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If you’re in the market for an extremely unique, but equally captivating cut, then the Pear cut might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
This stunning 58 facet cut is the 8th most popular in the world, and gains its following through its complimentary features and its versatility in style! This tear-shaped cross between a Round Brilliant cut and Emerald cut is the answer to those seeking a mixture of distinctiveness and elegance.
Pear Cut Engagement Ring – What is It?
If you are considering a Pear cut stone, it is essential to be well informed of the pros and cons that come with the cut, the most suitable GIA grades for the cut, and the ideal settings for the cut. This article will walk you through the in’s and outs, as well as the in between, of the Pear cut.
What are the pros?
Due to it being, in essence, a round brilliant cut, the Pear cut displays high levels of brilliance and fire. This attribute highlights the beauty of any gem and draws attention to its captivating shape.
The Pear cut is also extremely versatile, particularly in terms of material used to create the cut. While diamond is an easy answer for a large number of brides and grooms to be, the unique tear-drop shape of this marvellous cut allows for plenty of room for creative outlet if a gemstone your preference.
On the topic of versatility, the placement of the Pear Cut also leaves one with plenty of room for diversity – this cut can be placed with its point towards the wrist, towards the fingertips, side to side, or with several stones of the same cut alternating direction – the sky is the limit when it comes to the Pear cut!
The versatility of the Pear Cut, that creates its numerous outlets for creativity, lends to the possibility of this being an extremely beautiful, yet affordable, cut.
And the cons?
The biggest complaint we have in terms of the Pear cut is something that is commonly called “The Bowtie” effect. The bowtie effect affects several cuts, including this one, the Marquis cut, Oval cut and the Heart cut, and is the result of shadows creating a dark band around the center of the diamond in the shape of a bowtie.
The bowtie effect, however, can be remedied by the quality of the stone used to create it. A good quality stone will be less likely to create the bowtie effect.
Purchasing a good quality stone for your Pearl cut should be a consideration as well. This particular cut has a flat and long surface which isn’t forgiving of stones with inclusions or of less than ideal color.
Clarity
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created an international diamond rating system that allows for a universal standard for determining a diamonds quality. An aspect of this quality is the diamonds clarity. A diamonds clarity is determined by its number of inclusions and/blemishes. All diamond will have some inclusions and blemishes, but a flawless diamond will be one where they can’t be seen when magnified by ten.
This list contains the clarity ratings as they determine the value of a diamond from the most expensive to the least:
Flawless (Fl) – No Inclusions.
Internally Flawless – (IF) No inclusions, only blemishes.
Very Very Slightly Included – (VVS1 and VVS2) Contains inclusions but they are very difficult to see.
Slightly included (SI1 and SI2) – Noticeably included.
Included (I1, I2, I3) – Obviously included.
An ideal diamond for a Pear cut will be anything from VVS1 and up. Avoid Radiant cuts that fall into the categories of VVSI, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 and I3.
Color
The GIA also grades diamonds on their color – or rather, lack of. This rating system does not include colored diamonds. Essentially, the ideal diamond is colorless while the least desirable is light yellow or brown.
These changes in color are extremely subtle, and may not even be noticeable to the naked eye, but they make a colossal impact on the price of a diamond so they are important.
This list contains a list of the color ratings, D being completely colorless and most valuable and Z being of color and the least valuable.
D, E, F – colorless
G, H, I, J – near colorless
K, L, M – faint color
N, O, P, Q, R – very light color
S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z – light color
The ideal diamond for a Pear cut is colorless, so grades D, E, or F – however a nearly colorless grading that’s closer to the completely colorless spectrum, such as G, will also produce desirable results.
Settings
For maximum results and protection of your beautiful stone, the ideal setting for a Pear cut is a 6 prong setting. A 6 prong setting will have one prong protecting the point, one prong cradling the top of the stone, and two on each side.
While a 5 prong setting, where the top of the stone isn’t cradled, will sometimes be recommended, in the interest of preserving your Pear cut stone’s distinct features, we favor the 6 prong setting.
Pear Cut Engagement Ring – Final Thoughts
So, what do we know? We know that the Pear cut is am extremely unique and versatile cut that possesses brilliance and fire and captures the beauty of the stone. We also know to be weary of the bowtie effect that is commonly seen with this cut and that this cut demands a higher quality stone. Finally, we know that the ideal setting for a Pear cut stone is a 6 prong setting.
But wait – don’t run to your nearest jeweller quite yet. Before you run out your door, here are a few additional tid bits to keep in mind:
1. If your Radiant cut stone is a diamond, deal only with reputable jewellers that will provide IGA certification.
2. If you’re buying a used or antique diamond studded ring, don’t listen to number one. The IGA hasn’t been around forever and diamonds have. Instead, in the instances of antique or used diamonds, ask for a certificate of authenticity or professional appraisal of the diamond you’re buying.
3. If a colored, or colorless, gemstone is you’re thing, we’re into it. Check out our extensive gemstone directory for ways to ensure your are purchasing the best quality authentic gemstone for your ring.
4. It never hurts to get a second opinion – if you’re confident in your purchase, this isn’t necessary, but if you’re like us and like play it safe, take your purchase to a professional jeweller or gemologist for a second opinion as to the quality of your stone.
5. You’re getting married! This should be the most rewarding and enjoyable experience in your life to date – while we absolutely promote the idea that knowledge is important, and that you should be well informed, we also want you to remember not to lose sight of your excitement and joy, so go on, go shopping for your engagement or wedding ring and don’t forget to have fun with it!