Pear Diamond
The pear shape (also called the teardrop) combines a rounded end with a single pointed tip, creating a unique silhouette that elongates the finger. It offers excellent brilliance and a larger face-up appearance than many shapes of equal carat weight.
Is a pear diamond a good choice?
Pear diamonds are known for very high brilliance with 58 facets. They're popular for engagement rings and pendants. Here are the trade-offs.
Why people love it
- +Appears significantly larger face-up than rounds of equal carat weight
- +Creates an elegant finger-lengthening effect when worn point-up
- +Very versatile. Works as a center stone, pendant, earring, or side stone
- +Strong brilliance approaching that of round brilliant
- +20-30% more affordable than comparable round brilliants
Things to know
- −Pointed tip is vulnerable to chipping if not protected by the setting
- −Bow-tie effect is common and must be evaluated visually
- −Symmetry issues are more apparent than in symmetrical shapes
- −Color can concentrate at the pointed tip, so you may need a higher color grade
How big is a pear diamond? (MM to carat)
A 1-carat pear diamond measures approximately 8.0 x 5.5 mm. Here are the most common sizes from 0.25 ct to 5 ct.
| Carat Weight | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| 0.25 ct | 5.0 x 3.3 mm |
| 0.33 ct | 5.5 x 3.6 mm |
| 0.5 ct | 6.5 x 4.3 mm |
| 0.75 ct | 7.5 x 5.0 mm |
| 1 ct | 8.0 x 5.5 mm |
| 1.25 ct | 8.5 x 5.8 mm |
| 1.5 ct | 9.0 x 6.0 mm |
| 2 ct | 10.0 x 6.7 mm |
| 2.5 ct | 10.8 x 7.1 mm |
| 3 ct | 11.5 x 7.5 mm |
| 4 ct | 12.5 x 8.3 mm |
| 5 ct | 13.5 x 9.0 mm |
View full pear size chart → with all sizes from melee to 5+ carats.
How to buy a pear diamond
- •Always ensure the setting protects the pointed tip. A V-prong or bezel tip is essential
- •Symmetry is critical: both shoulders and wings should mirror each other precisely
- •Request video to evaluate bow-tie severity. A faint bow-tie is acceptable, a dark one is not
- •Color tends to concentrate at the tip, so consider staying at G or above in white metals
- •L/W ratios of 1.50-1.65 offer the most balanced classic teardrop shape
- •When worn as a ring, the traditional orientation is point facing the fingertip
- •Check that the rounded end is truly round, not flat or squared. This indicates poor cutting
What makes a pear diamond unique?
The pear shape was invented in 1458 by Flemish diamond cutter Lodewyk van Berquem, making it one of the oldest fancy shapes in existence. Its hybrid design merges elements of the round brilliant (at the rounded end) and the marquise (at the pointed tip), resulting in a modified brilliant cut with strong light performance and a distinctive teardrop outline.
One of the pear shape's most important quality factors is symmetry. The pointed tip should align precisely with the apex of the rounded end, and the two curved sides (known as 'shoulders' and 'wings') should mirror each other exactly. Asymmetry in a pear shape is far more visible than in most other shapes because the eye naturally traces the outline from point to curve. A bow-tie effect is also common in pears, similar to ovals and marquises, and should be evaluated through video or in-person inspection.
Pears are extremely versatile. They work as engagement ring center stones (point facing the fingertip), as pendants (point facing down), and as side stones flanking a larger center diamond. In the trade, well-cut pears with good symmetry command a slight premium over average specimens, but the shape as a whole runs 20-30% below round brilliant pricing. Their elongated profile also makes them appear larger face-up than rounds of equal carat weight, offering strong perceived value for size-conscious buyers.
How much does a pear diamond cost?
Pear diamonds are priced at 20-30% less than round brilliant. Price depends on carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality. For a personalized estimate, use our diamond price estimator.
Estimate pear diamond price →Technical Specifications
- Facets
- 58
- Brilliance
- very high
- L:W Ratio
- 1.45:1 to 1.75:1 (classic teardrop), with 1.50-1.65:1 most popular
Last updated: 2026-07-16
At a Glance
- Price vs Round
- 20-30% less than round brilliant
- Popularity
- Moderate popularity (approximately 4-6% of engagement ring sales)
- Sparkle
- very high
Best For
engagement ringspendantsdrop earringsside stones in three-stone ringssolitaire settings
Setting Ideas
- Solitaire with a V-prong at the tip. Protects the point while maintaining clean lines
- Halo that follows the teardrop contour and adds perceived size
- Three-stone with smaller pears or round side stones
- Bezel at the tip with prongs at the round end for a hybrid approach
- Pendant setting (the classic orientation for pear-shaped diamonds)
- Cathedral setting with a V-prong tip for added protection and height