This shape is seen in many large diamonds, and
its flashes of rainbow-colored dispersion are noticeable even from a distance.
Pear shapes (sometimes called "teardrops" or "tear shapes") are conspicuous among the large-sized diamonds currently being polished. This shape looks larger than a round of the same weight, and large diamond crystals can be efficiently polished as pear shapes. Large pear shapes are often set as the center diamond in necklaces and tiaras. A pear-shaped diamond set in a tiara will sparkle brilliantly with rainbow-colored dispersion as the wearer moves, and will be noticeable even from a distance of 30 feet or more. Diamonds possess considerable beauty just as they are, but there is no doubting the unmistakable beauty that pear shapes exhibit when they are viewed in motion.
About 80 percent of the large diamonds seen at the auctions of Christie's and Sotheby's are fancy shapes, such as the rectangular emerald cuts and old cushion shapes. Among those, however, are many pear shapes put up for sale in sizes of 10 carats to 30 carats. At auctions such as these, diamond grading reports accompany each diamond. Although these reports serve as a reference in understanding market prices, there are substantial differences in beauty among stones of the same color and clarity grades. When purchasing at an auction, it is therefore important to get an expert opinion and to check the pieces for yourself beforehand.
As with other shapes of diamonds, the quality of a pear shape lies in its high transparency, the balance between its brilliance and multi-colored dispersion, the quality of its overall appearance, and the scintillation seen as the stone moves. In practice, diamond dealers will confirm beauty through comparison with their on-hand inventory or master stones. Since appearances change depending on lighting, always checking against comparison stones is a critical step in confirming beauty. The way to make the best choice is to close attention to their appearance, and to select the diamond that you think is the most attractive.
CUT:FACE-UP OUTLINE CONSIDERATIONS
Descriptions of shape are used in combination with gemstone names, such as "pear-shaped diamond" or "oval ruby." This section considers the factors of face-up outline in shapes such as pears and ovals. An insight into the aspects of quality is necessary when judging gemstones, even if considering just the single aspect of shape. Actually, when arguing the merits of gemstone shapes, the face-up outline is closely connected to the gemstone's essential beauty. Symmetry is also important. Beauty cannot be measured strictly by whether there is a slight imperfection visible at 10-power magnification, or if the color grade happens to be H. In other words, there are many different stones with imperfections visible under magnification or with a color grade of H, and whether or not those factors adversely affect beauty varies on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, personal preference and compatibility with the jewelry's design are elements that must be taken into consideration. It would not be an exaggeration, however, to say that the quality of the face-up outline is key to the beauty of a gemstone.
Consider the two pear-shaped diamonds shown. The one on the left has a gentle pear-like shape, while the other appears to have stiff shoulders. A pear shape with a top half that curves in a perfect circle, like the one on the left, is considered the optimum shape. Though there may be room for disagreement, most people would judge the one on the left as more beautiful.
Of the two oval-shaped diamonds to the right, the one on the left has smooth curves that suggest a comfortable feeling of balance. On the other hand, the one on the right seems to have an unnatural shape. The difference becomes even more apparent when one imagines how each stone would appear when set in jewelry. To the jeweler whose policy is not to use poorly shaped stones like the oval on the right, such a stone has no value.
Whether the facets are placed accurately, whether they are polished flat, and whether they are finished with care- these are all consideration of cut. Trustworthy jewelers with strive to achieve consistent quality levels by establishing minimum acceptable standards for the gemstones they carry.
Crystals formed in nature come in an infinitive variety of sizes, colors, degree of imperfections, and shapes, so a cutter's relentless pursuit of the single perfect stone will never be successful. If a stone becomes too small from weight loss, it will end up an unattractive stone.
Pear Shapes: Face-Up Outline Considerations
Oval Shapes: Face-Up Outline Considerations
CUT:LENGTH-TO-WIDTH RATIO
Length-to-width ratio is a matter of personal preference: Individuals must make their own decisions regarding which shapes they like best. These "favorite" shapes will differ depending on how they are matched to the design of a piece of jewelry.
In the diagram below, the highlighted ratios are the ones most commonly encountered representative of each shape.
Each rough gemstone's character is brought out by the skill of a talented cutter, who fashions it into one of these wonderful shapes.
