Are Pear Shaped Engagement Rings Popular?

Pear shaped engagement rings are said to symbolise tears of joy.

Tears of Joy.

Let that sink in.

Is there anything more perfect to encapsulate the emotions of the proposal than a diamond shaped like the tears you definitely cried? (sidenote; I didn’t cry, I stood in shock. So don’t fret if you’re worried about not crying, the ring can be your tears).

Choosing the right engagement ring can be overwhelming. From traditional round diamonds, oval shaped, or trendy cushion cuts, the possibilities are endless. One shape that’s cropping up more frequently in google search is the teardrop.

Teardrop or pear cut diamonds – there is no difference FYI – offer a unique and stylish look that set them apart from other popular diamond shapes. Although it should be noted they can be fussy little buggers.

And today we’re going to do a deep dive to answer any and all questions to may have before making your decision.

What is a Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring?

Distinctive is the first word that comes to mind. Thinking of engagement rings, the first shapes that come to mind are oval, baguette, round diamonds, and obviously my own.

A pear-shaped engagement ring stands out. It’s different. It is cut into an elongated teardrop shape featuring a rounded bottom with a pointed end, giving it a sophisticated yet unconventional modern look.

The History of Pear-Shaped Engagement Rings

Most are swayed by the look and style of the diamond itself, but there are other factors that come into play. For some, the story behind the ring, having a small backstory helps. And, as we all know, once a diamond gets flashed, thats the topic of conversation for the next 10 minutes.

So here’s the T on teardrops.

Pear shaped diamonds were first introduced in the 1400s. As if it wasn’t enough for Lodewyk van Bercken to revolutionise the diamond industry by inventing the scaif (diamond polisher) he then went on to cut the first pear shaped diamond.

It didn’t take long for teardrop diamonds to spread and start gracing the hands of high society and royalty.

It wasn’t until the 1700s that pear diamonds became popular in engagement rings. Its exclusive shape, a combination of round and marquise, meant it cropped up more frequently on ring fingers.

Over time, the popularity of pear engagement rings has ebbed and flowed. In the 1980s and 1990s, the round cut diamond was the more popular choice. However, pear engagement rings have seen a resurgence of popularity and are making a comeback.

Why Pear-Shaped Diamonds are Popular

Slimmer Hands

The elongated pointed end of pear-cut stones can make fingers appear longer and more slender. The shape of a pear is designed to fit the natural curves of a finger, creating an elegant look that is sure to draw admiration.

For those with longer fingers or piano hands, the large surface area can take up more space, making the diamond seem larger – just remember to flip it so the pointed end is facing towards you and the rounded end of the stone pointed towards your nails.

Larger Surface Area

A larger surface area than other popular shapes means many are being drawn to the teardrop. Pear shaped diamonds can appear larger than their actual carat weight. And in this economy… we’ll take it.

Cost Benefits

Depending on where you shop, pear-shaped stones can be less expensive (by up to 35%) than round diamonds, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget. Coupled with the “larger surface area” we think it’s a win.

Versatility

Teardrops can be worn either way, with the point facing towards or away from you. They’ve been dubbed mood rings – maybe a secret code between you and your future groom.

Hidden Inclusions

Pear shaped stones hide their inclusions better than any other shape, so you can drop down the scale a bit on that front and push up on carat or size.

Asymmetrical Shape

The combination of two classic cuts – round brilliant and pear shape marquise cuts – means this shape is a designers playground. If you’re fashion forward and really like to make a statement, a pear diamond may be the one for you.

Flexibility

In addition to being beautiful, pear-shaped diamonds are incredibly versatile. They can easily be paired with other stones or stand alone as a solitaire, single-stone, ring.

They can also be designed to feature accent stones, halos, hidden halos, or set in any type of metal; white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold. No matter what style you choose, pear shape rings look stunning in any combination.

Pear shaped engagement rings can also be very adaptable when it comes to pairing with other jewelry pieces. This shape pairs well with pretty much any wedding band, and even look great when stacked with other rings. This allows you to create a look that perfectly reflects your unique style.

Celeb Endorsement

I don’t pay too much heed to gossip mags. They’re mostly clickbait, fluff pieces with nothing to say. But when a celeb engagement ring pops up? I’m on the page before I’ve even read the title. I could oogle their engagement rings all day (because lets face it, it’s unlikely I’ll ever afford a rock that size).

The teardrop has certainly made its way onto the red carpet. The list includes Jessica Simpson, Mia Farrow, Cardi B, Sophie Turner, Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton, and Katherine Heigl – all spotted wearing pear-shaped stones on their ring fingers.

Pete Davidson famously proposed to Ariana Grande with a pear-shaped diamond ring, while Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldridge received a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring from her husband, Caleb Followill.

Princess Charlene of Monaco, the wife of Prince Albert II, wears a stunning pear-shaped engagement ring with a diamond halo. The pear shape of the diamond is said to be a nod to the shape of the country of Monaco, which is known for its dramatic coastline.

Another famous pear-shaped engagement ring is a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor. The diamond, weighing in at an astonishing 68 carats, is one of the largest pear-cut diamonds in the world. Elizabeth Taylor famously shed “tears of joy” upon receiving this magnificent ring, which is now known as the Taylor-Burton diamond.

Are Pear Engagement Rings Popular?

Popular is a strong word. Growing in popularity? Yes. Gracing the hand of every bride to be? No. Maybe that’s why they’re growing in popularity. More and more of us want to stand out in our choices and a teardrop diamond is one way to do that.

For many, not following the beaten path is the best option. Some opt to design the ring themselves, others opt for stones that aren’t diamonds (opal isn’t bad luck btw). Halos, hidden halos, pave bands, mixed metals, engravings; the options for personalising your ring are endless.

Things to Look Out For when Buying a Pear Diamond

I did mention at the beginning that pear shapes can be fussy buggers. While there’s a lot to love, there are a few things that you should probably take heed of to ensure it’s a love that lasts.

The Bow Tie

Some go out of their way to find a diamond with a bowtie. However, most would agree that it’s a flaw. Technically called light leaking, it is an effect seen in the pear diamond when viewed from a certain angle but it can be avoided.

It happens because there are dark spots in the diamond that don’t reflect light when seen with the naked eye. It can give the overall diamond a dull appearance – less light reflecting equals less sparkle.

Point Protection

Teardrop diamonds are most fragile at the pointed end. Diamonds are strong, very strong, but the length and shape of the pear diamond leaves it more susceptible to breakage than other shapes.

Ensure that the point is covered, and protected, by a halo, bezel setting, or a prong, preferably a V-shaped one that cradles both edges.

The Prongs

When choosing a pear-shaped engagement ring, always consider the prong settings. A prong setting is the most common type of setting for pear-cut stones, and it holds the diamond in place with four or six prongs.

Your jeweller is the most important person when deciding what to buy. They’ll be able to run you through the pros and cons. Just make sure, you know what to ask and that they’re happy to answer. Otherwise just walk away.

Color Concerns

What colour you choose will be dependent on budget and personal preference. It’s worth noting, though, that pear shaped diamonds may seem darker at the pointed end. This can often be mitigated by choosing a different color grade.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Are pear shaped engagement rings the right shape for your proposal? Only you and/or your future bride can decide that.

It’s safe to say they’re a good choice for those looking for something different to the traditional options. If you’re choosing for someone else and you’re not sure, you may be better suited to something more classic.

If you have any questions, pop them in the comments and I’ll come back to you as soon as I can. Alternatively, just ask your local jeweller or pop them a message. Most are happy to help