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Courtesy of Material Good / Design by Michela Buttignol
There's no denying that pear-shaped engagement rings are experiencing a major comeback, and it's easy to see why: These stunning teardrop-shaped pieces are not only timeless and eye-catching, but they also elongate your finger for a flattering look. Plus, no matter the size, a pear-shaped diamond always seems to sparkle just a little bit more than its counterparts.
What Is a Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring?
Pear-shaped diamonds or gemstones have an elongated teardrop shape and are a combination of a marquise and oval cut.
For over 500 years, pear-shaped rings evolved and adapted to the ever-changing need for more modern touches. They came from marquise shapes, and today, there are pear-shaped engagement rings for every aesthetic, from minimal solitaires to vintage-inspired styles and unique takes with colorful gemstones. Then, there are super-unconventional settings, such as clusters, double-band rings, and off-kilter stones, that are ideal for those inclined to forego traditional engagement rings.
We spoke with industry experts and bling connoisseurs Ashley Zhang, Grace Lee, and Katie Zimmerman to explore all of the insider details about these teardrop-shaped stones.
Ahead, learn about the pros and cons of pear-shaped engagement rings, how to care for them, and more.
Pros and Cons of a Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring
"Because of their elongated shape, pear-cut diamonds show larger than some of the other diamond shapes, like a traditional round brilliant," says Lee. "Because of this, they can be a better value with a larger surface area."
Although pear-cut stones can appear larger per carat, their teardrop shape can also make them fragile. "[A pear-cut engagement ring] has a very small, pointy tip that can make it vulnerable to damage," Lee warns. To help protect the tip of your diamond, make sure a prong is set at the tip of the pear-shaped diamond. "Placing a prong or a v-prong on the point or choosing a bezel setting around the entire stone can help protect the tip of the stone from breaking or chipping with wear," explains Zhang.
"Since pear-shaped diamonds are not symmetrical—when comparing the pointed side and the rounded side—they can sometimes appear lopsided and heavy on one side," says Lee.
A pear shape can feel easily customizable, as it can be worn with the diamond facing up or down (north-south), horizontal (east-west), or slightly off-kilter.
What to Look for in a Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring
- What makes a pear-cut diamond high quality? "Pear-cut diamonds, like ovals, can have a 'bow tie' or a darker loss of light in the center of the stone," Zhang explains. "The bow tie on a well-cut pear-shaped diamond should be minimal, and the symmetry of the stone should be even and have nice proportions—not too long and skinny or too wide and stubby."
- What settings work for a pear-cut stone? "Traditionally, pear diamonds have been set in a north-south or east-west orientation," says Lee who, personally, likes to set pear diamonds at an off-angle in both prongs and bezel settings.
- What metals work best for pear-cut engagement rings? "All metals work with pear-cut diamonds," says Zhang, who notes these diamonds tend to show more color than other cuts. If you want your diamond to appear very bright—particularly when set in yellow or rose gold—opt for one with an H color (i.e., nearly colorless) or higher.
How to Care for Your Pear-Shaped Engagement Ring
To care for your pear-shaped engagement ring, Lee recommends using a soft baby toothbrush and an all-natural mixture of apple cider vinegar and baking soda to gently and safely clean your diamond.
Since pear-cut engagement rings can be susceptible to chipping and damage, it's important to always handle your ring with care. "For ongoing care specific to pear-shaped engagement rings, it's important to remember to remove the ring while being active or exercising. The elongated nature of the pear stone with the point at the end, which makes it so pretty, can also cause it to be the first thing that is impacted if a significant force hits it," warns Zimmerman. These safety precautions include regularly checking the security of the stones as well. "It is not uncommon for prongs to become loose over time with wear and checking them will make sure they are always secure."
Lastly, place your ring in a safe place, like a jewelry box or fabric-lined ring box, before partaking in any hand-heavy activities. "As a general rule of thumb, it's best to remove your ring when exercising, washing dishes, showering, baking, gardening, or putting makeup on. This will keep the ring shinier for longer, so you're spending less time cleaning the diamond and band," explains Zimmerman.
Sold on this beautiful teardrop shape? Keeping scrolling to see pear-shaped engagement rings for every style and budget.
Ashley Zhang Pear Cut Diamond Rolling Ring
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Courtesy of Ashley Zhang
This stunning ring is part of Ashley Zhang's signature hand-crafted rolling ring collection and features a pear-cut diamond set on a thin gold band. The two rings are attached and easily slip onto the finger.
Price at time of publish: $2,800
Bario Neal Custom Pear Cut Angled Diamond Ring
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Bario Neal
Featuring an heirloom pear-cut diamond and a tapered baguette diamond, this cluster ring is beyond breathtaking for the bride-to-be who loves a statement-making piece.
Price at time of publish: $14,000
Lizzie Mandler Pear Shaped White Diamond With Hidden Side Pave Halo
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Courtesy of Lizzie Mandler
This pear-shaped stunner features a white diamond in a simple yellow gold setting. A hidden side halo frames the center stone oh so beautifully.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
De Beers Old Bond Street Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of De Beers
Named after De Beers' flagship address, this piece pays homage to the house's very first diamond ring. Its dazzling pear-cut diamond is set in a platinum micropavé diamond band.
Price at time of publish: $72,000
Shahla Karimi Pear Pavé V Rose Gold Ring
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Courtesy of Shahla Karimi
This blissfully blush ring is perfect for the bride-to-be who is drawn to colors and non-traditional styles. This piece showcases a brilliant pear-cut diamond nestled in the corner of a pavé band.
Price at time of publish: $3,190
Catbird Leda the Swan Diamonds Pear-Shaped Ring
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Courtesy of Catbird
If delicate pieces are more your taste, opt for this simple yet striking ring from Catbird. Its rose-cut pear diamond has an heirloom feel to it and looks especially stunning when paired with a simple gold band.
Price at time of publish: $3,400
KatKim Duét Pear Pavé Ring
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Courtesy of KatKim
This duet ring is as sweet as ever for the romantic at heart. Featuring two kissing pear-cut stones, this piece is set on a shimmering micropavé diamond band.
Price at time of publish: $9,600
Vrai The Knife-Edge Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Vrai
Classic brides-to-be will love this ring for its timeless aesthetic, polished gold band, and elegant silhouette. This piece is also offered in platinum, white gold, and rose gold.
Price at time of publish: $3,550
Jade Trau Sadie Solitaire Ring
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Courtesy of Jade Trau
An off-kilter setting gives this solitaire ring some edge. Our favorite detail? The attached bands that frame and spotlight the diamond.
Price at time of publish: $3,650
Tiffany & Co. Pear-shaped Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
This perfectly tapered pear-shaped diamond ring is a combination of round brilliant and marquise cuts and is sure to catch the light at every angle. Wear yours with a matching plain or pavé diamond band.
Price at time of publish: $4,840+
Jennie Kwon Diamond Tilt Pear-Shaped Ring
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Courtesy of Jennie Kwon
For the bride-to-be who wants something understated and delicate, this design is sure to suit your pared-back aesthetic. Wear it on its own or stacked with other pieces.
Price at time of publish: $1,190
Finn Pavé Pear Rose-Cut Ring
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Courtesy of Finn
This ring is the perfect mix of whimsy and drama. Featuring a light-catching pear rose-cut diamond, the center stone hangs delicately from a pavé eternity band.
Price at time of publish: $3,300
Anna Sheffield Celestine Orbit Pear-Shaped Ring
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
For a one-of-a-kind look, how about this pear-shaped piece? Its sleek, v-shaped band is crafted from recycled gold and cradles a gorgeous rainbow moonstone.
Price at time of publish: $850
Anita Ko Two Stone Diamond Claw Ring
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Anita Ko
If you're looking for a unique engagement ring–make it this one. It's crafted with not one but two pear-cut diamonds and its claw design is stunning wrapped around any finger.
Price at time of publish: $4,575
Single Stone Janie Ring
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Courtesy of Single Stone
If you're a lover of all things antique, then you'll appreciate this unique ring that was converted from a vintage broach. The center stone is a pear-shaped rose-cut diamond set in an 18K yellow gold and silver mounting.
Price at time of publish: $7,800
Material Good Pear-Shape Engagement Ring With Diamond Pavé
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Courtesy of Material Good
This 7.38-carat pear-shaped diamond ring is seriously showstopping. The platinum handmade mounting, diamond pavé prongs, and band spotlight the center stone beautifully.
Price at time of publish: $87,400
Kwiat Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Kwiat
In a perfect teardrop shape and set in 18K rose gold, this diamond ring is as timeless as ever. We love it paired with a simple rose gold band for a pared-back yet elegant look.
Price at time of publish: $8,000+
Selin Kent Pear Ring
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COURTESY OF SELIN KENT
This mixed-metal ring is intended to be an engagement ring–wedding band hybrid. This versatile, two-in-one piece can be worn alone or with a stack of rings.
Price at time of publish: $1,950
Forevermark Diamond Pear North-South Beaded Ring
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Courtesy of Forevermark
If you're looking for a pear-shaped ring set on a band that's simple but eye-catching, consider this Forevermark piece that's designed with a beaded band. You'll never stop staring at a piece like this.
Price at time of publish: $1,895
Blue Nile Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
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Blue Nile
For the bride seeking a piece that exudes timeless glamour, this one's for you. Set in platinum, this bold architectural design displays two tapered baguette side stones surrounding a pear-cut diamond.
Price at time of publish: $12,990
Tomasz Donocik Electric Night Engagement Ring
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Courtesy of Tomasz Donocik
We can't take our eyes off of this spectacular pear-cut emerald set on top of a double row of baguette diamonds. Its crown-like silhouette will make you look and feel like royalty.
Price at time of publish: Upon request
Nora Kogan Helene Ring
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Courtesy of Nora Kogan
If you're looking for an engagement ring that feels different and unique, then opt for this horizontal solitaire. Set in an unexpectedly elegant and hand-painted enamel band, this is a piece you're bound to love for a lifetime.
Price at time of publish: $3,995
Blue Nile Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring
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Blue Nile
This is elegant simplicity at its finest. Carefully crafted in 18k yellow gold, an unadorned polished band holds a brilliant pear-cut diamond solitaire.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
Meet the Expert
- Ashley Zhang is a New York City–based fine jewelry designer who launched her eponymous brand after studying fashion design and fine art painting at Parsons School of Design.
- Grace Lee is a Los Angeles–based fine jewelry designer who launched her eponymous collection in 2008.
- Katie Zimmerman is the chief of merchandising at Blue Nile.
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