Pear-Shaped Engagement Rings: Everything You Need to Know
Pear-shaped diamonds, also called teardrop diamonds, combine the soft curves of a round brilliant with the elongated line of a marquise. The result is one of the most distinctive diamond shapes available. If you're drawn to something that stands out without being flashy, the pear deserves serious consideration.
The appeal of the pear shape
The pear's asymmetry is its defining characteristic and its greatest visual asset. Worn with the point toward the fingernail, the elongated shape creates a lengthening effect that flatters almost every finger type. It also looks significantly larger than a round of equivalent carat weight, because the silhouette covers more surface area.
Pear-shaped diamonds carry a certain vintage romance while still feeling modern. They've become increasingly popular in Australia over the past few years, appearing in everything from simple solitaire settings to more intricate pavé bands.
What to look for in a pear diamond
The ideal length-to-width ratio is generally considered to be 1.45:1 to 1.75:1, though personal preference matters most. A longer, narrower pear looks more elegant. A shorter, wider pear looks rounder and softer. Neither is wrong.
Like oval cuts, pear diamonds can show a bow-tie effect, a dark shadow across the centre. This varies significantly between stones and is best assessed visually. The tip should also be well-defined and symmetrical.
Setting styles for pear diamonds
The tip of a pear diamond is a potential vulnerability. It's the thinnest point of the stone and can chip if struck hard. For that reason many pear rings use a V-prong or bezel at the tip to protect it. A V-prong is the most common and effective solution, protecting the point while letting light in around the stone.
Pear diamonds look striking in solitaire settings on slim, delicate bands, where the simplicity lets the shape take centre stage. They also work well with a pavé or diamond-set band.
Pear diamond pricing
Pear-shaped diamonds are typically priced between round brilliants and some other fancy shapes. Because they're cut from a different section of the rough than round brilliants, waste during cutting is slightly lower, which can translate to slightly better value at the same carat weight.
Explore our pear-shaped engagement rings, set in solid 18K gold or platinum and handcrafted to order. Centre stones of one carat and up are IGI certified.
Pear-Cut Rings at Una Diamond
Ready to explore pear-cut diamonds? Here's where to start:
- The Nova, a toi et moi featuring a pear-cut and emerald-cut lab-grown diamond
- The Georgina, for something similar in oval cut
- Browse pear-cut rings