Pear Shaped Diamonds: A Buying Guide
One of the most unique qualities of any diamond is that much like snowflakes, no two are ever alike. Each stone is defined by its color, its internal characteristics and its carat weight. However, the cut of a diamond also serves to accentuate its characteristics. This is why professional jewelers will spend hours examining a rough stone in order to determine how to make the most out of the other qualities.
Pear shapes have become increasingly popular in modern times. These are great ways to maximize the apparent size of a diamond and they can be used to create truly stunning engagement rings. Do you have your heart set on one of these scintillating gems? If so, there are a handful of factors to appreciate so that you can make an informed choice at the appropriate time.
Knowing the Facets of a Pear-Shaped Diamond
One of the ways to appreciate the qualities of a pear cut is to understand how it is shaped. Here are the most important parts of a pear diamond as highlighted by the Gemological Institute of America:
- The culet (a tiny facet at the bottom of the stone designed to prevent chipping).
- The crown (an upper portion of the stone found above its girdle).
- The girdle (a band found around the side which separates the crown from the pavilion).
- The pavilion (the facets of the gem below the girdle that are intended to reflect the maximum amount of light).
- The table (the large, flat area on the top of the stone).
All pear-shaped diamonds should possess these facets, as they help to provide the stone with an unparalleled fire (radiance).
All About Symmetry
It only stands to reason that symmetry is key when choosing any diamond. However, this concept is even more important when examining pear shapes due to their offset nature. Asymmetrical stones are valued at a lower price and while some may appear to be quite normal, more serious deformities can impact how the stone reflects light.
What About the Length-to-Width Ratio?
Some online resources stress the importance of choosing an “ideal” length-to-width ratio (in terms of how the stone appears when viewed from the top). As the Gemological Institute of America notes, this figure tends to range between 1.5-1.75 to 1. However, we need to remember that desirable proportions are more often based off of personal preferences as opposed to official guidelines.
The Table
On a final note, always choose a pear-shaped diamond which boasts a centered table (upper flat facet). If the table happens to be poorly placed, it will inevitably impact the overall appearance of the stone (as well as its ability to reflect light).
Keep in mind that pear cuts are only one of many options at your disposal. You can examine other diamond shapes here if you wish to learn more. Also, be sure to speak with a qualified expert in order to further clarify any of the points outlined above.
