Slender elegant fingers. Sensational symmetry and facet placement. Gems of singular character. Should you have an affinity for such delights you are well paired with a pear cut diamond. Brilliant in bespoke designs and stunning in master-crafted jewellery, these unique creations are also known as ‘teardrops’. Certainly joy-filled tears have been shed on special occasions when pear shape stones have been presented. Be moved by this enchanting diamond cut.
Pear cut diamonds are poignant. Immersing their adorned in spectral brilliance and fire. These sumptuous stones were born at the hand of diamond sparkle’s founding father. Lodewyk (Louis) van Berquem forged the pioneering teardrop shape in 1458.
A coveted union of Oval and Marquise cuts, the ideal Pear possesses 58 fascinating facets and sport one pointed end while the other is rounded. Aficionados can indulge their passion for the cut in almost any desired way. These gems serve beautifully in diamond engagement rings, pendants, necklaces – even delicious dangling earrings.
Pear cut diamonds adorn history’s pages
Belgiun master diamond cutter Lodewyk (Louis) van Berquem yearned to achieve dazzle. He delved deep into diamond anatomy to develop original concepts of symmetry and facet placement. Berquem’s endeavours bore many fruits. One was scaif, a custom polishing wheel enabling facets to be cut. Another was the pear cut diamond. Applauded for its sumptuous teardrop shape from the outset, the gems did however garner reluctant acceptance initially because so much of the original stone was lost during cutting.
Come the Renaissance period, however, the pear shape diamond became a coveted possession. Earning these luxurious loose stones a place within many history books. Pears holding historic infamy include:
- The Millenium Star – at 203.04 carats this beauty is hailed as the world’s only internally and externally flawless pear cut diamond
- The Great Star of Africa – weighting a generous 530.20 carats this 74-faceted pear shaped gem is the largest cut diamond in the world. Currently it is set within the Royal Scepter housed in the Tower of London with the other Crown Jewels
- The Idol’s Eye – a flattened pear-shaped stone of 70.20 carats that was once set in the eye of an idol before being stolen
Enjoying all the longevity of true timeless beauty, pear shape diamonds have maintained powerful popularity. Such distinctive character captivate lovers of the unique. Meanwhile the teardrop cut’s versatility within so many jewellery pieces ensure such loose stones remain highly sought-after.
Sparkle and flair thy name is pear
One of the world’s greatest diamond lovers was the eternal Elizabeth Taylor. Indeed her collection included one of history’s most prized pears. The Taylor-Burton gem began life as a 240.80 loose diamond, unearthed within the Premier Mine in 1966. Originally bought by Harry Winston, this prestigious stone was destined to become a 69.42 Pear shaped diamond pendant. A glittering gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor sparking a celebrity teardrop trend that continues today.
Buying your own pear diamond
Online or wholesale diamond buyers should carefully consider pear length to width ratio. The much-remarked ‘bow tie’ effect can blemish the stone, yielding a dark shadow across the center of this elongated shape. Although ‘bow tie’ is present in all pear shapes, you should opt for the faintest possible effect. Bow tie visibility can range from near-invisible to severe. So visual inspection is a must to ascertain bow tie extent. At Australian Diamond Brokers diamond wholesalers, our qualified gemologist checks every stone.
Symmetry is another important consideration. The rounded apex should align tightly with the diamond’s pointed end. Upper and lower curves on either side of the pear shape should be free of straight edges. Instead curves should yield exacting uniformity and symmetry.
Should a larger teardrop diamond pique your interest, you may find the colour looking slightly darker at the stone’s point. At times this may necessitate elevating your colour grade to the next level up. After-all your gem is a significant purchase and you want quintessential clarity to be its boast.
Stylish settings for your perfect pear
Pair your pear with insightful settings to enjoy ultimate luminosity and envy-piquing beauty. Wider proportions can take marvellous centre stage in a diamond engagement ring. Here teardrop diamonds are nearly always set with the narrow end pointing toward the wearer’s hand. Yet pear cuts are versatile enough to grace almost any diamond jewellery piece. Narrow gems, for example, make desirable diamond earrings.
Pear diamonds are distinguished by a delicate marquise-shaped point. Herein lies the most vulnerable zone for chips and breaks. So no matter what jewellery piece you choose, a teardrop diamond must always be set with a prong at its point. Not only will such setting yield utmost protection for your diamond but any inclusions previously contained within the dainty tip will now be rendered invisible.
Pear diamonds are best paired with the following settings:
- Prong
- Bezel
- Tension
Lovers of drama and romance experience the passion of pear diamonds. Sophisticated yet distinctive, these unique stones deliver wearer flair. Diamond wholesalers and online stores alike offer abundant pear choices for buyers. So you may enter, mingle and impress in a flash of fire whenever you put on your pear shape diamond.
Related reading: Common diamond shapes.
Inspired to explore more diamonds? Arrange a consultation and explore all your possibilities.
