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 are a popular choice today for 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 eac
h 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 pendants.
Progression of Pear-shaped Diamond Styles
As fashion progressed, pear diamonds were incorporated into rings and other jewelry, 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
Pear-shaped diamonds have beautifully adorned many classic women, but one of the largest and best pear-shaped diamonds known belonged to Elizabeth Taylor. This incredible diamond was cut from a stone that weighed a record-breaking 240.8 carats when it was brought out of the diamond mine. After being cut and perfected to adorn the classic pear-shaped engagement ring Richard Burton gifted to Taylor, at completion it weighed in at an astonishing 69.42 carats. The record for largest pear-shaped diamond, however, is held by the Cullinan I. This flawless, 530.20-carat diamond forms part of the British Crown Jewels and boasts a colorless and Type IIA quality grading (GIA).
