What are Pear Cut Diamonds?

The pear cut diamond combines the brilliance of a round with an elongated teardrop shape for a romantic, delicate look. One of the most versatile fancy shapes, the pear cut works beautifully as solitaires or accents stones. This guide covers everything about pear diamonds - history, cutting, settings, grading factors, and FAQs.

History of Pear Cut Diamonds

Pear diamonds are relatively new, created in the 1400s as an early version of the modern pear brilliant cut. The earliest pear cuts had irregular outlines and minimal faceting.

By the 1700s, early diamond cutters in Venice perfected the symmetrical teardrop shape. The pear shape saw resurgence in the late 20th century. Improved cutting techniques enabled pear diamonds with optimal light performance.

Pear Cut Proportions

Pear diamonds have 58 facets and brilliant-cut crowns coupled with tapering pointed pavilions.

Ideal specifications:

• Teardrop outline
• 58 facets
• Round brilliant crown
• Pointed pavilion
• Length to width ratio of 1.50-1.75
• Ideal depth of 57% - 62%
• Slim, delicate girdle line

Proper crown height, pavilion depth, and table width are required to exhibit ideal pear cut fire and brilliance. This requires great precision given the asymmetrical shape.

When expertly cut, pear diamonds deliver entrancing light return through the table and exhibit a soft, dreamy “bow tie” effect accented by flashes of color. The tapered point creates allure and uniqueness.

Pear Diamond Quality Grading

Like other diamond shapes, pear cut diamonds are graded using the 4Cs criteria:

• Cut - Length-to-width ratio and faceting angles greatly impact sparkle. Select Excellent or Very Good cut grade pears.
• Clarity - Pears hide inclusions well. Eye-clean SI1 - VS2 clarity offers best value.
• Color - G-J pears face up bright white and maximize savings.
• Carat - 0.75 to 1.50 carats optimizes the elongated shape.

The pear cut’s tapered point contains the lowest diamond material weight. Optimize carat weight by choosing pears slightly under common size thresholds like 0.50 or 1.00 carat.

Best Settings for Pear Shaped Diamonds

Pear shaped diamonds pair elegantly with flowing curves or delicate lines:

• Solitaire - Exquisite in four-prong, halo or tension settings.
• Side stones - Complemented by rounds, marquises or trillion cuts.
• Three stone - Stunning as center with two smaller sides.
• Pendant - Make a glamorous inverted pear pendant.

The versatile pear readily enhances vintage, modern, or romantic ring styles.

Pear Shaped Diamond Prices

Price ranges for 1 carat pear diamonds:

• D color, VVS2 clarity, Excellent cut - $7,500
• G color, VS2 clarity, Very Good cut - $4,200
• J color, SI1 clarity, Good cut - $2,900

The pear shape offers reasonable savings compared to a similarly sized round, especially in near colorless quality grades.

Pear Cut Diamond FAQs

How does pear cut brilliance compare to princess or cushion?

With proper proportions, pear cut diamonds approach princess and cushion brilliance. The tapered point balances sparkle with elegance.

Should I choose pear or marquise?

Pear has a softer teardrop look, while marquise is more bold and sharp. Pick pear for versatility or marquise for high drama.

Do pear diamonds show color?

The rounded end can show hints of warmth. Stay with G-J color grades to maximize value while still appearing bright white.

Does a pear cut hide inclusions well?

Yes, its brilliance and tapered point mask inclusions efficiently. An eye-clean SI1 or VS2 grade optimizes sparkle and affordability.

Can a pear diamond ever have a bow tie?

Yes, properly cut pear diamonds exhibit an attractive soft glow bow tie effect accented by rainbow sparkle at the point.

With its radiant brilliance and elegant tapered shape, the pear cut injects beauty, versatility and symbolism into engagement rings, pendants and earrings. It brilliantly combines the geometry of a round with a distinctive teardrop shape.