Pear Shaped Engagement Rings

Don’t want to be just like everybody else? More couples are now choosing this special ring shape to stand out from the crowd. Such as? Well, actress Katherine Heigl chose a 3-carat pear shaped engagement ring. (a special touch is that a portion of the platinum in the band was from her mother’s engagement ring). Other celebs reported with the pear shape ring include Jessica Simpson, Ana Kournikova and Gong Li.

What makes these rings special?   

This rings’ cut keeps the beauty of the classic round shape, but adds the special touch of the marquise which tapers one side to a fine point. This creates a unique look and is also called the tear shaped ring. It is considered a sophisticated and very feminine look.

Using such “fancy” cuts, the cutter is able to make the most of the diamond’s carat weight, and can add another fifty per cent to the stone’s brilliance.

Usually the pear shaped ring is a diamond solitaire. The diamond’s length and size is enhanced most often by being set perpendicular to the ring’s band. And they are most often found in the prong and tiffany settings.

What to look for: 

• The length to width ratio. Depends on what you like, but most choose a ratio between 1.50 and 1.70. Go beyond that and you run the risk of the diamond(s) being harder to set and not radiating as much.
• An even distribution of weight (since there is greater carat weight to the pear shape).
• Six prongs rather than three for holding the stone firmly.
• A v-shaped prong to protect the sharp point of the diamond.
• Equal symmetry on both sides of the pear shape.
• The overall quality of the color, clarity and grade.

How to wear the ring: 

Which way do I wear the ring, with the point of the ring toward me or away? It’s up to you, but if the stone is quite large, it might not be comfortable wearing it pointing toward you. And, many women like the appearance of a longer finger with the point facing away. With a bridal set, the wedding band goes on first and then the pear ring.

Summary: 

The pear shaped engagement ring is rich with history (invented in 1458 in Belgium by Lodewyk van Berquem). And it’s not just used for engagement rings. You’ll find this cut in dangling earrings and pendants, as well as the main gem in gemstone rings accented with other diamonds. Pear shaped jewelry make special engagement and anniversary gifts.

But back to rings, the Taylor-Burton pear shaped engagement ring is one of the most famous. From South Africa, it was over 240 carats and was cut to a pear shape of about 70 carats. It set Richard Burton back over a million dollars when he gave it to Elizabeth Taylor. When he died, it sold for nearly three million dollars!

You don’t have to spend that much to have a beautiful, unique engagement ring and there are a lot of variations on the pear shaped engagement rings that you’ll likely want to see. 

If you'd like to continue your research, there are a number of good sources including Blue Nile, Amazon and several online jewerly stores.

This website has expanded to include information about other types and cuts of engagement rings.

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