Pear shaped diamonds combine the brilliance of a round cut with the elegance of a marquise, creating a shape that feels both classic and distinctive. Often called a teardrop diamond, the pear cut is prized for its graceful silhouette, flattering finger coverage, and ability to appear larger than its carat weight.

This guide explains how pear diamonds work, where the shape comes from, what really affects beauty, and how to avoid the most common mistakes buyers make.

A Brief History of the Pear Shaped Diamond

Statue of Lodewyk van Bercken, Antwerp, Belgium.
Image: Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

The pear cut was invented in the 15th century by Flemish diamond cutter Lodewyk van Bercken, who also developed the polishing wheel that revolutionised diamond cutting in Europe.

Van Bercken combined the symmetry and brilliance of the round cut with the elongated form of the marquise, creating a hybrid shape that could reflect light efficiently while offering a more dramatic outline.

Historically, pear diamonds were associated with royalty and aristocracy, often worn as pendants or earrings due to their elegant drop shape. Over time, the pear cut became popular in engagement rings as cutting precision improved and symmetry became easier to control.

Today, pear diamonds are valued not for tradition alone, but for how effectively they balance sparkle, size appearance, and individuality.

What Makes a Pear Diamond Different

Pear diamonds are brilliant-cut diamonds, meaning they are faceted to maximise light return rather than step-cut reflections.

A standard pear diamond features:

• A rounded end (similar to a round diamond)

• A pointed tip (similar to a marquise)

• A single axis of symmetry

Because pear diamonds are asymmetrical, cut quality and proportions matter more than in round diamonds. Two pears with the same carat, color, and clarity can look completely different depending on how well the shape is balanced.

Why Pear Diamonds Look Larger Than Their Carat Weight

Pear diamonds often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat because their elongated shape spreads weight across more surface area.

This means:

• More visible diamond from the top

• Strong finger coverage

• A slimmer, lengthening effect on the hand

This visual advantage is one reason pear diamonds are popular among buyers who want maximum presence without increasing budget.

Cut Quality: The Most Important Factor for Pear Diamonds

Cut is the single most important factor in how a pear diamond looks.

Cut affects:

• Brilliance and sparkle

• Shape balance

• Presence of dark areas (bow-tie effect)

• Durability of the tip

Unlike round diamonds, pear diamonds do not receive a formal cut grade from GIA. This means buyers must evaluate proportions and appearance more carefully.

The Bow-Tie Effect Explained

Many pear diamonds show a dark shadow across the center known as a bow-tie. This occurs when light leaks through poorly aligned facets.

A slight bow-tie is normal.
A strong, dark bow-tie is a sign of poor cut.

Well-cut pear diamonds:

• Show even brightness across the stone

• Minimise contrast in the center

• Reflect light symmetrically from both sides

This is one of the most important things to assess when comparing pear diamonds.

Ideal Proportions for a Pear Diamond

There is no single “perfect” pear, but well-cut stones often fall within these ranges:

• Length-to-width ratio: 1.45–1.60

  • Lower = rounder appearance

  • Higher = more elongated, dramatic look

• Depth: 58–64 percent

• Table: 53–63 percent

These numbers are guidelines, not rules. Proportions must work together, and visual balance matters more than hitting exact figures.

Symmetry and Shape Balance

Because pear diamonds are asymmetrical, symmetry is critical.

Look for:

• A centered tip

• Even shoulders on both sides

• No visible twisting or lopsidedness

Poor symmetry makes a pear diamond look uneven, even if other specs are high.

Durability: Protecting the Tip

The pointed tip of a pear diamond is its most vulnerable area.

Well-cut pear diamonds:

• Have enough depth at the tip

• Are set with a protective prong or V-tip

• Avoid overly thin points

This is especially important for engagement rings intended for daily wear.

Clarity in Pear Diamonds: What You Can See

Pear diamonds hide inclusions reasonably well, though not as effectively as round diamonds.

For most buyers:

• VS2 or higher appears clean to the naked eye

• Higher clarity grades rarely improve visible beauty

• Inclusions near the tip should be avoided if possible

Paying for clarity you cannot see does not improve appearance.

Color in Pear Diamonds

Pear diamonds can show color more readily than round diamonds, especially near the tip.

However:

• Many buyers find G–H color appears white in everyday wear

• Brilliance and cut quality influence perceived color

• Slight warmth is often less noticeable once set

Color choice should balance size, budget, and personal preference.

Lab Grown vs Natural Pear Diamonds

Lab grown and natural pear diamonds are:

• Chemically identical

• Optically identical

• Equally durable

The difference lies in origin, not beauty.

GIA recognises lab grown diamonds as real diamonds with the same physical properties as mined stones. Lab grown pear diamonds are most commonly graded by IGI, while natural stones are often graded by GIA.

Lab grown pears typically cost 50–70 percent less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make With Pear Diamonds

• Choosing carat weight over cut quality

• Ignoring bow-tie severity

• Buying uneven or lopsided shapes

• Overpaying for invisible clarity

• Not protecting the tip in the setting

How to Choose a Pear Diamond Using Carateu

Carateu allows you to compare pear diamonds transparently using advanced filters for proportions, clarity, and certification.

All diamonds are:

• IGI or GIA certified

• Verified by a gemologist in Sweden

• Shipped within the EU with VAT included

• Priced with no hidden fees

You can explore available stones directly on our
Lab Grown Pear Cut Diamonds  or our Natural Pear Cut Diamonds page.

Final Checklist Before You Buy a Pear Diamond

• Prioritise cut quality and symmetry

• Check for minimal bow-tie effect

• Choose a flattering length-to-width ratio

• Select VS2+ clarity for a clean look

• Ensure IGI or GIA certification

Final note: buyers comparing pear and round shapes may also find our round diamond buyer’s guide helpful.