Pear Cut Diamond – The Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA)

The pear cut, also known as the teardrop cut, is a popular and elegant diamond shape that combines the round brilliance of a brilliant cut with the graceful tapering of a marquise. This stunning shape features a rounded head that gradually tapers to a pointed tip, resembling the form of a teardrop or pear. Known for its unique shape and brilliant sparkle, the pear cut has remained a timeless choice for engagement rings, pendants, and earrings, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of classic elegance and modern flair.

What is a Pear Cut Diamond?
A pear cut diamond is a hybrid shape, combining the characteristics of the round brilliant cut and the marquise cut. It features a rounded top, or head, and a pointed bottom, creating the signature teardrop shape.
The facets of a pear cut diamond are arranged in a similar manner to those in a round brilliant cut, ensuring it displays the same brilliance and fire. The rounded portion of the diamond reflects light from all angles, while the tapering point contributes to the diamond’s overall light performance.
Key Characteristics of the Pear Cut
1. Shape and Symmetry
The pear cut is recognized for its distinctive tear-drop shape, with a rounded, curved top and a pointed bottom. This shape combines the round brilliance of the classic round diamond with the elongated appearance of the marquise.
The symmetry of a pear cut diamond is essential for its visual appeal. A well-proportioned pear cut will have a uniform curve from the rounded head to the tip, with the point centered to give it a balanced and harmonious look.
The length-to-width ratio of the pear cut can vary depending on personal preference. Pear cuts with a longer shape appear more elongated, while wider pear cuts have a fuller, more rounded appearance. The ideal length-to-width ratio for a pear-shaped diamond typically ranges from 1.45 to 1.75, with the most popular being around 1.5. This proportion ensures a well-balanced and pleasing appearance.
2. Facet Arrangement and Brilliance
A pear cut diamond features 58 facets (or more), similar to the round brilliant cut. These facets are arranged in a way that maximizes the diamond’s ability to reflect light, giving it exceptional brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
The crown (top portion) of the diamond features the table facet, while the pavilion (bottom portion) contains the main facets. These facets are angled and arranged to enhance light performance, ensuring the diamond sparkles from every angle.
A well-cut pear-shaped diamond will have bright flashes of light that seem to emanate from its center, thanks to the diamond’s symmetry and faceting.
Pear Cut Diamond – Light Performance and Sparkle
1. Brilliant Light Reflection
The pear cut is designed to offer excellent light reflection, thanks to its brilliant facet arrangement. The light enters the diamond through the table, reflecting off the facets of the crown and pavilion before exiting the diamond.
This process creates the sparkle and fire that makes a pear cut diamond so captivating. Well-cut pear diamonds display an exceptional level of brilliance and are particularly vibrant under both natural light and artificial light.
2. Unique Sparkle and Fire
The pear shape’s tapered point causes the diamond to display flashes of colorful fire—the dispersion of light into its spectral colors—while the rounded head creates a uniform and pleasing sparkle. This contrast between the round portion and the pointed tip gives the pear cut diamond a unique visual appeal.
Pear cut diamonds are especially renowned for their flashes of color, which makes them stand out from other diamond shapes. When properly cut, the facets will allow light to travel through the diamond in a way that creates beautiful scintillation and vivid flashes.
The Pear Cut – Ideal for Different Jewelry Styles
1. Engagement Rings
The pear cut diamond is a popular choice for engagement rings because it offers a distinctive and romantic appearance. Its teardrop shape symbolizes eternal love and tears of joy, making it a fitting choice for couples looking for a symbol of their love story.
The elongated form of the pear cut can give the finger a more slender appearance, making it a flattering choice for those seeking a ring that adds an elegant touch. Additionally, the pointed tip of the pear cut can be oriented upwards or downwards, allowing for a customizable look.
The pear cut diamond works well in a variety of settings, including solitaire designs, halo settings, and three-stone rings, allowing for flexibility in personalizing the ring.
2. Pendants and Earrings
The pear shape is also a favored choice for pendants and earrings because it offers an elegant and timeless appeal. A pear-shaped diamond pendant drapes beautifully along the neck, while pear-shaped earrings elongate the appearance of the face, drawing attention to the wearer’s features.
Halo settings and side stone accents are often used to complement a pear-shaped diamond in pendants and earrings, enhancing the overall brilliance of the piece.
Pear Cut Diamond – Choosing the Right One
1. Cut Quality
The cut quality of a pear-shaped diamond is essential for maximizing its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut pear diamond will have precise proportions, even symmetry, and expertly aligned facets to ensure optimal light performance.
To assess the cut quality, it’s important to consider grading reports from reputable gemological laboratories, such as the GIA or DCLA, which evaluate the diamond’s cut, polish, and symmetry.
2. Color and Clarity
Like other diamond shapes, the color and clarity of a pear-shaped diamond should be considered when selecting the perfect stone. Higher color grades (D-F) will ensure that the diamond remains colorless and does not show any noticeable yellow or brown hues, while clarity determines the presence of internal or external inclusions.
Pear-shaped diamonds may also have a larger surface area compared to round diamonds, which may make inclusions more visible. It’s important to choose a diamond with a clarity grade that minimizes any noticeable blemishes or inclusions.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Pear Cut Diamond
Symmetry: Ensure that the pear cut diamond has excellent symmetry. The pointed tip should be centered and even, and the curved part should be smooth and symmetrical.
Length-to-Width Ratio: Choose a length-to-width ratio that suits your preference. Pear cut diamonds with a ratio of about 1.5 are typically balanced, while longer shapes will appear more elongated, and wider shapes will appear fuller.
Setting Style: Consider how the pear-shaped diamond will be set. The orientation of the pointed tip can be customized to either point upward or downward, allowing for a unique and personal style.

The Allure of the Pear Cut
The pear cut diamond is a versatile and elegant choice for those who desire a distinctive and timeless diamond shape. With its graceful teardrop silhouette, the pear cut combines the brilliance of the round cut with the elongated form of the marquise, creating a captivating sparkle that makes it a standout piece in any jewelry collection. Whether used in engagement rings, pendants, or earrings, the pear cut is known for its unique beauty and classic appeal that never goes out of style.

The Distinctive Feature of a Pear Cut Diamond
The head of a pear cut diamond refers to the wider, rounded end of the stone, which forms part of its unique, teardrop-like shape. The pear cut, also known as the tear drop cut, combines the round shape of a brilliant cut with the elongated point of a marquise cut, creating a delicate and graceful silhouette.

Characteristics of the Pear Cut Diamond’s Head
The head of a pear cut diamond is one of the most defining features of the shape. It is the broad, rounded portion of the diamond, which gives the stone its signature teardrop or drop-like appearance. The head contrasts with the narrower, pointed end, adding to the overall symmetry and elegance of the shape.

Key Features of the Head:
Wider and Rounded – The head is the portion of the pear cut diamond that appears wider and more rounded compared to the tapered point at the opposite end.
Central Focus – Often, the head serves as the focal point of the diamond’s visual appeal, drawing attention with its fuller, curvier look.
Smooth Contour – The rounded head typically has a smooth, soft curve, contributing to the overall fluid and graceful silhouette of the pear shape.
The Role of the Head in the Pear Cut Diamond’s Symmetry
For a pear cut diamond to achieve its desired elegance and balance, the head plays a crucial role in creating the overall symmetry of the stone. A well-proportioned head ensures that the pear cut appears harmonious and elegant.

Proportions and Symmetry
A well-shaped pear cut diamond will have a rounded head that gently tapers to a point, with the broadest part of the diamond located near the centre of the head.
The length-to-width ratio of a pear cut diamond should be in harmony, so the head does not appear disproportionately wide or narrow compared to the rest of the stone.
Symmetry is key in pear-shaped diamonds, and a properly shaped head can help avoid the stone looking lopsided or asymmetrical.
The Head in Relation to the Overall Design and Setting
The head of a pear cut diamond is not just a focal point of the stone but also an important consideration when setting the diamond in jewellery. Whether the diamond is used in an engagement ring, pendant, or earrings, the head’s design and placement within the setting can influence how the diamond is perceived.

Pear Cut Diamond in Engagement Rings
Positioning of the Head: The head is typically placed on top of the setting, where it will be most visible. The rounded end of the pear cut can be positioned either up or down, depending on the wearer’s personal preference or the overall design.
Setting Choices: The head’s curves and broad shape can complement certain settings, such as a halo or solitaire setting, accentuating the diamond’s natural shape.
Visual Impact: A well-positioned head can make the diamond appear larger and more elongated than a round cut, giving the overall piece a more elegant, sophisticated look.
How the Head Affects the Diamond’s Appearance
The head of the pear cut diamond contributes significantly to the visual appeal of the entire stone. Its rounded, fuller shape helps to create a sense of softness and elegance while maintaining a level of boldness due to its unique teardrop form.

Light Reflection and Sparkle
The head plays an important role in the way the diamond reflects light. A well-shaped head allows the diamond to catch light from different angles, increasing its brilliance and fire.
The broader end of the pear cut may also help create a sense of depth in the diamond, making it appear more dynamic and multifaceted.
The Head’s Impact on Size Perception
Because the pear cut is elongated, it can give the impression of a larger diamond, even with a lower carat weight. The head contributes to this perception of size, especially when paired with long, thin sides.
Considerations When Evaluating the Head of a Pear Cut Diamond
When evaluating the head of a pear cut diamond, several factors should be considered to ensure the diamond is of high quality and its proportions are well-balanced.

1. Symmetry and Shape
A well-shaped head should appear smooth and rounded, without any noticeable flat spots or sharp angles.
Lopsided heads or irregular shapes can make the diamond appear uneven or less symmetrical.
2. Size and Proportions
The size of the head should be proportionate to the overall length of the pear cut. If the head is too wide or too narrow, it can disrupt the diamond’s overall symmetry and appearance.
Ideally, the length-to-width ratio should fall between 1.45 and 1.75 to maintain balance and avoid a bulky or overly elongated look.
3. Polish and Finish
The polish of the head is also important to ensure that the surface is smooth and free from any noticeable blemishes or scratches that could affect the diamond’s brilliance.