Considered a “fancy shape”, a pear shape diamond is known for its high sparkle and vintage look. Originated by a Polish gemstone polisher in the 1400s, the pear-shaped diamond, also known as a teardrop shape, uses facet placement to maximize shine and brilliance. The pear cut has grown in popularity since the Renaissance period and today is a popular choice among A-listers like Cardi B, Sophie Turner and Victoria Beckham, to name a few. If you want a unique piece that you don’t see every day, a pear-shaped engagement ring might be just what you’re looking for. 

Just like all fancy shapes, GIA doesn’t assign a cut grade to pear-shaped diamonds. Consulting with a diamond expert will help you examine your diamond for qualities like depth, table and the rest of the 4 Cs (clarity, color and carat). A few features specific to pear-shaped diamonds that you should consider include: 

Symmetry

More than any other fancy shape, symmetry is an important characteristic of a pear-shaped diamond. Imagine drawing a line lengthwise down the middle of the diamond—both sides should look identical.

Length to Width Ratio

The best length to width ratio is usually between 1.45 to 1.75 but is ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Shape

A true pear-shaped diamond should have a semicircular end that continues into evenly rounded edges that taper into a point at the other end. Smaller stones with edges that are too straight can end up looking more triangular than pear-shaped.

Bow Tie Effect

Like all elongated shapes, pear-shaped diamonds have a bowtie effect which is a dark shadow in the center on the stone. Avoid dark bowties as it will take away from the overall brilliance of the stone.

 A blend of the best features of a round cut and a marquise cut, a pear-shaped diamond is said to represent an emotional bond or connection. The romantic, feminine curves balance out the bold point, making a pear-shaped engagement ring a popular choice for brides who value both individuality and timelessness.

Due to their elongated shape, pear-shaped diamonds also tend to appear larger than a round or princess cut diamond of the same carat weight. Since the cut is tricky to perfect, a quality cut pear-shaped diamond is also harder to come by than more popular cuts.