PEAR SHAPE DIAMOND

The pear shape diamond was created in 1458 by a Flemish diamond polisher, Lodewyk (Louis) van Berquem of Brugge, Belgium. It was applauded for its beautiful shape, but disliked by some because of the amount of rough diamond lost during the cutting process.

One of the most well-known diamond shapes, the pear shape diamond is also known as a “teardrop shaped diamond.” It is considered a cross between the round shape diamond and the marquise shape diamond.

The pear shape diamond has 58 facets and is normally cut in the brilliant style. It is a unique hybrid cut, and when well proportioned, it gives a depth of scintillation to the point of the diamond. The ratio of the length to the width should ideally be about 1.5:1. This shape allows the diamond cutter to leave more carat weight in the rounded end of the diamond.

A three- or five-prong setting should be used to hold the pear shape securely, with one of the prongs protecting the point of the diamond. The pear shape is one of the diamond shapes that shows colour the strongest, but once the stone is larger than one carat, it may display a bit of darkness towards the point.

When purchasing a pear shaped diamond of one carat or over, it is thus advisable to select one with an even colour distribution throughout the diamond.

Like the marquise shape diamond, the pear shape diamond comes in a variety of slim, to wider cuts, and personal taste dictates preference. It is often the final setting that influences the shape preference. A narrow pear shape diamond is ideal for delicate, dangling earrings, for example, while a wider shape may be more suitable for a solitaire diamond ring or pendant.

There have been various well-known pear shape diamonds. Elizabeth Taylor famously wore a 69.42 pear shaped diamond pendant, a gift from Richard Burton. The Millennium Star is a 203.04 carat pear shaped flawless diamond with a colour grading of D.

A pear shape diamond makes the fingers appear to be longer, making it a good choice for an engagement ring. It is also a popular shape for pendants and earrings. The pear shape has a majestic quality to it and is a striking alternative for the woman with alternative taste. Personality traits associated with the pear shape are that of being considerate, adventurous, sociable and adaptable.