Going pear-shaped - an iconic diamond cut

The result of a complex and distinctive cut, the pear-shaped or teardrop diamond dates back to the 1400s.

It was created by Flemish diamond cutter Lodewyk van Berquem, whose remarkable work helped popularise diamonds as ornaments in jewellery. His chief achievement was his invention of the scaif, a tool that is still used in the diamond trade today. A rotating wheel infused with a mixture of olive oil and diamond dust, it allows cutters to quickly create polished facets on diamonds at angles that reflect light the best.

The scaif enabled him to create the complex pear shape featuring a rounded bottom and narrow pointed top with precise symmetry that maximised the stone’s sparkle.

Today, it seems astonishing that people did not take to the cut right away.

It was none other than the woman who famously declared “big girls need big diamonds” that made the cut skyrocket in popularity. Elizabeth Taylor stunned the world when wearing a pear-shaped diamond to Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday and later at the 42nd Academy Awards.

The famous stone weighed 69.42 carats and was purchased for USD1.1 million in 1969 by then-husband Richard Burton, who described it as ‘incomparably lovely’.

According to specialists at The Perth Mint’s luxury jewellery boutique, the pear-shaped cut’s popularity is due to the fact that it incorporates the sparkle of the brilliant cut while lengthening the finger with its elongated proportions.

“The pear (or teardrop) cut is a particularly elegant cut, which has long been popular for both engagement and dress rings.”

The pear-shaped diamond can be worn in a variety of ways. Traditionally it points away from the wearer, or down. It is most advisable to choose a position that protects the precious point of the jewel.

You will find an exquisite range of diamond jewellery featuring pear-shaped or teardrop cut diamonds to try on in our Perth Mint jewellery store.