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Education›Lab Grown Diamond Guidance›Pear Cut Diamond — The Complete Guide

Lab Grown Diamond GuidanceFenora Guide9 min read

Pear cut diamond — the complete guide.

The pear cut diamond — also called the teardrop — is one of the most romantic and flattering of all diamond shapes. Pointed at one end, rounded at the other, the pear elongates the finger more dramatically than almost any other shape. This guide covers everything about the pear cut.

What makes the pear cut distinctive

The pear cut combines the rounded base of the oval with the pointed tip of the marquise. The result is a teardrop shape — the most directional of all diamond shapes. Worn with the point toward the fingernail, the pear creates a dramatic elongation of the finger that no other shape matches as naturally.

The pear cut uses brilliant-cut faceting — the same triangular and kite-shaped facets as a round brilliant, adapted to the teardrop outline. This means a well-cut pear has excellent brilliance and fire alongside its distinctive shape.

Key pear cut characteristics

Mohs hardness: 10 — same as all diamonds
Faceting: brilliant cut — 58–71 facets depending on design
Most flattering effect: extreme finger elongation
Point requirement: V-prong or bezel at the tip for protection
Bow tie: present in most pear cuts — always assess in video
Ideal length-to-width ratio: 1.50–1.75

“The pear is the most romantic shape. The pointed tip directed toward the world, the rounded base toward the heart. I love designing settings for pears because the shape gives so much to work with.”
— Yash Chandpara, Founder

The bow tie in pear cuts — what to look for

The pear cut has a bow tie effect — a dark shadow across the central width of the stone — as with all elongated brilliant cuts. The position and severity differ slightly from oval: the bow tie in a pear sits in the central area between the rounded end and the point.

Assessing bow tie in a pear

Always request video showing the stone rotating under controlled lighting
A faint bow tie visible only in very strong directional light is acceptable and normal in a well-cut pear
A bow tie visible in diffuse indoor lighting is strong — assess whether it is acceptable before purchasing
Yash Chandpara shows every pear stone in video specifically for bow tie assessment

Proportions for pear cut

Proportion	Ideal Range for Pear	Note
Length-to-width ratio	1.50–1.75	Below 1.45 appears too wide. Above 1.80 appears extremely elongated
Depth %	58–66%	Affects light return and apparent size
Table %	53–65%	Similar to round brilliant guidance
Shoulder curve	Well-rounded, symmetrical	The curve of the rounded end should be smooth and symmetrical
Wing angle	Symmetrical on both sides	The two sides of the pear should be mirror images
Point precision	Sharp, centred point	The point should be sharp (not flat or off-centre)

Settings for pear cut

The V-prong requirement

The pointed tip of a pear diamond is the most vulnerable area — the point concentrates stress and is the most likely area for chipping under impact
A V-prong or V-shaped bezel at the tip is essential. This protects the tip while displaying its shape clearly

Best settings for pear cut

5-prong solitaire (3 at rounded end, 2 V-prong at tip) — the classic pear setting
Halo following the pear outline — amplifies the size and creates a dramatic teardrop frame
Bezel — maximum protection, particularly for active lifestyles
East-west setting — the pear set horizontally across the finger creates a contemporary alternative to the traditional vertical orientation

Which way does a pear face — point up or down?

Traditionally the point faces toward the fingernail (up) and the rounded end toward the palm. This creates the elongating effect. East-west orientation (point to one side) is a contemporary alternative that changes the visual character completely.

Can a pear cut be set without a V-prong at the tip?

A bezel setting provides equivalent protection to a V-prong. A regular round prong at the tip leaves the point somewhat exposed. V-prong or bezel are the two recommended options for protecting the tip.

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Interested in a pear cut diamond? Ask Yash Chandpara.

Book a free online consultation. Yash Chandpara shows pear cut diamonds in multiple ratios and lighting conditions — including the bow tie assessment.

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