Pear vs Oval Diamond: What’s the Difference?
June 14th, 2022 / Lindsay Kazan
There’s nothing quite like the sparkle of a unique diamond shape set in a beautiful simulated diamond engagement ring setting. But with so many options, deciding on the diamond shape can be tricky. Of the most unique, elongated shapes offer a modern look to classic ring styles. These include the popular oval and pear-shaped diamonds. To help you decide which is better, pear vs. oval, we put together a guide on the top differences between the two stone shapes. From shape comparison, to cost and top settings, read on to learn the differences between pear vs. oval diamonds.
What Is a Pear Cut Diamond?
A pear diamond, otherwise known as a teardrop diamond, is cut in the shape of a teardrop or pear. It is an elongated shape that is curved at the base and comes to a point at the top. The pear shaped engagement ring meaning is unique in that it’s said to symbolize strength, empowerment and independence.
Pear cut diamond engagement rings come with a variety of benefits, including making the wearer’s finger appear longer and slimmer. And because they’re an elongated shape, they also appear larger in size. Keep in mind a pear shaped diamond can vary in its exact shape, which means some are more elongated while others are shorter and wider.
What Is an Oval Cut Diamond?
An oval cut diamond is cut in an elongated round brilliant and looks like an oval in silhouette. Some also think of an oval diamond as an egg shape, which is why many consider oval diamonds to symbolize fertility, rebirth and family.
The oval cut diamond was created in the 1950s and is considered to be a modified brilliant cut. A brilliant cut diamond is cut in a way that produces the most amount of brilliance possible. Oval cut diamonds offer a more elongated and unique shape than round brilliants without compromising on sparkle.
Read the Oval vs. Round Diamond Comparison Guide
What’s the Difference Between Pear and Oval Cut Diamonds?
While there are many differences between the two popular stone shapes, there are a few main characteristics to measure when choosing between a pear and oval cut diamond.
One of the main differences is of course their shape and visual appearance. While the oval features rounded edges giving a symmetrical look, the pear cut diamond offers a rounded base that comes to a point, creating a more asymmetrical style.
Along with their differences in shape, there are also discrepancies in how large they appear and their overall price point. Each of these aspects depends on the diamond quality, carat weight, and length-width ratio.
Shape Comparison Pear vs Oval
Now that you know what a pear and oval diamond are, let’s take a look at how they compare visually. Since both offer a unique and captivating elongated look, they can often to challenging to choose between.
For starters, let’s look at how the silhouette compares between these two shapes. The oval diamond has a rounded silhouette that is smooth on all edges. Of the two stones, it more closely compares to a round brilliant diamond and appears as though it has been stretched north to south. In comparison, a pear shape diamond is rounded at the base and comes to a pointed tip. This means it’s asymmetrical in style and offers both a smooth and pointed silhouette.
Along with the differences in shape, pear and oval diamonds also differ in their visual appearance and brilliance. Both are elongated, which means they both offer unique benefits like appearing larger than they actually are and making the wearer’s finger appear slimmer. But, there are some differences in brilliance given the different facet patterns. Because the oval is a modified brilliant cut, it more closely contains the ideal facet pattern for maximum light return. On the other hand, pear diamonds still offer an abundance of sparkle but may feature slightly less brilliance than oval.
Do Oval or Pear Diamonds Look Bigger?
Both oval and pear cut diamonds are an elongated cut, meaning they appear larger than they actually are. But many wonder if oval vs. pear diamonds look bigger in comparison.
While only a slight difference, there is a greater chance of pear diamonds appearing larger than the same carat weight oval. This is because they are more elongated and come to a point rather than the curved appearance of an oval.
It’s important to note that both oval and pear diamonds are a superior option for appearing larger compared to all other diamond shapes—though pear diamonds look bigger than oval diamonds.
Cost Comparison: Pear vs. Oval
Whether you’re comparing a pear vs oval diamond or oval vs cushion cut, it’s important to compare more than just the shape, like the price point. When it comes to diamond shape cost, there is a lot that determines the price point. Diamond cut, clarity, color, and carat weight all play an important role in the value of a diamond, but you may be surprised to find out that diamond shape can also play a part.
This is because each diamond shape offers a unique facet pattern that differs in light return. Round brilliant diamonds are the most expensive as they feature the most amount of light return. But, pear and oval are both less expensive than round and are a great option for those on a budget.
Not only do pear and oval diamonds appear larger in size, meaning you can get a smaller, less expensive diamond for the same appearance, but they also cost less than round brilliant because of their facet patterns.
Because oval diamonds are a modified round brilliant, they offer a slight cost reduction. This is because there is a slight reduction in light return compared to round brilliant, though they offer the most sparkle at the lowest price point.
Pear diamonds, on the other hand, do not feature an ideal facet pattern which results in less brilliant light return. While pear diamonds are still an excellent style, they don’t feature the maximum amount of brilliance. This means pear diamonds are usually less expensive than oval diamonds.
Along with the differences in brilliance, the stone type you choose will also affect cost. Lab diamonds and lab diamond simulants offer a more affordable option than their mined counterparts. A lab diamond is physically, optically and chemically the same as a mined diamond but costs up to 50% less. A diamond simulant like the Nexus Diamond™ alternative, on the other hand, is chemically distinct but most closely imitates the look and wear of a diamond at up to 80% less.
Top Pear vs. Oval Settings
While the diamond cut is the most important factor, finding the right setting elevates the shaped engagement ring. Both pear and oval diamonds offer a unique elongated shape and look stunning in a variety of engagement ring settings. This is true for other elongated shapes such as a marquise cut diamond or asscher as well.
While navigating the many types of engagement ring settings may be overwhelming, finding the perfect one based on diamond shape shouldn’t have to be. From the classic solitaire to modern styles like the east-west setting, we put together a list of the top ring settings for elongated shapes.
Solitaire
Of all the different styles, the solitaire engagement ring setting is the most classic of all. The solitaire features one stone in the center, surrounded by a plain band. While it may sound simple enough, elongated shapes are a great way to add a modern touch to the classic look.
While round cut diamonds make the solitaire style understated, oval and elongated pear shapes offer a bolder look. This is because the diamond is elongated north to south, appearing larger and creating a more unique style. The solitaire style can be crafted in a variety of designs, such as a bezel setting or prong setting to pair perfectly with your wedding band.
Shop All Pear and Oval Solitaires
East-West
The east-west engagement ring setting style is a modern look that is becoming increasingly popular—especially when paired with modern stone shapes.
Instead of the diamond set north-south, the east-west prong setting turns the stone horizontally. This creates a unique look that turns classic styles like solitaire and accented into a completely new design.
Halo
Halo settings styles, are of the most popular no matter the stone shape—and for good reason. The halo setting offers an abundance of sparkle with one stone features in the center surrounded by a ring of accent gemstones.
Oval and pear stone shapes are a popular option to set in halo styles as they appear larger than a round brilliant shape. This enhances the sparkle even further, creating an all-out dazzling look ready for everyday wear.
Three Stone
Three stone engagement rings, are loved for their brilliant design and thoughtful symbolism. Three stone rings represent the past, present and future, making them a perfect choice for an engagement ring.
The beauty of three stone rings is that they can be designed with a variety of stone shapes. An oval center stone looks captivating flanked by two round brilliant tones. Or, choose a pear center with oval side stones—the options are endless.
Pear vs. Oval: Which Is Better?
In the end, the choice between a pear vs. oval diamond is a personal one. Both offer a unique silhouette, cost less than round brilliant, can be styled in a variety of setting styles and offer a larger appearance.
Though there are some slight differences between price point, both pear and oval shapes are a great choice for an engagement ring or piece of fine jewelry. Whether designed in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold, these elongated shapes will make for a perfect forever adornment for you or your loved one. If you’re still deciding between an oval or pear shape diamond, it might help to consider the pear and oval cut diamonds pros and cons.
Find Your Diamond Alternative
While finding the right cut may be overwhelming, choosing the right diamond doesn’t have to be. With Nexus Diamond alternatives from Diamond Nexus, you can choose style of cut and setting while being affordable and eco-friendly because none of our stones are mined!
If you still need help deciding on the perfect engagement ring style, check out our engagement ring buying guide to get additional style insight.
*Here at Diamond Nexus, we strive to provide valuable information while being clear and honest about our products. The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab created diamond simulate that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a diamond, with two exceptions – it is absolutely perfect in every way, and it costs significantly less. Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting our blog.