Pear vs Oval Cut Diamond: Which One to Choose?

One of the most alluring objects on this earth is the diamond. They are so elegant, beautiful, and charming that they always enhance the beauty of the wearer. Their glamour sure adds much more class and character to any outfit or look without any issues.

The nature of diamonds is such that it effortlessly blends into any kind of jewelry one desires. Any kind of jewelry like earrings, bracelets, necklaces or rings, can adorn this beautiful gem without reducing its beauty in the slightest.

The versatility of diamonds is one such thing that further enhances their beauty. They seamlessly blend into any kind of metal, jewelry, and outfit. They go with every kind of occasion- classic, fancy, modern, casual, or even traditional.

One factor which is the reason for the beauty of the diamond is its cut. The cut of the diamond depends on craftsmanship and is one of the most important factors determining the brilliance of the diamond. 

There are particularly four factors that affect the brilliance of a gem, also known as the 4C’s of a diamond, which are- Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. The brilliance of the diamond is affected by the cut as it directly impacts the amount of light reflected internally from facets of the diamond.

A diamond cut is what corresponds to its shape and based on these facets and the shapes, there are various types of cuts, in which diamonds can be available. Some of the famous diamond cuts include – Round brilliant (the most common type of cut), Pear-cut, Marquise cut, Oval cut, Princess-cut diamond, Cushion cut, Emerald cut, Radiant-cut, and an Asscher-cut diamond. We shall explain all this in more detail further. 

Pear-Cut Diamond vs Oval Cut Diamond

Now coming to the topic at hand. Which type of diamond cut is better: pear or oval? From an individual’s perspective, it completely depends on what you think looks better. But from a jewelers perspective, the technicalities of the diamonds may state otherwise. So, let us dig deep and get to know the specific characteristics of the pear cut diamond and the oval cut diamond.

What Are Oval Cut Diamonds?

Looking for a fancy and unique kind of shape that is classy in style, then oval cut diamonds are the way to go. The delicate curved form of the diamond cut is also a symbolism of the delicate nature of love. 

It is a kind of beautiful diamond cut that looks larger than it actually is and adds an impact as an unconventional alternative. They appear larger than similar brilliant round cuts.

Oval cuts are also preferred due to their shape, owing to less chipping or damage, due to no presence of corners or edges in the shape.

Shape	Carat	Cut	Color	Clarity	Price
oval	2.01	Ideal	G	VS2	$1579 $1128	View
oval	2.07	Ideal	F	VVS2	$2355 $1682	View
oval	2.06	Ideal	H	VS1	$1457 $1041	View
oval	2.06	Ideal	E	VS2	$2155 $1539	View
oval	2.00	Excellent	F	VS1	$2155 $1539	View
oval	2.04	Ideal	D	VS1	$2447 $1748	View
oval	2.07	Ideal	F	VS1	$2048 $1463	View
oval	2.10	Ideal	D	VS2	$2128 $1520	View
oval	2.00	Ideal	F	SI1	$1203 $859	View
oval	2.08	Ideal	E	VS1	$3514 $2510	View
oval	2.04	Ideal	E	VS2	$1618 $1156	View
oval	2.00	Ideal	G	VS1	$1607 $1148	View
oval	2.02	Ideal	F	VS1	$2085 $1489	View
oval	2.07	Ideal	G	VVS2	$1816 $1297	View
oval	2.06	Ideal	G	VS2	$1617 $1155	View
oval	2.10	Ideal	H	VS1	$1744 $1246	View
oval	2.02	Ideal	F	VS1	$2001 $1429	View
oval	2.04	Ideal	D	VS2	$2842 $2030	View
oval	2.07	Ideal	E	SI1	$2754 $1967	View
oval	2.07	Ideal	G	VS2	$1708 $1220	View

What Are Pear Cut Diamonds?

A vintage and romantic piece of jewelry, overcoming time and impacting its ageless beauty. This is the pear cut that stays a true classic for a length of time.
A true pear cut diamond is a combination of a round brilliant cut and a marquise cut diamond. 

The shape represents a teardrop, symbolizing sensitivity. The form is curved and enlarged at the bottom and the tip is pointed. The sensitivity it symbolizes is a standing honor of the romanticism it characterizes. This sensitivity is the gist of the connection of emotions.

Shape	Carat	Cut	Color	Clarity	Price
pear	2.04	Ideal	G	VS1	$3109 $2221	View
pear	2.10	Ideal	E	VVS2	$2456 $1754	View
pear	2.01	Ideal	H	VS2	$1424 $1017	View
pear	2.00	Ideal	E	VVS2	$2862 $2044	View
pear	2.03	Ideal	F	VS1	$2185 $1561	View
pear	2.07	Ideal	F	VS2	$2201 $1572	View
pear	2.00	Ideal	G	SI1	$1362 $973	View
pear	2.10	Ideal	F	VS1	$2260 $1614	View
pear	2.01	Ideal	E	VS1	$2215 $1582	View
pear	2.03	Ideal	F	VS1	$3244 $2317	View
pear	2.01	Ideal	D	VS2	$1982 $1416	View
pear	2.04	Ideal	F	VS2	$1603 $1145	View
pear	2.00	Ideal	E	VS1	$2645 $1889	View
pear	2.09	Ideal	G	VS1	$1520 $1086	View
pear	2.01	Ideal	G	VS1	$1821 $1301	View
pear	2.02	Ideal	F	VS1	$2176 $1554	View
pear	2.07	Ideal	E	VS1	$2545 $1818	View
pear	2.00	Ideal	G	SI1	$1242 $887	View
pear	2.00	Ideal	H	VS1	$1319 $942	View
pear	2.01	Ideal	E	SI1	$1663 $1188	View

History of Oval-Cut Diamonds

Oval-cut diamonds are a classy way to chisel a diamond, while also being unique due to their symmetrical design. The elongated length makes the diamond appear larger than it is.

The modern literature of the 19th century made it fashionable, but it was not that influential back then. The modern oval cut with more facets was brought about as a design for diamonds with larger inclusions. 

They were brought about in the 1960s, by a Russian diamond cutter named Lazare Kaplan. He was born into a jewel family. In fact, his uncle famously designed the Ideal Cut of a diamond.

Kaplan was excellent at cutting diamonds and particularly excelled in cleaving, which is basically cutting flawed diamonds into smaller diamonds. They would be of very little worth until he came along and added the value they deserved. 

He worked on these so-called less worthy pieces, to make them appear as an alluring gemstones. It was an art for him, that made the diamonds beautiful in the end. Then he designed the oval cut which masks the imperfections of diamonds. Kaplan included more facets which make the diamond reflect more light and hence appear more bright.

The cut pattern along with the combination of the elongated shape allowed the diamond to hide its imperfections, while also looking larger than a similar carat round brilliant cut diamond.

History of Pear-Cut Diamonds

Pear cuts are a romantic set of cuts that are unconventional due to their uneven shape. They are in the form of a teardrop, rounded at the base and pointed at the top.

The pear cut was first introduced by Lodewyk van Bercken, who was from Belgium. He is known to introduce the diamond cut in the 1400s. 

He was a diamond polisher who was also known for his other achievements. Lodewyk is known to introduce a diamond polishing machine which is known as the Scaif. The Scaif has laid the foundation for the modern form of the pear cut diamond, as it allowed for symmetrical cuts to be made on the diamonds.

He is also credited for the use of symmetry which he enabled through Scaif. He encouraged the cut to be in such a way that it enhanced the shine and brilliance of the diamond. Even a dull diamond could be enhanced with this cut.

It was not commonly made, due to the number of facets of the diamond as well as the efforts needed to cut the diamond into the pear cut. 

To generate the pear form of the diamond, the rough stone needs to go through a cutting and chipping process which results in a great loss of raw diamond. There are 58 facets that enhance the look of the teardrop-shaped diamond cut.

Physical Appearance of Pear vs Oval Diamonds

Pear-shaped diamonds are worn when the wearer desires a feminine and delicate appearance. The highlighted base of the pear cut diamond tends to make fingers appear much more delicate and slimmer.

The L/W (Length/Width) proportion of the pear cut diamond ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 is the ratio of the most elegant pear cut gem. The classic symbolism of the pear-shaped diamond as a teardrop is the reason for it being more preferred in engagement rings.

Pear is a much more classic and antique kind of cut. Pear diamonds are a unique cut and very much preferred for the classic vintage elegance that pear cut jewelry provides.

The oval cut is an elongated circle sort of shape. This elongated appearance makes the bearer’s fingers look longer than they are. The thin form of the oval tends to apply its characteristic to the wearer.

The size ratio (L/W) of an oval cut diamond is from 1.5 to 1.7. This ratio is the ideal size and helps bring out the most of the diamond cut. This cut is an ideal look for outdoor wear since it has minimal chances of damage during any kind of vigorous activity.

An oval-cut diamond is very unique and charming, with a bit of a modern edge. Oval is a classic piece recommended for regular wear as it can cope with rough activities as well as go around as a nice piece of gem that can be paired with any metal.

Due to the strikingly symmetrical design of the form, it is a preferred gem cut than pear.

Diamond Shape vs Diamond Cut

The shape of a diamond and the cut of a diamond are two separate things, which are often confused with one another. The shape or form is the outline of an object, specifically here the diamond outline. The shapes range from round brilliant, pear, and cushion shapes.

The cut of the diamond affects the brilliance of the gem and is of very high-quality importance. This is affected by the quality of several things- namely the number of facets, the symmetry carved by the craftsman, the dimensions of the gem, and the reflective quality of the diamond.

Intricacy and cut of the gem, directly impact the refracting light and fire of the diamond.

The refraction of light internally is termed brilliance while fire is known as the division of the white light into a spectrum of different colors, technically speaking 7 colors. The intricacy and minuteness of the cuts allow for a more brilliant and impactful diamond.

What Are the Cut Defects Found in Pear vs Oval Cut Diamonds?

Pear Cut Defects

The tip of the pear cut is one of the most important parts which needs to be looked after. The delicate nature of it can lead to the chipping of the sharp edges of the stone.

Due to irregular and uneven craftsmanship, we observe that sometimes that can lead to asymmetry in the form and cut. These minute and delicate mishaps can lead to a very huge difference in the brilliance and cut of the stone.

These obstacles appear in craftsmanship due to an unusually high level of intricacy required in the skill. The exact dimensions of the crown and pavilion are not known, hence leading to workability issues.

Oval Cut Defects

The most prominent defect in the oval cut is the bow-tie effect. This effect has a bowtie-shaped black band in the center of the gem. It can occur due to the elongated shape of the gem and also uneven or irregular craftsmanship in the cut of the gem.

The impact of the effect and visibility can vary from diamond to diamond and how delicately it has been crafted.

Pear vs Oval in Jewelry: Which One Looks Better?

Pear Cut

Pear cut diamonds look beautiful paired with all kinds of metals. Using a white metal lays back the metal and gives a central position to the diamond while letting it enhance itself. White metals let the diamonds cut and set be of utmost importance. Some white metals which are used are silver, platinum, and white gold.

This antique cut looks fashionable and vintage with gold, as the yellow hue adds a touch of antiquity to the jewelry. Sometimes the quality of the diamond is not pure and can lead to a yellowish tint in the shade of the diamond, thus using a yellow metal can help cover up the quality of the diamond.

Rose gold is another unconventional metal, which is romantic and classic. The symbolism of a romantic with a romantic cut is something that is suitable for a wedding engagement ring. The symbolism enhances one another, thus making it apt for the occasion.

Oval Cut

This stunning cut is a timeless piece that looks utterly beautiful in any kind of metal as well as any jewelry.

It is ideal to use the best kind of cut in white metal, because white metals like silver, white gold or platinum, tend to highlight the gem very powerfully.

If one chooses to go for lesser brilliant shades of the oval cut, they can opt for the yellow gold or even rose gold. Since these metal hues tend to subdue the flaws in the brilliance of the gem, they are very apt to be used for lesser brilliant diamonds.

Best Oval Cut Diamond Settings

The oval is a cut that is an immediate choice after the round, as it is as versatile and accommodating as the round itself.

Oval Prong Setting

The oval cut is a cut highlighted in most of the settings. Particularly the prong setting is of much relevance since it tends to highlight the form of the oval while retaining the brilliance of the cut. The prong setting can have either 4 or 6 prongs to hold the diamond in position. The more the number of prongs, the safer the diamond is.

Oval Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is also one which highlights the form and shape of the oval cut diamond, while safely securing the diamond in position.

Oval Halo Setting

The halo setting is one that can make any diamond look more beautiful than it already is. The smaller diamonds add a classic essence to the oval cut.

Best Pear Cut Diamond Settings

The pear cut is generally worn in rings by women, to provide a slender and delicate edge to the fingers

Pear Bezel Setting

The delicate nature of the diamond prompts a safer fitting like a bezel. In the bezel, the ring of metal around the diamond safeguards the gem.

Pear Halo Setting

In halo, a line or two of smaller diamonds guard the main diamond. The point of the stone will not project out due to the settings and hence provide more safety to the gem.

Pear Prong Setting

Prong is another option that is a beautiful setting for the pear. The maximum number of prongs is 6, where 3 take care of the bulge and the rest three focus on the tip. The tip is protected by a v prong, which prevents the gem from chipping. The v prong protects the gem as well fabrics from being hung onto the sharp point.

Another setting, which is a 5 prong setting, is very similar to the 6 prong setting. In this setting, the lowest prong on the bulge is removed and the 5 others remain intact.

Prong is not a particularly safe setting for a pointed gem cut like the pear cut and can lead to chipping of the stone, or any other damage due to the pointed tip. Thus, it is advisable to take care while choosing the setting.

Conclusion

The pear and oval diamond cuts are equally elegant and classy in their unconventional way. Both of these cuts are different and thus are uniquely beautiful in all kinds of settings and jewelry.

There is some difference in designs and settings due to the symmetry, which impacts the wearer and the viewer. But, both of them have a classic edge to them based on the symbolism of engagement rings.

The beauty of these diamond cuts is ravishing and can be a very important characteristic to complement the outfit or even something as the lifelong promise of an engagement ring. Both these cuts make for a gorgeous diamond that is unique and versatile to be fit in any style of jewelry.