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 elegance of a marquise. The result is one of the most distinctive and romantic 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. When 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 elongated silhouette covers more surface area of the finger.
Pear-shaped diamonds carry a certain vintage romance while still feeling thoroughly 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 for a pear diamond 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 more round and soft. Neither is wrong — it depends on the aesthetic you're after.
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 point of the diamond (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 this reason, many pear rings use a V-prong or bezel at the tip to protect it. A V-prong setting is the most common and effective solution, providing protection while allowing light to enter around the stone.
Pear diamonds look stunning in solitaire settings on slim, delicate bands — the simplicity of the setting lets the unusual shape take centre stage. They also work beautifully with a pavé or diamond-set band for added sparkle.
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 diamond 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 with IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds in solid 18K gold or platinum, made to order in Australia.
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 →