Pear Diamond

The pear shape (also called the teardrop) combines a rounded end with a single pointed tip, creating a unique silhouette that elongates the finger. It offers excellent brilliance and a larger face-up appearance than many shapes of equal carat weight.

Is a pear diamond a good choice?

Pear diamonds are known for very high brilliance with 58 facets. They're popular for engagement rings and pendants. Here are the trade-offs.

Why people love it

+Appears significantly larger face-up than rounds of equal carat weight
+Creates an elegant finger-lengthening effect when worn point-up
+Very versatile. Works as a center stone, pendant, earring, or side stone
+Strong brilliance approaching that of round brilliant
+20-30% more affordable than comparable round brilliants

Things to know

−Pointed tip is vulnerable to chipping if not protected by the setting
−Bow-tie effect is common and must be evaluated visually
−Symmetry issues are more apparent than in symmetrical shapes
−Color can concentrate at the pointed tip, so you may need a higher color grade

How big is a pear diamond? (MM to carat)

A 1-carat pear diamond measures approximately 8.0 x 5.5 mm. Here are the most common sizes from 0.25 ct to 5 ct.

Carat Weight	Size (mm)
0.25 ct	5.0 x 3.3 mm
0.33 ct	5.5 x 3.6 mm
0.5 ct	6.5 x 4.3 mm
0.75 ct	7.5 x 5.0 mm
1 ct	8.0 x 5.5 mm
1.25 ct	8.5 x 5.8 mm
1.5 ct	9.0 x 6.0 mm
2 ct	10.0 x 6.7 mm
2.5 ct	10.8 x 7.1 mm
3 ct	11.5 x 7.5 mm
4 ct	12.5 x 8.3 mm
5 ct	13.5 x 9.0 mm

View full pear size chart → with all sizes from melee to 5+ carats.

How to buy a pear diamond

•Always ensure the setting protects the pointed tip. A V-prong or bezel tip is essential
•Symmetry is critical: both shoulders and wings should mirror each other precisely
•Request video to evaluate bow-tie severity. A faint bow-tie is acceptable, a dark one is not
•Color tends to concentrate at the tip, so consider staying at G or above in white metals
•L/W ratios of 1.50-1.65 offer the most balanced classic teardrop shape
•When worn as a ring, the traditional orientation is point facing the fingertip
•Check that the rounded end is truly round, not flat or squared. This indicates poor cutting

What makes a pear diamond unique?

The pear shape was invented in 1458 by Flemish diamond cutter Lodewyk van Berquem, making it one of the oldest fancy shapes in existence. Its hybrid design merges elements of the round brilliant (at the rounded end) and the marquise (at the pointed tip), resulting in a modified brilliant cut with strong light performance and a distinctive teardrop outline. One of the pear shape's most important quality factors is symmetry. The pointed tip should align precisely with the apex of the rounded end, and the two curved sides (known as 'shoulders' and 'wings') should mirror each other exactly. Asymmetry in a pear shape is far more visible than in most other shapes because the eye naturally traces the outline from point to curve. A bow-tie effect is also common in pears, similar to ovals and marquises, and should be evaluated through video or in-person inspection. Pears are extremely versatile. They work as engagement ring center stones (point facing the fingertip), as pendants (point facing down), and as side stones flanking a larger center diamond. In the trade, well-cut pears with good symmetry command a slight premium over average specimens, but the shape as a whole runs 20-30% below round brilliant pricing. Their elongated profile also makes them appear larger face-up than rounds of equal carat weight, offering strong perceived value for size-conscious buyers.

How much does a pear diamond cost?

Pear diamonds are priced at 20-30% less than round brilliant. Price depends on carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality. For a personalized estimate, use our diamond price estimator.

Estimate pear diamond price →

Technical Specifications

Facets: 58
Brilliance: very high
L:W Ratio: 1.45:1 to 1.75:1 (classic teardrop), with 1.50-1.65:1 most popular

Diamond Buying Guide·All Diamond Shapes·Price Estimator·Pear Size Chart

Last updated: 2026-08-12

At a Glance

Price vs Round: 20-30% less than round brilliant
Popularity: Moderate popularity (approximately 4-6% of engagement ring sales)
Sparkle: very high

Best For

engagement ringspendantsdrop earringsside stones in three-stone ringssolitaire settings

Setting Ideas

Solitaire with a V-prong at the tip. Protects the point while maintaining clean lines
Halo that follows the teardrop contour and adds perceived size
Three-stone with smaller pears or round side stones
Bezel at the tip with prongs at the round end for a hybrid approach
Pendant setting (the classic orientation for pear-shaped diamonds)
Cathedral setting with a V-prong tip for added protection and height

Related Shapes

Frequently asked questions

Is a pear shaped diamond a good choice?

Yes. Pear shapes offer strong brilliance and appear significantly larger face-up than rounds of equal carat weight, while costing 20 to 30% less per carat. They create an elegant finger-lengthening effect and work as center stones, pendants, or side stones. Symmetry and bow-tie severity require careful visual evaluation before you buy.

How big is a 1-carat pear shaped diamond?

A 1-carat pear shaped diamond measures approximately 8.0 x 5.5 mm. The elongated teardrop outline spreads weight across a larger surface area than a round, giving strong perceived size for the carat weight.

How much does a pear shaped diamond cost?

Pear shaped diamonds typically run 20 to 30% less per carat than comparable round brilliants. Well-cut pears with excellent symmetry may command a slight premium, but the shape as a whole remains a strong value for size-conscious buyers.

What is the best setting for a pear shaped diamond?

A solitaire with a V-prong at the pointed tip is the classic ring setting and protects the most vulnerable part of the stone. A halo that follows the teardrop contour adds perceived size, while a pendant setting is the traditional choice when the pear is worn as a necklace.

Which way should a pear shaped diamond face?

On a ring, the traditional orientation is point facing the fingertip, which creates a flattering finger-lengthening effect. As a pendant, the point typically faces downward with the rounded lobes at the top. Either orientation works, but the ring convention is point-down toward the nail.