The Brilliance of Pear-Shaped Diamonds Throughout History

 Pear-shaped diamonds have graced the world with their elegant beauty since their creation in the 1400s and have been a popular choice ever since. Though the specifics of the cut and its uses have changed somewhat throughout history, its beauty has not. Pear-shaped diamonds and pear-shaped engagement rings are a popular choice today among couples looking for a diamond engagement ring.

Creation of the First Pear-shaped Diamond

The pear shape first came into being when Belgian diamond cutter Lodewyk van Berquem fashioned the shape in 1458. Van Berguem first invented the diamond-polishing wheel, which is what allowed him to shine each facet of his new creation to coax the most brilliant sparkle from the stone. After the creation of the pear shape, many jewelers pierced holes in the narrow tips of stones shaped in this way to wear as a solitaire pendants.

Progression of Pear-shaped Diamond Styles

As fashion progressed, pear diamonds were incorporated into rings and other fine jewelry (such as earrings, eternity bands, bracelets and more), expanding their reach beyond pendants. Some modifications to the shape were made along the way, such as the addition of a table, with the modern pear shape coming into being in the 1900s. Today's pear-shaped diamonds boast 56 to 58 facets with as many as 4 to 8 pavilion facets on each stone. All these surfaces allow pear-shaped stones to reflect surrounding light beautifully.

The Largest Pear-shaped Diamonds on Record

Contact or visit us today to explore the collection of pear shaped diamond engagement rings in our Los Angeles showroom. We will help you find or create a valuable piece that mirrors your unique journey.