Pear shaped diamonds are not your average diamond shape, but they have a very specific set of characteristics that make them a keystone in the world of fine jewelry.
The most important thing to note about pear shaped diamonds is that they are more oval than round and they can be quite long as well. This makes it an excellent choice for earrings or cufflinks because you can see them from all angles.
pear shaped diamonds are also perfect for those who love vintage styles and antique jewelry.
The following guide will help you understand all there is to know about this special diamond!
- The History Of Pear Shaped Diamonds
- What Are The Characteristics Of A Pear Shaped Diamond?
- The Different Pear Shaped Diamond Ring Settings
- What To Look For When Buying A Pear Shaped Diamond
- What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Pear Shaped Diamond?
- Should You Purchase A Pear Shaped Diamond?
- Where Should You Purchase A Pear Shaped Diamond?
The History Of Pear Shaped Diamonds
The pear-cut diamond has been around for centuries and was first created by Lodewyk van Berquem of Belgium in the early 1400s. This Belgian jeweler not only invented the pear shaped design but also introduced a new system that placed facets on modern diamonds to help maximize their sparkle. Van Berquem experimented with symmetry as well when designing his masterpieces, trying out various combinations until achieving what is now considered one of history’s most iconic cuts!
The pear cut diamond is one of the most exclusive cuts in existence, but it didn’t start that way. The cutting process for a 71 or 58 triangle-shaped faceted stone leaves over half of the rough diamonds lost to create this sought-after and expensive gemstone. This was not popular when first introduced because many people saw no worth in spending so much time on a less than perfect product.
What Are The Characteristics Of A Pear Shaped Diamond?
A pear shaped diamond is typically a three to four-carat stone, with an ideal width of at least 0.70 millimeters and depth greater than or equal to its height. The shape can be problematic because it’s hard to maximize the weight on either end of the diamond for maximum brilliance.
The cut of a pear shaped diamond should be taken into account. The shoulders and wings must be rounded to make the stone look natural, not too narrow or short. This is achieved by making sure that they are gently curved rather than flat so as not to take up any unnecessary space on either side of the gemstone.
The top of the diamond is called a table facet. It’s where you’ll see most of your light reflecting off to create that amazing sparkle or fire we talked about before. A pear shaped stone has more than one table, which will be recessed lower on either side and higher at the center – this allows for even light distribution across all facets.
One thing that separates this type from other shapes is how it doesn’t have an identical silhouette throughout its entire length, with pointy angles like round cut diamonds do. Instead, it has softer rounded curves (that are sometimes referred to as “lazy” curves). They’re also visually interesting because they often reflect different colors depending on what angle they’re coming into contact with light.
The Different Pear Shaped Diamond Ring Settings
There are a variety of settings with pear shaped diamonds. They can be set in the following ways:
Prong Setting
This is the most common type of setting for diamond rings, and it should have six or eight prongs that hold all four corners (two per corner) to keep them secure. These types of settings typically cost more because they require a lot of workmanship, but they’re worth it for the best look.
Bezel Setting
This is similar to a prong setting in that it should have six or eight prongs holding all four corners (two per corner) securely. However, bezels are made with metal and then placed over the diamond.
Channel Setting
This is when the metal on either side of the band has been cut away, leaving a channel for the stone to sit in and then be secured at each corner with prongs or claws. This type of setting can cost less than a prong setting because it’s not as time-consuming to make.
Basket Setting
This type of setting has metal that looks like a basket. The diamond is then set in the middle and each side is secured with prongs or claws. It can cost less than other types because it’s not as time-consuming to make, but more expensive than channel settings if you’re looking for something beautiful.
Pave Setting
This type of setting has diamonds set in a row and they’re called pave, hence the name. They sit on top of each other to create an attractive pattern because they are not as deep-set.
What To Look For When Buying A Pear Shaped Diamond
Now that we have enough understanding of what Pear Shaped diamonds are, let’s see what you should look for before buying yourself or your loved one apiece:
- The size of the diamond. While Pear Shaped Diamonds are larger stones, they can come in smaller sizes that may not cost as much to buy.
- The color and quality of the diamond you want to purchase. Pear Shaped Diamonds come in a range of colors, from fancy shades like blue or green that are rarer, all the way down to common white diamonds.
- Quality-wise it is best if you can have your jeweler grade the stone for clarity before buying anything because once you buy it, the stone is yours.
- Again, clarity should be checked before making any purchases because once it is bought, it is yours.
- If you’re the one who will be wearing this particular stone, you will want to know what the stone is going to feel like on your finger.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Pear Shaped Diamond?
Pros
- The shape is ideal for people with a thinner finger
- It is not too wide and so its size can be adjusted to match the width of a ring
- It has great light return because the curvature of the diamond does not interfere with its reflection and refraction
Cons
- The shape may not be the best for people who like to wear thick rings because it makes their fingers appear even skinnier
- It is difficult to find an engagement ring with a pear shaped diamond because most jewelers prefer to stock round, princess, or oval shapes
- As it is not a common shape, it is more expensive than standard round diamonds
Should You Purchase A Pear Shaped Diamond?
Purchasing a pear diamond is an excellent way to invest in the future, as prices are likely to only continue rising. Pear diamonds also have more brilliance than other shapes of gemstones, making it easy for onlookers to admire them from all angles.
pear shaped diamonds are an excellent way to invest in the future, as prices are likely to only continue rising. Pear diamonds also have more brilliance than other shapes of gemstones, making it easy for onlookers to admire them from all angles.
Where Should You Purchase A Pear Shaped Diamond?
You should purchase a pear shaped diamond from an established jeweler. You can find jewelry stores that specialize in these types of stones online or in your local area. This ensures you’re getting the best quality for your money and it’ll be easier to get help if something goes wrong with the stone down the line because they are experts on this type of stone.
The best way to find a jeweler you can trust is by going with someone who has experience in the industry and is well-respected in their area of expertise. Consider asking your friends, family members, or co-workers for recommendations on reputable stores they may know about. You should also ask them if they have any personal experience with these types of stones.