Martha Stewart Weddings

Pear-Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

By Lauren Frankfort

July 27, 2011

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Credit: Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

Elongate your fingers with this flattering shape.

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Credit: Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

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Pear engagement rings are having a major moment. Feminine, vintage-inspired, and just the right amount of unique, it's no wonder these teardrop-shaped diamonds are all the rage among brides-to-be. Combining both the classic rounded shape of a brilliant-cut diamond and the sharpened end of a marquise, pear-shaped engagement rings boast a winning combination of glamour, edge, and an enduring style.

There are many ways to wear a pear. You can make like Elizabeth Taylor, who, with husband Richard Burton, let the brilliance of the pear-cut shine (dubbed the Taylor-Burton diamond for its overwhelming size of 69.42 carats at the time it was cut by Harry Winston in 1969) in a platinum setting with two smaller stones on the side, or rock it like fashion icon Victoria Beckham, who has a sizable pear ring from hubby David set on top of a thin pavé band. More modern takes include the ever-popular halo of a pear on a gold, platinum, or rose gold band or an east-west setting of your teardrop-shaped gem. For those into rough-cut diamonds, a pear-shaped stone is a natural and easy way to wear your raw diamond. If you're not ready for a pear-cut diamond as your center stone, they make great accents on a cluster or three-stone engagement ring.

For an iconic pear-cut stone, look to jewelers like Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Kwiat and Forevermark. If, on the other hand, you're looking for something more one-of-a-kind, Anna Sheffield, Polly Wales, and Digby & Iona have a few great options. Let's not forget vintage-inspired designs, either, offered by jewelers like Forevermark, Tacori, and Single Stone.

Anna Sheffield Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Anna Sheffield "Pear Rosette" ring with diamond halo and half-round band, $6,500, annasheffield.com.

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Danhov Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of Danhov

Danhov engagement ring in 18k white gold with bezel setting around pear-shaped diamond, $1260 (setting only), danhov.com.

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Blue Nile Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of Blue Nile

These Are Our Favorite Platinum Engagement Rings

Blue Nile pear-shaped petite french pavé crown diamond engagement ring in platinum, $2,950 (setting only), bluenile.com.

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Yael Designs Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of Yael Designs

Yael Designs ring with white gold accent diamonds semi-mount, $6,150, yaeldesigns.com.

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Catbird Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of CatBird NYC

Catbird "The Swans" rose-cut pear-shaped engagement ring, $3,400, catbirdnyc.com.

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Digby & Iona Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of Digby & Iona

We Love These White Gold Engagement Rings

Digby & Iona "Champagne Oona" Pear Engagement Ring, price upon a request, digbyandiona.com.

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Anna Sheffield Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of Anna Sheffield

There Are More Gray Wedding Details Where That Came From

Anna Sheffield "Pear Rosette" ring with a gray diamond center and rose gold setting, $4,900, annasheffield.com.

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Forevermark Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of Forevermark

Forevermark by Jade Trau "Free Bird Solitaire" set in 14K white gold, price upon request, forevermark.com.

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Gillian Conroy Pear-Cut Engagement Ring

Credit: Courtesy of CatBird NYC

Gillian Conroy teardrop diamond pavé ring, $4,950, catbirdnyc.com.