subject: Variation On A Theme [print this page] As with any other industry, the jewellery industry loves to offer alternatives to the tried and trusted products on offer. When it comes to diamonds, the only alternative that a jeweller can effectively offer is the cut of the diamond. There are other factors such as size and colour, but the cut is what jewellers have the most control over.
Whereas many people like to stick to convention, there are always a few who want something a little out of the ordinary, but capable of delivering the same quality as those conventional items. With diamonds, the quality is measured by size, colour and clarity and, therefore, a diamonds sparkle can tell a lot about it.
A diamonds sparkle or brilliance is determined by the way it is cut and conventional wisdom states that the best brilliant cut of them all is the round brilliant cut. A novel way of getting almost the same sparkle, but at the same time offering something a little more unusual, is to have a pear shape cut diamond.
Pear shape cut diamonds are essentially a cross between a round brilliant cut diamond and a marquise shape cut. This gives the unique pear shape and the pointed end is worn facing the wearers hand, which can give the illusion that the fingers are longer and more slender than they actually are. Pear cut diamonds are usually set with a prong at the point. This is where there could be flaws in the diamond because it was originally near the outer edge of the rough stone and the prong will help to hide any flaws.
It is a very good idea to inspect your heart shape cut diamond very closely because it should have perfect symmetry owing to the fact that pear cut diamonds are susceptible to the bowtie effect in varying degrees of severity. This is caused by a slight misalignment of the facets which allow light to pass through without being reflected back at you. This effect is common in certain cuts of diamonds and could vary from being barely noticeable, to visible from all angles.
Pear cut diamonds make beautiful solitaire engagement rings, but the smaller pear cut stones look equally beautiful when set in a pendant or earrings. No matter what setting you decide to have them in, you are guaranteed a stone with brilliance and fire when you purchase a pear cut diamond and it is different enough to stand out in the crowd.
