Pear vs Round: Which Diamond Shape Should You Get?

Choosing the right diamond style often comes down to shape and cut. This can present a major challenge because there are so many fantastic options to choose from! So, what happens when you’re forced to decide between two diamond styles that are gorgeous in their own right? That’s the problem that diamond buyers face when they fall in love with both round-brilliant and pear-shape diamonds.

That said, if you have to choose, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two options to ensure that you make an informed choice. Here’s everything you need to know about pear-shaped diamonds and round-brilliant diamonds. Let’s dive in!

Pear-Shaped Diamonds

A unique diamond shape known for its distinct silhouette, the pear-shaped diamond takes its inspiration from round-brilliants and marquise-shaped diamonds. Pear-shaped diamonds are also referred to as teardrop-shaped diamonds because their elongated round bodies and point resemble a teardrop. Combined with the perfect setting, a pear engagement ring can feature incredible symmetry, remarkable shape, and a jaw-dropping ability to reflect light.

Pros of Pear-Shaped Diamonds

• The pear-shape is a beauty that can have an elongating and slimming effect on the finger.
• This shape is not a common choice and is perfect for anyone looking for a unique diamond shape.
• The cut of a diamond maximizes its size by portioning much of its surface area to its face.

Cons of Pear-Shaped Diamonds

• The point of a pear-shaped diamond is fragile and can be prone to chipping, so it should be set in a V-prong or bezel setting to minimize damage.
• When assessing the 4 C’s of your pear-shaped stone, it’s not a good choice to go with a lower clarity score or with some color presence, as the shape doesn’t hide these well.
• This fancy-cut is very challenging to get right, even for the most experienced cutters. You’ll have to be very cautious when examining a pear-shaped diamond to avoid common issues such as asymmetry and poorly-rounded heads.

Round-Brilliant Diamonds

Round-brilliant diamonds are considered a classic diamond-cut and a standard of excellence within the diamond industry. They are one of the most popular diamond cuts available, and they have retained their popularity over many decades. Round-brilliants are known for their unmatchable brilliance, as they are cut to maximize a stone’s sparkle and reflectiveness. 

Pros of Round-Brilliant Diamonds

• Round-brilliant diamonds are cut to maximize their brilliance and enhance their ability to reflect light, so you’ll always catch eyes with this shape.
• Round-brilliant diamonds aren’t considered a fancy cut, so you can more easily evaluate its characteristics via its grading (cut, color, clarity, and carat).
• These are among one of the most famous and popular diamond cuts of all time, so it’s always a safe, stylish fashion choice. A round engagement ring will never go out of style.
• Round-brilliants are versatile and retain their elegance in a variety of settings and styles.

Cons of Round-Brilliant Diamonds

• Unlike other shapes that feature a larger top surface, round-brilliants aren’t a great option if you’re trying to make your diamond look larger than its carat size. If you want to maximize the size of your diamond, choose an oval or emerald cut.
• As round-brilliants are so popular, they aren’t a great option for anyone who wants a more distinct cut.

Pear-Shape vs. Round-Brilliant Comparison

Pear-shaped and round-brilliant diamonds are two exceptional options that utilize a similar cut to maximize brilliance in a stone. Pear-shaped diamonds look larger than round-brilliant diamonds as they feature a larger top surface. Round-brilliant diamonds are among the most popular diamond styles in the world.

Conclusion

Your choice between round-brilliants and pear-shaped diamonds comes down to personal preference, as they are both excellent options. Regardless of whether you prefer a round-brilliant or a pear-shaped stone, you’ve made a great choice as long as it’s something you love!

Photo by Jenna Day