When it comes to pear-cut diamonds, symmetry is the operative word. This beautiful, uniquely shaped diamond depends on its perfect symmetry to create the most brilliance.
Also called a teardrop diamond, pear-cut stones combine round and marquise shapes to form a tapered point at one end and 58 facets.
A pear-cut diamond sparkle like a round or princess-cut diamond but is much harder to find. In fact, only 4% of all diamonds are cut into a pear shape, and only a small percentage of these are cut correctly. Diamond experts, like our team at Southwest Jewelry Buyers, agree that a well-cut pear-shaped diamond is a rare and exquisite find.
Do you have a pear-shaped diamond that you’re looking to sell? Here’s some helpful information on what might make yours so spectacular (and profitable!).
Symmetry matters
The pear-cut diamond itself is an asymmetrical shape that’s tapered to a point on one end and round at the other. However, the ideal pear-cut diamond has perfect symmetry on both sides. The pointed tip should line up perfectly with the centre of the rounded end. The curves should be uniform, with no straight edges.
Length-to-width ratio is important
When it comes to pear-cut diamonds, the length-to-width ratio is extremely important. If the diamond is too long in proportion to its width, it appears narrow. On the other hand, if the diamond is too short in proportion to its width, the pear shape appears short and squatty. While it’s somewhat a matter of preference, most people prefer a pear-cut diamond in the 1.50-1.75 ratio.
Look for H color or better
Because pear-shaped diamonds are among the shapes that most prominently show color, you want to look for a diamond that is H color or higher. This ensures that the stone appears white and brilliant, especially if you’re setting it into a white gold or platinum setting.
If you’re setting your pear-shaped diamond into a yellow or rose gold setting, then you can look for a diamond of J or K color, and get a larger stone for the money.
Check your setting
Part of what makes a pear-cut diamond so unique is the point at one end. But, that point is also very delicate, so the ideal setting for a pear-cut diamond is one that supports and protects the point of the pear.
Pear-cut diamonds are also well-suited to a halo setting. This means your diamond solitaire stone is set with a halo of smaller diamonds all around it, providing support for the pear-cut diamond as well as a more opulent appearance.
Point up, point down, or horizontal?
Traditionally, pear-cut diamonds were worn with the point of the diamond facing inward and the round side closer to your fingernail. However, many women choose to wear a pear-cut diamond in the opposite direction, and for a more contemporary look, some even set the diamond horizontally. The choice is yours; there’s no wrong way to wear a pear-cut diamond, making it a very versatile stone.
Beware of the bow-tie effect
When selecting your perfect pear-cut diamond, beware of the bow-tie effect. Because of their unique shape, pear-cut diamonds are susceptible to displaying a dark, bow-tie pattern through the center of the diamond. This detracts from the diamond’s brilliance. You’ll want a diamond in which the bow-tie effect is not visible to the naked eye.
Do you have a pear-cut diamond you’d like appraised?
Here at Southwest Jewelry Buyers, we are GIA-certified gemologists and experts in diamond appraisals. We can give you an honest, professional, no-obligation appraisal for your pear-cut diamond, or any other shape you may have, so you know how much your jewellery is worth should you decide to sell.
We also appraise your gold, silver, and platinum jewellery!
Give us a call at 480-773-8004 to schedule an appointment, or send us a message online today. Our award-winning team is here to meet with you six days a week.