Diamond Face-Off: Marquise vs. Pear
When it comes to choosing the perfect shape for your engagement ring, the marquise and pear are both popular choices. We’ll explore the characteristics of both to help you decide which one best complements your personal style and preferences.
Marquise Cut Diamonds
The marquise cut first appeared sometime in 18th century France. It is believed that King Louis XV worked with a jeweler to design a diamond in the shape of his lover’s lips. Even the name relates to nobility as a Marquise ranked higher than a Count but was not as exalted as a Duke.
After its initial commission, Marquis cuts became popular with courtiers, who wore it as a sign of rank. Over time, the cut evolved into what we know today. It has also expanded from being a cut reserved primarily for diamonds to one used with a range of gemstones.
Pear Shaped Diamonds
The pear shape made its first appearance in the 15th century. It was first created by a Flemish diamond cutter named Lodewyk van Bercken in 1458. Pear shaped diamonds, also known as the teardrop, are similar to ovals in their elongated shape but taper to a pointed tip.
This cut also tends to be very bright and reflective, thanks to its unique shape. They also have a lot of fire, which is the dispersion of light into rainbows of color. Fun Fact: no two pear shapes are ever cut exactly the same even if they have identical carat weights!
Ratio Comparison: Marquise vs. Pear
The Marquise Cut
When it comes to ratio, a marquise typically has a length-to-width ratio between 1.75 to 2.25, depending on personal preference. A higher ratio results in a longer, thinner appearance, while a lower ratio offers a wider, more traditional look. A good rule of thumb is the stone should be about twice as long as it is wide.
The Pear Shape
Pear shaped diamonds, on the other hand, generally fall within the 1.4 to 1.7 ratio range. A lower ratio will make the pear cut appear shorter and rounder, whereas a higher ratio will give it a longer, thinner look.
Cut Comparison: Marquise vs. Pear
Marquise and pear diamonds are both similar in that they are brilliant, elongated shapes with pointed ends and 58 facets each. However their specific shapes and features are a bit different.
The marquise is an elongated shape that is, ideally, perfectly symmetrical, with pointed ends that are reminiscent of a football. It also emphasizes length and can even make your finger appear longer and more slender.
The pear shape blends the round and marquise cuts together to create a “teardrop” shape, featuring a wide rounded end and a single pointed end.
Quality Comparison: Marquise vs. Pear
Although brilliant cuts are typically good at hiding color and inclusions, marquise cuts and pear shapes are not the strongest in this category.
Marquise cut diamonds do not hide color as easily as other brilliant cuts, like cushion cuts. As a general rule, I color and above is great. As for clarity, an eye clean SI2 clarity and above is perfectly acceptable for marquise cut diamonds.
Like marquise diamonds, pear shapes show color easily. We recommend ‘I’ color and above to give you the whitest face up look. Additionally, pear shapes hide imperfections well so we can safely recommend eye clean SI2 clarity and above pear shape diamonds.
Which Would You Choose?
Both marquise and pear shaped diamonds each have their own unique appeal, however, the choice is ultimately yours. We offer a wide selection of in-stock rings to choose from. If you’re interested in designing a custom ring, our extensive loose diamond inventory includes marquise and pear shapes ready for your selection.
Our design consultants are here to guide you through the process so that you can get one step closer to the ring of your dreams. To get started, schedule an appointment in our New York City showroom. For those out of town, we also offer virtual appointments. In the meantime, feel free to explore our Pinterest and Instagram accounts for endless engagement ring inspo!
