Pear Loose Diamonds
Pear shaped loose diamonds are a mix between the traditional round brilliant loose diamonds and the Marquise cut loose diamonds (which is long and tapered, similar to a boat). Thus, the pear tends to look like a glittering teardrop, an ideal design for diamond earrings and diamond necklaces (the famous Hope Diamond incorporated a cluster of several pear shaped loose diamonds). Pear loose diamonds are sometimes avoided for engagement or wedding rings because of the teardrop's association with pain or sadness.
Finding Quality in Pear Loose Diamonds
According to jewelry experts, the ideal length to width proportion for pear shaped loose diamond is 1.45 to 1.75. This helps avoid the dreaded bow tie effect, wherein there is a dark spot in the center of the loose diamond where it is unable to properly reflect light. Poor cutting and the resulting bow tie effect can dramatically lower the value of an otherwise fine quality loose diamond.
Pear Loose Diamonds - Pros and Cons
Pear loose diamonds are quite elegant and beautiful, and (for those who want something different) are less common than traditional shapes like the princess cut lose diamonds and the round brilliant loose diamonds. The elongated design can also be very flattering for people who have short fingers, since it creates an illusion of length (especially if set perpendicularly).
However, like any design with sharp points, the pear shaped loose diamond can be prone to chipping, and can be difficult to set. You will need to protect the edges with at least six prongs, which will hold it securely and prevent contact of its fragile point with other objects.
Design Considerations
One of the benefits of choosing a pear loose diamond is that it can be combined quite beautifully with other loose diamonds for a unique and interesting design. For example, it can be used with a basket setting. Or, one can combine it with a very small and simple round loose diamonds , using a bezel to allow the pear to dangle from it for a simple but elegant pendant.
As a solitaire diamond pendant, the shape of a pear loose diamond allows the owner to display the perfect clarity and color of a large, high-quality loose stone which dangles in full view, catching the light from all angles. The pear cut does have a tendency to show inclusions, though, so use this design with caution.
Famous Pear loose Diamonds
Some of the most famous diamonds in the world are pear-shaped. There is the Hope Diamond, as mentioned earlier, which has several clusters. And there is also the Star of Africa. This pear loose diamond weighs an amazing 530.20 carats, and was one of the nine stones that were made from the Cullinan Diamond. It is part of the Crown Jewels of Great Britain and is considered the second largest cut diamond in the world. The Star of Africa is on display at the Tower of London, and is viewed by millions of visitors every year.
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