Round and princess cuts tend to grab the spotlight, but the elegant pear sometimes called a “teardrop” is where softness meets edge. It’s sleek, sparkly, and just a little unexpected. Thinking about one for your engagement ring or a pendant with personality? Here’s your all-in-one guide to what defines a pear cut, where it originated, how it wears, and what to know before picking one in the Valley.
What Exactly Is a Pear Cut?
In a nutshell: A pear cut is a hybrid shape that blends the rounded top of a brilliant cut with the pointed end of a marquise. The result? A graceful teardrop silhouette. Most pears are brilliant-style cuts with around 56–58 facets, so you get plenty of sparkle, a flattering elongated profile, and a look that really pops especially when the point faces your fingertip.
Pear Anatomy 101
- Head: The rounded top that catches the most light
- Shoulders & belly: The curved sides; smooth taper = key
- Point: The tip visually striking, but needs protection (think V-prong or bezel)
- Culet: The pavilion’s tip, usually hidden
- Bow-tie: That shadow seen in many fancy shapes a faint one adds depth
- Want help picking shapes that suit your hand? Check out our guide to choosing the right diamond shape.
Where Did the Pear Cut Originate?
Flashback to Bruges, 1458: Flemish gem-cutter Lodewyk van Berquem revolutionized diamond cutting with the scaif a polishing wheel that allowed for precise, symmetrical facets. That tech gave rise to the first true pear-shaped stones. Over the centuries, pears made their mark in Tudor courts, Baroque treasures, and eventually, red carpet moments.
Famous Pear Moments
- Cullinan I (530.4 ct): The “Great Star of Africa,” mounted in the British Sovereign’s Sceptre
- Taylor-Burton Diamond (69.42 ct): A legendary gift to Elizabeth Taylor first a ring, then a Cartier pendant
- Lesotho Promise (603 ct rough): Yielded a 76.4 ct pear among 26 cuts in a famed Graff suite
Why Pears Are Having a Moment
- Versatility: Point it north-south for elegance or go east-west for a fresh, modern take
- Size boost: Pears usually face-up larger than rounds of the same carat weight
- Budget-friendly: Fancy shapes like pears tend to cost less per carat
- Stylish but timeless: Unique enough to stand out, but not just a trend
Curious how lab-grown diamonds can stretch your budget? Don’t miss our lab-grown explainer.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Pear
1) Know Your Ratio
- Classic: 1.45-1.60
- Elongated: 1.60-1.75
- Chubbier/vintage: 1.35-1.45
2) Symmetry Matters
Both sides should mirror each other. Watch for a clean, even taper with no flat spots.
3) Look at the Bow-Tie
A slight shadow is fine-it adds dimension. But a dark stripe across the middle? Not ideal.
4) Protect the Tip
Go for V-prongs, a partial bezel, or full bezel-especially if you’re outdoorsy or wear gloves a lot.
5) Be Color-Aware
Pear tips can show more color. If you're going with white gold or platinum, consider a slightly higher color grade-or embrace warmth with yellow or rose gold.
6) Don’t Stress Tiny Inclusions
Brilliant pears hide minor imperfections well. Prioritize cut and symmetry first; clarity second.
Popular Settings for Pears
- Solitaire (north-south): Clean and timeless
- Halo: Adds size and sparkle
- Hidden halo: Discreet face-up, but sparkly from the side
- East-west: Bold, modern, stackable
- Toi et Moi: Romantic duo of pear + round/oval
Ready to explore profiles, halos, and hidden gems? Start with our custom design process.
Stacking with Pears
Pear-cut rings stack beautifully-but that pointed tip needs a little breathing room.
- Contoured or chevron bands: Hug the belly of the pear
- Open wraps: Frame the tip without bumping the setting
- Mixed metals: For contrast and Scottsdale-chic vibes
Explore more combos in our Wedding Band Stacking Guide.
Living with Pears in the Phoenix/Scottsdale Desert
- Sunset sparkle: Pears love golden hour-perfect for Camelback or Papago views
- For active hands: Choose a bezel or low-profile if you're hiking or paddleboarding
- Desert dust = quartz: It’s abrasive. Rinse after pool days and get prongs checked twice a year
Stay sparkly-see our tips for jewelry care in the Arizona heat.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown Pears
Both are real diamonds—same structure, same sparkle. The only difference is how they’re formed. Lab-grown options can cost 20–40% less, giving you room to scale up or splurge on design.
Just make sure you get proper certification (think GIA or IGI) and shop with someone transparent about cut quality.
Want to dive deeper? Read: What “Lab-Grown” Really Means.
FAQ: Pear-Cut Diamonds
Q: Should the pear point face up or down?
A: Traditionally, the point faces your fingertip for a lengthening effect. But east-west is a fun twist. Do what feels right.
Q: What’s the ideal length-to-width ratio?
A: Most people love 1.45–1.60 for classic elegance. Want more drama? Try 1.60–1.75.
Q: Do pears have a bow-tie like ovals?
A: Often, yes. A soft bow-tie is totally normal-just avoid one that looks like a dark stripe in every light.
Q: How do I protect the tip?
A: Go with V-prongs or a bezel. If you're active, a bezel keeps things safe and stylish.
Q: Do pears look bigger than rounds?
A: Yes-they often face up larger thanks to their outline and depth.
Q: What metal suits a pear best?
A: White metals for crispness. Yellow or rose gold to warm things up. Not sure? Peek at our Metals Guide.
Q: Best way to stack bands with a pear?
A: Try a chevron or open-wrap band. Our stacking guide has layout ideas.
Q: Special care tips for Scottsdale?
A: Absolutely-desert heat, UV, and pool chemicals can wear on your ring. Clean regularly and schedule checkups.
Try Pears in Real Scottsdale Light
Photos help-but slipping a few on your hand under different lighting makes the right one obvious. Visit our Old Town Scottsdale studio to compare shapes, metals, and settings-or start from home.
When the shape, setting, and story all click, a pear doesn’t just sparkle-it sings.