Pear Shaped Diamonds: What’s the Best Engagement Ring Ratio?

A pear shaped diamond, also commonly called pear cut diamond or tear-drop diamond, is a brilliant-cut diamond, cut in the shape of a pear or tear drop (hence the name).

What is a Pear Shaped Diamond?

Pear cut or pear shaped diamonds have an elongated shape, much like a marquise or oval cut. In a pear cut diamond,

This results in pear shaped diamonds’ unique appearance, making for one-of-a-kind engagement rings, or other pieces of jewelry.

A pear shaped diamond can vary in its exact shape. Some pear shapes are more elongated, while others are shorter and stubbier.

Buying a Pear Shape Diamond Ring?

The best settings for pear shaped diamonds (sometimes referred to as tear-drop diamonds) are tapered solitaire setting like this from James Allen.

Pear Shapes (and other soft-sided fancy shapes such as Marquis and Oval) are among the diamond shapes that show color the strongest.

That being the case it is best to stick with H color or higher to ensure that your stone will look white.

The Pear Shape – A Classic Beauty

While pear shapes are certainly not among the most popular shapes these days, I must confess that I am personally a lover of this shape.  I can’t put my finger on the particular aspect of this shape that I love, but I have a feeling I know what it is.

You see, the vast majority of pear shapes out there are absolute junk.  I know when I go online to help readers who are looking for pear shapes, I can look through 20-30 stones before I find one with a nice cut.

A teardrop cut diamond, which is also commonly referred to as a pear shape, is a classic look when done right. Pointed on one end and rounded on the other, a nice pear shape can have an unparalleled shine. It’s just a matter of picking the right cut and setting, which we’ll help you with in this article.

Pear Shaped Diamonds Pros and Cons

There are some definite pros and cons about pear shape or teardrop cut diamonds. Take them into account when you’re picking out a ring and it may help you make a decision you (and your spouse to be) are happy with.

Pros:

  • Appear larger than round diamonds
  • Lower cost
  • Unique style
  • Great for some hand types
 
 
 
 
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Best Setting for Pear Shaped Diamonds

Once you find the perfect pear shaped diamond, you have to pair it with the best setting to complement the stone. Aside from showing the diamond in all its beauty, you should take care to ensure the setting protects it from damage, specifically on the pointed tip. This tip can be prone to chipping, as well as catching on things like clothing.

Unbecoming Ratios

As you can see in the picture above, a L/W ratio of 1.47 already looks way to short and stubby for a pear shape.  This stone looks like a slightly stretched out round shape – not what you’d like to see in a pear.

Beautiful Examples

And finally, Goldilocks, we’ve come to the stones that fit just right. To the left and right you can see beautiful examples of stones that are at opposite ends of the acceptable range of L/W.

Unique Asymmetry

The reason is simply that the pear shape’s silhouette is its signature. Think about it – every other shape is a basic symmetrical geometric shape.

Common Mishap Pear Shapes

Firstly, to the left, you can see what I like to call the “triangular” pear shape.  If you look at the picture, you’ll see it’s obvious why I call it this.

Flat Back Pears

The left side of the stone (in this picture) is supposed to be a perfectly round semicircle. Instead, it’s nearly flat.  Furthermore, the sides of the stone should have a bit more curve to them.

Too Curvy Pears

The next common misshapen pear is what I call the “too curvy” or “too wide” pear shape.  See the picture to the right.