Pear

A pear cut stone, also called a teardrop cut, is a modified brilliant cut that combines the round and marquise shapes into a single-pointed teardrop form with a rounded top and a pointed bottom. It has approximately 58 facets arranged to maximize brilliance while fitting the asymmetrical outline. Pear cuts have been used in fine jewelry since the 15th century and are particularly associated with pendant necklaces because the pointed base creates a natural hang point. In rings, the pointed tip is traditionally oriented toward the wearer's fingertips and requires a V-prong to protect the vulnerable point.

The pear shape's combination of a rounded top and a pointed tip creates the most distinctive silhouette in the brilliant cut family. The asymmetrical form means it cannot be described as any other shape — a pear cut is immediately recognizable at any size. The pointed tip and rounded shoulder create directional visual momentum that elongated cuts like oval lack. This makes pear particularly effective in pendant drops and earrings because the shape naturally leads the eye downward. In rings, the orientation of the point adds another layer of personal choice not present in symmetrical shapes.

A V-prong at the pointed tip is essential for pear cut rings because the tip is the most vulnerable point and must be protected. The rounded shoulder end uses standard prongs. Five-prong settings are common: one V-prong at the tip and four prongs along the sides and rounded top. Halo settings trace the full teardrop outline for an elaborate look. Bezel settings protect the tip fully but make the stone appear smaller. In pendant necklaces, pear stones are set in bail or bezel configurations that use the pointed base as the natural hang point.

The traditional orientation has the point toward the fingertips and the rounded end toward the hand. This elongates the finger with the visual movement of the pointed tip extending toward the nail. The east-west orientation — turning the stone sideways across the finger — is a modern alternative that creates a wide, architectural ring look. Some wearers orient the point toward the hand on the theory that it elongates the finger more effectively in that direction. All orientations are valid and the choice is purely aesthetic and personal.

Yes. Pear cut is particularly well-suited to pendant necklaces because the pointed base creates a natural downward visual pull that suits the hanging orientation of a pendant. A pear diamond or sapphire drop pendant is a classic and elegant necklace configuration. Pear stud and drop earrings are also available, where the shape creates a slightly more feminine and distinct appearance than round studs. The shape suits all jewelry types but has its strongest traditional association with pendant necklaces.

The most popular pear cut length-to-width ratios range from 1.45 to 1.75. A ratio of 1.5 to 1.6 is considered classic — elongated enough to read clearly as a pear without appearing too thin or excessively long. Ratios above 1.75 create a very slender, dramatically elongated shape that suits buyers who want maximum finger elongation. Ratios below 1.4 create a wider, rounder pear that reads as less distinctly pointed. The preference is personal, and buyers should compare actual stone images across the ratio range before selecting.

Diamond pear cuts are the most purchased, particularly for engagement rings and pendant necklaces. Morganite pear cuts have become popular for engagement ring alternatives because the stone's peachy-pink color suits the romantic teardrop form. Sapphire pear cuts are also popular. Aquamarine and blue topaz in pear cuts work well because the shape's elongation complements the clarity and cool color of these stones. Colored stones in pear cuts benefit from the large surface area exposure of the shape, which allows maximum color display.

Both pear and oval are elongated shapes that work well in pendant necklaces, but pear has a natural advantage because its pointed base aligns with the downward hang of a pendant, creating visual continuity between the stone and the chain drop. Oval pendants hang with rounded ends that can appear to float rather than flow. For pendant drops specifically, pear is the more classical choice. For a stone that works equally well in both rings and pendants, oval is more versatile. Our oval shape page covers oval jewelry for comparison.

Pear solitaire pendants are the most classic pear necklace configuration — a single pear diamond or colored stone in a simple bail or prong setting on a gold chain. Halo pear pendants surround the center stone with smaller diamonds for amplified presence. Three-stone pendants with a pear center flanked by round or baguette side stones are also available. For the full pendant necklace range across all stone shapes, our pendant necklaces covers every available configuration.

Yes. Pear cut has a dedicated following among buyers who want a shape that is immediately recognizable as distinctive and feminine. The finger-elongating effect, the romantic teardrop silhouette, and the shape's historical associations make it consistently popular for women's rings. For the complete women's ring range across pear and all other shapes, our womens rings covers everything available.