Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings

About the Pear Shape

Also called a teardrop or pendeloque shape, pear shaped diamonds are a hybrid combination of round or oval and marquise shapes. One side of the stone is rounded (though it may be more oval-shaped depending on the exact proportions), while the other side tapers to a fine point. The brilliant cut stones, traditionally with 58 individual facets, sparkly nearly as brightly as the more common round diamond shape. According to Blue Nile Diamonds, the most favorable length-to-width proportions for the classic pear shape range from 1.45 to 1.75, though the wearer’s preferences play a great part in determining an attractive shape.

Styles of Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings

Pear solitaire.

The most common setting for pear shaped rings is a simple diamond solitaire engagement ring that highlights the stone’s unique shape. The stone is typically set perpendicular to the ring’s band to enhance its length and size, though cross-set pear stones can be found from unique jewelers. Almost invariably, pear stones are set in the familiar tiffany or prong setting, though occasionally other engagement ring settings can be found. Other popular styles for pear diamonds include:

• Accented rings symmetrically aligned on each side of the central pear diamond. Round, pear, and marquise diamonds are the most frequent choices for accents.
• Cluster settings that completely surround the central diamond with smaller gems, usually round stones.
• Rings with designer metal flairs that surround the diamond without adding gem accents.
• Art deco and vintage styles that use multiple accent shapes to create a multi-textured effect around the pear shape.
• Bridal sets that use either a straight band or one fashioned to coordinate with the curves of the pear shape diamond engagement ring.

Regardless of the ring style, many women are initially concerned about which way to properly wear a pear shaped stone.

Wearing a Pear Shaped Ring

As an elongated stone, pear shaped diamond engagement rings subtly elongate the wearer’s fingers. While wearing the point toward or away from the hand is purely a personal preference, many women find that aligning the point toward the finger’s nail enhances the length of the finger. If the stone is exceptionally large, wearing the point toward the hand may be uncomfortable. If the ring is part of a bridal set, it should be aligned so the wedding band is first on the finger, closest to the body.

Finding a Quality Pear Shape

Because a pear shape is a distortion of the ideal round shape, most pear diamonds will naturally exhibit a small “bow tie” effect of dark shadows in the thickest part of the ring. This can be minimized with a good cut, however. Other quality characteristics of pear shaped diamond engagement rings include:

Pear shaped diamond engagement ring with inset oval accents.

• Perfect symmetry on both sides of the pear shape; one half should not appear larger than the other.
• The point of the diamond should be sharp, yet it should also be protected from chips by a v-shaped prong in the setting.
• While three prongs can secure a pear shape, six is the preferred number for a firm grip.
• The pear shape adds carat weight to the ideal round shape, and buyers should be certain that the weight is distributed evenly for a good shape rather than just adding useless bulk.

In addition to the quality characteristics specific to pear shaped stones, buyers should examine any diamond – including accent stones – for good quality in terms of color, cut, clarity, and grade.

Most jewelers stock a limited supply of pear shapes, though accented rings may be more difficult to locate. Many semi mount diamond engagement rings can also be purchased to fit a pear shape to create the exact design a couple is interested in.

Pear Shapes in Other Diamond Jewelry

The teardrop shape of a pear diamond is favored for more jewelry than just engagement rings. Pear shapes are popular for diamond earrings, particularly those that dangle, as well as for diamond pendants that may have one or more diamonds aligned in a dangling pattern. Many gemstone rings also use pear shapes for the central gem, accenting it with smaller diamonds. For brides with pear shaped diamond engagement rings, additional pear shaped jewelry is perfect for an engagement gift, anniversary jewelry, or to wear at the wedding.

The simple sophistication of pear shaped diamond engagement rings is rich with tradition and beauty. There are many variations of pear shaped diamond styles to choose from, as well as additional jewelry to complement such a stunning engagement ring.