Thinking about a pear shaped diamond engagement ring? You’re thinking about one of the most beautiful cuts of diamond ever invented, dating clear back to the 1400's! The pear cut diamond is an elegant, unique shape that remains an incredible choice for fashion-forward brides. But before you go buying any old pear cut diamond, you need to know these 6 simple facts that will help you choose the absolute best diamond for you, your ring, and your budget!
1. Symmetry
The absolute most important element of a pear shaped diamond is its symmetry. If a pear diamond’s symmetry is off, the stone will look out of shape. In order to understand a pear diamond’s symmetry, let’s first learn it’s anatomy.
A pear cut diamond is considered a "fancy" cut diamond, and takes the best characteristics from a traditional round diamond and a modern marquise. The head of the diamond should be in the shape of a semi-circle, not bulging or squared. If the head and shoulders of the diamond are too big, it could be hiding some expensive carat weight that you can't see from the top of the stone.
The wings of a pear cut diamond should be slightly rounded to form a beautiful arch meeting at the point. If the wings are too flat, it can make the diamond seem sharp and pointy. If the wings are too round, it will make the diamond look squat.
If you don't want to spend all that time inspecting the diamond for perfect symmetry, you can always ensure you choose a stone that is graded "excellent" for symmetry on it's grading report.
2. Ratio
While most pear cut diamond on the market have a ratio between 1.4 and 1.8, the ideal pear shaped ratio is totally up to you! A lower ratio like 1.4 will make your diamond appear shorter and rounder, while a higher ratio will give you a sharper, skinnier looking stone. Right around 1.5-1.6 will give you the most classic looking pear diamond shape; a super flattering shape on the finger.
In addition to the ratio of the diamond, you'll want to pay close attention to cut of the head and shoulders. If the facets at the bottom of the diamond are cut poorly, a dark and noticeable bowtie will appear. While all pear cut diamonds have bowties, not all bowties are super noticeable. Look at a pear cut diamond from all angles to determine if it lets a proper amount of light back out, and has a minimal bowtie when you look at it.
3. Color
Pear cut diamonds show their color more than a traditional round brilliant diamond. For this reason, you'll want to opt for a colorless (DEF) or near colorless (GH) pear cut diamond to ensure no noticeable yellow hue. Some pear cut diamonds will also have more concentrated color near the point, so be sure to inspect your diamond for even color throughout the stone.
4. Clarity
A sparkly, well cut pear shaped diamond will give off an incredible brilliance and fire! These stunning reflections can hide inclusions well, which means you can opt for a lower clarity grade in favor of a bigger diamond. (Which is what we all really want, right?) Always work with a diamond expert to choose a diamond that has no inclusions to the naked eye, or a diamond with inclusions that can be covered by prongs or a bezel. Note that black inclusion are much easier to see with the naked eye than a white inclusion like a feather.
Stick with a pear shaped diamond that is graded SI1 or better for a brilliant look. With the invention of lab grown diamonds making a pear shapes even more affordable, you may even go with a higher clarity grade like VVS1, and come away with a truly jaw-dropping stone.
6. Price
5. Safe Setting
When you find the pear shaped diamond that you love, you'll want to make sure it's properly set to prevent chipping. The point of a pear cut diamond is very vulnerable, and while diamonds are the hardest gemstone on earth, they can easily be chipped if they're hit at just the right angle. To protect your pear cut diamond, always make sure a V-shaped or regular prong sits on the point to protect your stone.