The modified brilliant-cut pear shaped diamond is a combination of a round and a marquise shape, with a tapered point on one end.

The pear shaped diamond is always worn with the narrow end pointing toward the hand of the wearer. Like marquise and oval cuts, the pear shaped diamond comes in a wide variety. As a result, slim to wide cuts has the added benefit of making the wearer’s fingers appear longer and slimmer.

Ideally, a pear shaped diamond should possess excellent or very good symmetry. The point should line up with the apex of the rounded end. The shoulders and wings (the upper and lower curves on the right and left side of the diamond) should form uniform. Another attribute is symmetrical curves, with no straight edges. The rounded top should not appear narrow or squat, but like a semi-circle. In a misguided effort to add weight to a diamond (by incorporating more of the rough stone in the final cut) cutters may give the diamond added girth near the point or top. Therefore giving the diamond a squared off or squatty appearance.

Pear shaped diamonds posses some degree of bow-tie, varying from near invisible to severe. The visibility of a bow-tie effect cannot be ascertained by reviewing the diamond certificate or dimensions, but only upon visual inspection.

While the pear shape had its greatest popularity in the 1950’s and 1960’s. It’s desirability decreased by the 1970’s only to gain popularity in 2000’s. Do you like pear shapes?

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