The Complete Guide to Pear Shaped Engagement Ring

THE BASICS--

A pear-shaped engagement ring can be an unusual and romantic choice for any bride to be with a personal flair for the unique and eye-catching. These subtle meaning in the stone’s shape and the rich history of these rings add even more layers to its symbolism, providing a distinguished and elegant look to be cherished for many happy years.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About the Pear Shape Diamond
• Proportion and Bow Tie
• Carat Weight
• Meaning and Symbolism
• Taylor-Burton Diamond
• Finding a Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring
• Vintage 
  
• Which Way Should You Wear a Pear-Shaped Ring?

About the Pear Shape Diamond?

A pear-shaped diamond or gemstone combines the best of the round brilliant cut with the tapered marquise. Pear shapes are round at one end and tapered at the other, with a total of 58 facets for the ultimate sparkle and brilliance. Also called the pear cut, teardrop, or tear-shaped cut, this cut was first designed in the mid-1400s, and even centuries later remains a popular option for elegant rings.

Proportion and Bow Tie

There is no single proportion that is ideal for pear-shaped stones, though a width-to-length ratio of 1:1.5 is considered the most brilliant and aesthetically pleasing choice. There are “fatter”, "flatter" and “slimmer” pear shapes available, however, and the choice of stone shape is largely a matter of personal preference. Some pear shapes may contain a "bow tie" which will be caused by the depth of the individual stone. The overall curvature, however, should be aligned so that the sharp tip of the stone is in a straight line with the center of the rounded lobe, or else the shape may appear lopsided and its brilliance can be compromised.

Carat Weight

Pear-shaped diamonds and gemstones are available in a wide range of carat weights. Because of their elongated shape, they often appear larger than round or princess-cut stones of equal carat weight, making them an appealing option for budget-conscious couples. Original vintage pear shaped engagement rings are particularly distinctive in Art Deco and Mid-Century designs, where the teardrop silhouette complements both geometric and streamlined settings.

Meaning and Symbolism

Because the pear shape is more unique, it often represents the strong will, empowerment, independence, and unique style of its wearer. These stones are also said to symbolize tears of joy or wedding tears, both appropriate choices for an engagement ring. Each individual pear shape engagement ring stone will have it's own individuality, spiritual meanings and timeless history.

Taylor-Burton Diamond

There is an undeniable glamour to a pear-shaped diamond, thanks in part to its most famous example — the Taylor-Burton Diamond. This extraordinary 69-carat stone was purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor in 1969. Originally mounted in a ring, its remarkable size made it impractical for everyday wear, and it was eventually reset into a diamond necklace. Pear-shaped diamonds also became a distinctive choice in 1960s vintage engagement rings, reflecting the decade's growing interest in elongated diamond shapes and elegant, streamlined settings. The Hollywood connection of the Taylor-Burton Diamond continues to lend pear-shaped engagement rings a touch of silver-screen glamour.

Finding a Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring

While pear-shaped diamonds and gemstones have been rare in the past, they are becoming increasingly popular thanks to the engagement rings and glittering accessories of many celebrity trendsetters. Victoria Beckham, Mia Farrow, Jessica Simpson, Ariana Grande, Kaley Cuoco, and Princess Charlene of Monaco are just a few discriminating women who prefer pear-shaped diamonds, and anyone who shares their fine tastes should be looking for their own pear-shaped engagement ring.

Vintage

While some modern rings do incorporate pear-shaped diamonds and gemstones, many socially- conscious couples are turning to vintage rings as a sustainable alternative to modern jewelry practices. Pear-shaped diamonds are regularly seen in vintage pieces, particularly in Art Deco engagement rings where the unique pear shape is used to mimic geometric patterns, as well as in Victorian engagement rings where floral and leaf patterns are popular.

Mid-century engagement rings often feature pear-shaped stones as well, and they’re popular in halo ring designs or as solitaires framed with baguettes for additional length and sparkle. In addition to pear-shaped center stones, this diamond shape is also popular as an accent. Pear-shaped diamonds and gemstones often frame more severe shapes such as marquise or princess-cut stones, and they’re also popular side stones to oval shapes.

Which Way Should You Wear a Pear-Shaped Ring?

Pear-shaped diamonds can be worn in either orientation along the finger. Most wearers opt to have the pointed end of the stone facing the fingernails, which provides an elongating effect to the finger especially suited to small hands or shorter fingers. This also gives the stone its classic “tear” shape when the wearer holds up their hand to admire the ring. Yet the ring can also be worn with the rounded end toward the fingernail – it is only a matter of personal preference and how the ring most comfortably fits.

Suzanne Sachs

If you love vintage jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection.