Pear-Shaped Lab Diamonds: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Last Updated on January 29, 2023 by Sharon Tate

Pear-shaped lab diamonds, commonly also referred to as teardrop diamonds, are a unique and elegant choice for engagement rings and other diamond jewelry. With their distinct shape and sparkling beauty, pear-shaped diamonds have long been a popular choice for anyone looking for something a little different from the other popular diamond shapes.

One of the most striking features of pear-shaped lab diamonds is their elongated shape, which tapers to a point at one end and widens at the other. This shape is created by combining the traditional round brilliant cut with a marquise cut, resulting in a diamond that is both stunning and unique.

When it comes to the 4 Cs of lab-grown diamond quality (diamond cut, diamond clarity, diamond color, and diamond carat weight), pear-shaped diamonds can vary greatly. The cut of a pear-shaped diamond is significant, as a poorly cut stone can appear distorted and lack brilliance.

Always go for a pear-shaped lab diamond with the best diamond cut rating to ensure a beautiful sparkling stone. With lab-grown pear-shaped diamonds graded by IGI, that usually is ideal (with GIA, excellent is the highest grade).

In terms of diamond clarity, pear-shaped diamonds can range from flawless to included, depending on the presence of inclusions or blemishes. As with any diamond, the fewer inclusions a pear-shaped diamond has, the more valuable it will be. However, flawless diamonds are rare, even if made in a diamond laboratory. And rare means expensive!

Instead, aim for a lab-grown pear-shaped diamond that is eye-clean (you can’t see inclusions and blemishes when magnified 10X) with a diamond clarity grade between VS2 and VVS1. Even SI1 can do it sometimes, and you’ll likely get a great diamond deal.

The color of a pear-shaped lab diamond is also significant, as lab diamonds with a better diamond color grade will appear brighter and more sparkling. Diamonds are rated on a scale from D (completely colorless) to Z (yellow or brown).

As the case was with diamond clarity, the higher the diamond color grade, the rarer and more expensive. So steer away from colorless and even near-colorless diamonds, as they are overpriced. Instead, aim for a color grade of G or lower.

Most good diamond deals are found between H and I. Even a J-color may be acceptable if the diamond is set in a golden-colored setting since the yellowish color will reflect off on the diamond. You should avoid any lower grades in most cases, though, and stay above K. Get more tips in our lab diamond color buying guide.

Finally, the carat weight of a pear-shaped lab diamond will affect its size and overall appearance. A bigger diamond will be more impressive, but remember that the price will increase with the carat weight.

Also, note that a higher-quality diamond with great brilliance will appear larger than a heavier but lower-quality diamond. So avoid the temptation to buy a large, dull diamond. Instead, go for a lab diamond with the highest diamond cut quality.

Pear-shaped lab diamonds are an attractive and distinct choice for anyone looking for something a little different. With their elegant shape and sparkling brilliance, they are sure to make a statement in any piece of diamond jewelry.

The story of pear-shaped lab diamonds

Pear-shaped lab diamonds, which some also refer to as teardrop diamonds, have a fascinating history. The inventor of the modern diamond-cutting technique, Lodewyk van Bercken created the pear-shaped diamond. His invention of the scaif, a polishing wheel infused with diamond dust and olive oil, allowed Lodewyk van Bercken to create the pear-shaped diamond in 1475. Today, the exact 58 facets are being used, and the modern pear-shaped diamond is exploding in popularity.

Over the years, pear-shaped diamonds have been popular with royals and the wealthy. Perhaps the most famous example is the Taylor–Burton Diamond, gifted to Elizabeth Taylor by her fellow actor and husband, Richard Burton. Harry Winston, the renowned jeweler, cut it into the diamond pear shape from a starting weight of 241 carats while raw, ending in a final jewelry size weighing 69.42 carats. It was so heavy that Elizabeth Taylor decided to wear it as a pendant instead of a ring.

Similarly famous but slightly-adjusted pear-shaped diamond, the Great Chrysanthemum Diamond is an even larger pear-shaped diamond weighing 104.15 carats. It’s a so-called fancy-colored diamond and is graded as orange-brown. While not the best quality, it makes up for its size.

Lastly, the Cullinan I, or the Great Star of Africa, the world’s largest cut, white diamond, is a pear-shaped diamond. It’s not cut in the modern van Bercken-fashion but is a pendeloque-cut brilliant. Weighing 530.2 carats (cut from a raw stone weighing an unfathomable 3,106 carats), it is spectacular. Its baby brother, the Cullinan III, or the Lesser Star of Africa, is a brilliant pear-shaped diamond weighing much less at 94.4 carats but still larger than your average engagement ring diamond.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, pear-shaped diamonds became more widely available and were embraced by a wider audience. As a result, pear-shaped diamonds continue to be a popular choice for engagement rings, pendants, and other jewelry pieces. While they may not be as common as round or princess-cut diamonds, pear-shaped diamonds are a timeless and classic choice that will make a statement.

Today, pear-shaped diamonds are much more thanks to the availability of the more sustainable diamond choice of lab-grown carats. In fact, a lab-grown pear-shaped diamond costs up to 80% less than a mined diamond!

Top 10 famous people wearing pear-shaped diamonds

There have been many famous people throughout history who have worn pear-shaped diamonds, including:

1. Elizabeth Taylor
2. Queen Mary
3. Mia Farrow
4. Victoria Beckham
5. Ariana Grande
6. Emily Ratajkowski
7. Cardi B
8. Paris Hilton
9. Kylie and daughter Stormi Scott
10. Kendall Jenner (and Kris Jenner)

Historically, pear-shaped diamonds have been hugely popular with many famous people, from royalty to celebrities. And now, celebrities are flocking to the more sustainable diamond choice of lab-grown diamonds.

5 tips for buying a pear-shaped diamond

Pear-shaped diamonds, also known as teardrop diamonds, are a unique and elegant choice for those looking for something a little different in their engagement ring, pendant, or other jewelry pieces. If you’re considering purchasing a pear-shaped diamond, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Pay attention to the cut: The cut of a pear-shaped lab diamond is particularly important, as a poorly cut stone can appear distorted and lack brilliance. Look for a diamond with an excellent (GIA) or ideal (IGI) cut rating to ensure a stunningly sparkling stone. The diamond cut is the single most important aspect of any lab diamond.
2. Consider the clarity: Pear-shaped lab diamonds can range in diamond clarity from flawless to included, depending on the presence of inclusions or blemishes. As with any diamond, the fewer inclusions a pear-shaped diamond has, the more valuable it will be. However, some inclusions are ok and are not visible even under magnification and will have a negligent impact on brilliance. Aim for a VS1 or higher to be on the safe side or an eye-clean SI1.
3. Think about the color: The color of a pear-shaped lab diamond is also essential, as diamonds with a higher color grade will appear brighter and exhibit more brilliance. Diamonds are rated on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with higher grades being more valuable. So don’t spend your money on a colorless or near-colorless lab diamond, and go for a lower lab diamond color such as H, I, J, or even K (if set in gold).
4. Don’t forget about the carat weight: The carat weight of a pear-shaped lab diamond will affect its size and overall appearance. A larger diamond will be more impressive, but keep in mind that the price will increase with the carat weight, and a better-cut lab diamond will appear larger than a poorer cut.
5. Shop around: Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices and quality from different retailers. It’s also a good idea to research online to get a sense of the market value of pear-shaped lab diamonds. This will help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing. See which jewelers we think are the best places to buy lab-grown diamonds.

By following these tips, you should be well on your way to finding the perfect pear-shaped diamond that meets your needs and budget. With their unique and elegant shape, pear-shaped diamonds are a beautiful choice for any piece of jewelry.

The best places to buy pear-shaped lab diamonds

There are several online retailers that offer pear-shaped lab-grown diamonds, including:

• Ritani: This jeweler has the most extensive selection of both mined and lab-grown diamonds. This includes a vast selection of pear-shaped lab diamonds and some of the best diamond prices through their commitment to price transparency. If you are looking for the best-priced pear-shaped lab diamonds, look no further than Ritani. Learn why Ritani gets a perfect review score and is one of our best-rated places to buy lab-grown diamonds in our review of Ritani lab diamonds.
• Grown Brilliance: Ranked as the best place to buy lab-grown diamond engagement rings in 2022 and 2023, Grown Brilliance is one of our favorites. They are exclusively dedicated to lab diamonds and offer a range of lab-grown diamonds, including high-quality pear-shaped diamonds. They are committed to sustainability, and as you can learn in our Grown Brilliance review, the shopping experience is fantastic, and the prices are very competitive.
• James Allen: This jeweler offers a wide selection of lab-grown diamonds, including pear-shaped ones, and has a user-friendly website that allows you to easily search for diamonds based on your preferred shape, carat weight, and other factors. In our James Allen lab diamond review, we have awarded them a top score for their advanced features and unparalleled customer support.
• Clean Origin: This diamond retailer focuses exclusively on lab diamonds and offers a large selection of some of the best lab diamonds. Clean Origin has some of the lowest prices on pear-shaped lab diamonds without compromising on customer support and quality. Learn more in our Clean Origin review, in which we give them the best possible rating.
• Brilliant Earth: This company offers a variety of lab-grown diamonds, including pear-shaped ones, and has a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. If you are looking for sustainable pear-shaped lab diamonds, Brilliant Earth is the place to shop. Learn more about Brilliant Earth’s commitment to sustainability in our in-depth Brilliant Earth review.
• With Clarity: Offering an extensive selection of high-quality lab-grown diamonds, including pear-shaped ones, at excellent prices, With Clarity is another of our favorite lab diamond retailers. With Clarity is particularly well-known for its Home Preview, in which you can receive two replicas of the engagement rings you are considering. For free! Learn how With Clarity takes the guesswork out of shopping for lab-grown diamond engagement rings in our With Clarity review.

Learn more in our in-depth review of the best places to buy lab pear-shaped diamonds.

4 benefits of pear-shaped lab diamonds

There are several benefits to choosing a pear-shaped lab diamond for your engagement ring or other pieces of jewelry. Here are a few of the main benefits:

1. Unique and elegant appearance: One of the most apparent benefits of pear-shaped lab diamonds is their unique and elegant appearance. With their elongated shape and sparkling beauty, pear-shaped lab diamonds are a beautiful and distinctive choice for those looking for something a little different.
2. Slimming effect: Because of their elongated shape, pear-shaped lab diamonds can have a slimming effect on the finger, making them a popular choice for those with shorter or broader fingers.
3. Versatility: Pear-shaped lab diamonds can be worn in various settings, including solitaire, halo, and three-stone designs. This versatility allows you to choose a setting that best complements the shape and size of your diamond.
4. Good value: Depending on the quality of the diamond and the setting, pear-shaped lab diamonds can offer good value for the price. Because they are not as common as round or princess-cut diamonds, they can sometimes be more affordable (but see drawbacks of pear-shape lab-grown diamonds below).

4 drawbacks of pear-shaped lab diamonds

While pear-shaped lab-grown diamonds have many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Prone to chipping: Because of their elongated shape, pear-shaped lab diamonds can be more inclined to chipping or damage than other diamond shapes. This is especially true if the diamond is not cut and polished properly.
2. Risk of asymmetry: It can be challenging to cut and polish a pear-shaped lab diamond in a way that creates a perfectly symmetrical stone. If the diamond is not cut and polished correctly, it can appear uneven or asymmetrical. In addition, see also the bow-tie effect in certain lab-grown diamond shapes.
3. Limited setting options: Because of their unique shape, pear-shaped lab diamonds may have limited setting options compared to other diamond shapes. This can make it more difficult to find a setting that complements the diamond and fits your personal style.
4. May appear smaller: Because of their elongated shape, pear-shaped lab diamonds may appear smaller than other diamonds of the same carat weight. This can be an issue for those who want a larger, more impressive diamond.

While pear-shaped lab diamonds have many benefits, it’s important to consider these potential drawbacks before purchasing. By choosing a high-quality diamond at one of our recommended places to buy lab-grown pear-shaped diamonds, you can minimize these risks and enjoy the unique and elegant beauty of a pear-shaped diamond.

Best uses of pear-shaped lab diamonds in jewelry

Pear-shaped lab diamonds are a beautiful and distinctive choice for various jewelry applications. Here are a few common uses for pear-shaped diamonds:

1. Engagement rings: Pear-shaped lab-grown diamonds are popular for engagement rings, particularly when paired with a halo or three-stone setting.
2. Pendants: Pear-shaped lb-created diamonds can be used to create stunning pendants that hang elegantly from a chain.
3. Earrings: Pear-shaped lab diamonds can be used to create elegant and sophisticated earrings that are perfect for special occasions.
4. Bracelets: Pear-shaped lab-grown diamonds can be incorporated into bracelet designs for a touch of elegance and sparkle.
5. Rings: In addition to engagement rings, pear-shaped lab-created diamonds can be used to create a variety of other rings, such as cocktail rings or right-hand rings.

Find more inspiration, including pear-shaped lab diamond product recommendations, in our overview of the 5 best pear-shaped lab-grown diamond jewelry ideas.

Pear-shaped lab-grown diamond drop earrings

See at Grown Brilliance

Pear-shaped lab-grown diamond engagement ring

See at Grown Brilliance

Pear-shaped diamonds are a beautiful and versatile choice for a variety of jewelry applications. See where to buy lab-grown pear-shaped diamonds.

How to save on pear-shaped lab-grown diamonds

There are a few ways you can save on a pear-shaped lab-grown diamond, whether you are looking for an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Consider the 4 Cs: The lab-grown diamond 4 Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat weight) are the factors that determine a diamond’s value. You can save money on your pear-shaped diamond by compromising on one or more of these factors. For example, you may save money by choosing a diamond with a lower clarity rating or a lower color grade. However, never compromise on lab-grown diamond cut.
2. Shop around: Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices from different retailers. It’s also a good idea to research online to get a sense of the market value of pear-shaped lab diamonds. This will help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing.
3. Choose a less expensive metal: The metal used in the setting of your pear-shaped lab-created diamond can also affect the overall cost of the piece. Choosing a less expensive metal, such as white gold, silver, or a lower karat grade, can help you save money.
4. Buy a lab-grown pear-shaped diamond: The best way to save money on a diamond is to go for a lab-grown diamond. See exactly how much you save on a lab-grown diamond. In addition, lab diamonds do not suffer from the drawbacks and issues that mined diamonds do.

By following these tips, you should be able to save money on your pear-shaped lab diamond and still get a beautiful and high-quality piece of jewelry.