If you’re considering a pear shaped diamond for your engagement ring, you’re probably drawn to this diamond shape’s utterly unique look. Pear shaped diamonds are gorgeous, brilliant, and are sure to stand out from the crowd. But if you’re thinking of choosing a pear shaped engagement ring, there are some things you should know about this distinctive diamond shape before you buy. To help you make an informed decision, here’s what you need to know before buying a pear shaped engagement ring.

The Definition of the Pear Shaped Diamond

First, before you buy a pear shaped diamond, you should know what they are.

Pear shaped diamonds are rounded on one end and tapered on the other. This diamond shape has a modified brilliant cut that combines the cuts of two other diamond shapes: the round brilliant (on the pear’s rounded end) and the marquise (on the pear’s tapered end).

Pear shaped diamonds are also sometimes called teardrop diamonds. Both the “pear” and “teardrop” names come from the shape of this diamond, which looks like a pear or a teardrop when viewed from above.

Symmetry is Important

Symmetry is extremely important in a pear shaped diamond. When you view a pear shaped diamond from above, imagine a vertical line that runs from its point through the center of its rounded end. On either side of this line, the diamond should perfectly mirror itself. If there is a lack of symmetry, it will be immediately noticeable and the diamond will look wonky or “off.” So to ensure you get a pear shaped diamond you’ll love, check for symmetry before you buy.

Pear Shaped Diamonds Can Be Slim or More Wide

When you shop for pear shaped diamonds, you’ll notice that some are more long and narrow, while others are wider. That’s because of the length to width ratio of each diamond. A classic pear shaped diamond will have a length to width ratio of around 1.50 to 1.75. Any number above that will look long and slim and any number below that will look quite wide.

There’s no “best” length to width ratio for a pear shaped diamond, only the ratio that’s best for you. If you want a classic-looking pear shaped diamond for your engagement ring, go with a ratio of around 1.50 to 1.75. If you want a pear shaped diamond with a more unique look, consider selecting a diamond with a more atypical ratio.

Minimize Bow-Ties

When you shop for pear shaped diamonds, you’ll need to be mindful of something called the “bow-tie effect.” Due to how pear shaped diamonds are cut, there will always be a shadowy area around the center of the diamond that has the same shape as a bow-tie.

While all pear shaped diamonds will have a bow-tie, certain diamonds will have it more strongly. Some pear shaped diamonds have prominent bow-ties, while others have bow-ties that are practically invisible. As you shop for your engagement ring’s pear shaped diamond, just be mindful of the bow-tie effect so you can look for a diamond that has a minimal to invisible bow-tie.

You Can Choose How to Wear Your Pear

Since the pear shaped diamond “points” in one direction, you can choose which way you’d like to point it when you wear a pear shaped engagement ring. Many people ask if there’s a correct way to wear a pear but, really, how you wear your pear shaped diamond is completely up to you. In a ring, most people do choose position their diamond with the point going toward the fingertips. But there’s no “right” wear to wear a pear, so wear yours however you like.

Top 5 which way do you wear a pear shaped ring Synthesized by BSS news