Oval & Pear Shape

Oval and pear-cut diamonds may appear to be very similar, but several key differences differentiate these elegant and unique diamond cuts. Discover the beautiful intricacies of each diamond shape. 

A pear-cut diamond, also known as a teardrop diamond, is infamous for its exquisite pear shape. This diamond shape features a small and delicate pointed tip and a large rounded bottom. Oval-cut diamonds, however, are thought of as a mixture between round and marquise cuts, providing a modern style to a traditional stone cut. The softness of the curves and its elongated style promotes a tender, but romantic declaration of love.

Pear-Shaped Diamonds

64Facets Linear Double Diamond Bangle with Pear-Shaped Diamonds in 18K Yellow Gold

Pear-shaped diamonds date back to the middle of the 15th Century when they were created by a polisher named Lodewyk van Berquem. Pear-cut diamonds were not adored initially because many people were bothered by the amount of rough diamond lost in the cutting process.

Elizabeth Taylor, an admirer of the teardrop cut, made pear-shaped diamonds famous. It is believed she was once found in a pile of her personal diamond collection by her husband, Richard Burton, claiming she was simply playing with her diamonds. Burton had also gifted Taylor various glamorous diamonds through the years, but the most famous was a 69-carat pear diamond known as the Taylor-Burton diamond.

Expert jewelers say buyers who are looking to purchase a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring should be wary of elongated pear diamonds because they seem like faulty oval diamonds. This is why they urge customers to select a pear-shaped diamond with even shoulders to the stone and a rounded base, as these aspects will allow the stone to have a more consistent and bright shine. 

Best Settings for Pear-Shaped Diamonds

Pear Stations with Diamond Halos on 64Facets Ethereal Diamond Chain in 18K White Gold

Pear diamonds are best exhibited by prong settings, typically with five or six prongs, and a V-tip to protect the pear-cut diamond's point. Pear-cut diamonds set in a halo setting are also chic and stylish because an intricately detailed diamond halo adds a hint sparkle around the diamond, further enhancing its brilliance. Bezel settings offer the best possible protection, while also looking very modern, for all diamond cuts, pear-cut diamonds in particular. Bezel settings are also beautiful for colored pear diamonds where light play and brilliance are not considered important for colorless diamonds.

Oval-Shape Diamonds 

The earliest oval-cut diamonds date back to the 14th Century; however, they weren't written about in literature until the 19th Century. In 1957, Lazare Kaplan, a Russian diamond cutter, perfected the oval diamond cutting process. Extremely skilled, he could turn undesirable rough stones into gorgeous diamonds. The process that Kaplan pioneered is what diamond cutters use to create oval cut stones today, as his technique significantly improved the brilliance of the oval diamond.

A ring with an oval-cut diamond is considered flattering because the oval diamond’s length creates the illusion that the fingers are elongated. However, the "perfect" oval diamond does not exist because the length to width ratio of oval-cut diamonds is completely subjective and dependent on preference and personal taste. Wedding bands and engagement rings with oval-cut diamonds are ideal for customers who have an active life, as chipping and wear are less likely to occur with the oval’s lack of pointed edges.

Due to their oval shape, blemishes and inclusions can be well hidden, especially where the ring setting hugs the stone or near the diamond's rounded end.

Bowtie Effect in Oval-Cut Diamonds 

Most oval-cut diamonds have a dark spot in the middle of the stone that resembles a bowtie. Known as the Bowtie Effect, when light cannot properly bounce back into the middle of the gem, the center appears darker than the rest of the diamond. Even though many buyers consider this aspect of oval cuts to be the most intriguing feature of the stone, jewelers consider the Bowtie Effect distracting from the oval-cut diamond's overall beauty. Thus, customers opt for a subtle Bowtie Effect to add hints of rarity and beauty without comprising the brilliance of the diamond. An oval-cut diamond's Bowtie Effect cannot be predicted, which is why it is highly recommended to look in person at oval-cut diamonds prior to making a purchase.

Image Courtesy of The Diamond Pro

Best Settings for Oval-Cut Diamonds

64Facets Scallop Oval Mesh Bangle in 18K Rose Gold

Oval-cut diamonds are best showcased in prong settings, especially with four or six prongs. Oval diamonds can also look very elegant and beautiful in bezel settings. Depending on your style, you can create an oval-cut diamond ring with almost any kind of design and setting, from side stone to vintage. Some engagement rings with three or five stones can feature an oval-cut diamond as the center gem with four or six prongs and a bezel setting to hold the side stones. 

Diamond Shape Comparison: Oval VS Pear-Cut

Even though both oval-cut and pear-cut diamonds are relatively elongated and have at least one rounded edge, oval diamonds are symmetrical, while pear-shaped diamonds are larger on the bottom than on the top. Both diamond cuts create a slimming effect on the wearer's finger, allowing you to select the diamond cut that inspires you most.

Despite their popularity as center stones on engagement rings, both pear and oval cut diamonds can also be set as side stones to a round or square center stone. The versatility of both diamond cuts makes them an excellent option for almost any engagement ring. Both of these shapes are also perfect for other possibilities of jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces.

At 64Facets, we adore incorporating both oval and pear-cut diamonds into our fine jewelry because of their effortless versatile and refined nature.

Discover 64Facets selection of fine-jewelry pieces adorned with oval and pear-shaped diamonds.