark bow-tie makes the stone look dull. It is not written on the report; in well-cut stones with balanced proportions it stays faint. What is the bow-tie effect?

Symmetry and shoulders

The curves on either side of the stone (the shoulders) should match, and the point should sit exactly in the centre. Even a slight curve shows at once in a teardrop. It also matters that the rounded end is neither too flat nor too pointed.

Protecting the point

The point is the most sensitive part to knocks. In a good setting it is wrapped by a “V”-shaped prong, and the rounded side is held by two prongs. Pear solitaire design.

Colour and clarity

Because the pear is a brilliant-style cut, it hides small marks well; VS2 and eye-clean SI1 offer good value. Colour can show a little more at the point; in white gold, G–H colour is a safe range. In yellow and rose gold, H colour also looks white. The 4C balance.

Pear-cut designs

• Pear solitaire: A simple, slim band that brings out the stone’s form.
• Pear halo: Small diamonds around the teardrop make the stone look bigger. What is a halo?
• Drop earrings: Pear stones swinging from the ear. Drop earring design.

You can see a pear stone on a hand at true scale in our ring designer.

Frequently asked questions