History
The Pear shape diamond (aka Teardrop) was highly popular during the Renaissance period. Lodewyk (Louis) van Berquem of Brugge of Belgium created the first Pear cut diamond in 1458. He is believed to be the man responsible for creating the 137 carat Floretine Diamond for the Valois Family. Louis van Berquem invented a polishing wheel called a scaif which enabled him to cut facets in a diamond. He also introduced symmetry and the placement of facets on a stone.
A Pear cut diamond is a half Oval and half Marquise. The stone is pointed at one end and rounded on the other. An ideal Pear cut has 58 facets offering a display of brilliance and fire.
Pear Diamond "Cut"
The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance. A poorly cut diamond will have a dull appearance even if it has perfect color and clarity. The cut is considered one of the most important diamond characteristics by gemologists. It is based on factors that determine the light performance, dimensions, and finish of a stone.
The cut should reflect the maximum amount of light to the viewer's eye. For example, if a diamond is cut too shallow light will be lost out of the pavilion (bottom) and the diamond will lose brilliance. If the diamond is cut too deep, the light will escape through the sides and the diamond will appear dark.
Since Pear cut diamonds are designed to maximize brilliance, you need to be sure that you are familiar with the qualities of a good cut. A Pear diamond makes a beautiful engagement ring as a solitaire or set with other stones.
Recommendations
When buying Pear shaped diamonds, there are a few recommendations for getting the best diamond. We recommend a cut rating of Excellent or Very Good.
For budget minded purchasers of Pear cut diamonds, you should follow the minimum Cut rating of Good.
Length to width ratio and shape appeal is something to consider carefully when choosing this cut. Pears also suffer from the "bow-tie" effect, which is a dark area across the center of an elongated cut. This is visible in all Pear cut diamonds and should be faint and not dark.
Suggested Guidelines for Pear Cut Diamonds
Cut |
Excellent |
Very Good |
Good |
Color |
D, E, F |
G, H |
I, J |
Clarity |
IF, F, VVS1, VVS2 |
VS1, VS2 |
SI1, SI2 |
Depth % |
56.0% - 65.0% |
55.0% - 55.9% or 65.1% - 67.5% |
54.0% - 54.9% or 67.6% - 70.0% |
Table % |
53.0% - 57.9% |
58.0% - 61.0% |
61.1% - 62.5% |
Girdle |
Medium |
Thin to Thick |
Very Thin to Very Thick |
Ratio |
1.55 - 1.65:1.00 |
1.45 - 1.54 or 1.66 - 1.70:1.00 |
1.35 - 1.44 or 1.71 - 1.75:1.00 |