Pear diamond settings, which is best?

Pear shape diamonds have both sweeping curves and a sharp point. The point must be protected otherise its liable to get chipped and the base of the pear must be supported.

These are the basic points to consider when deciding on how to set the pear shape diamond you have chosen for your engagment ring. As with any stones setting, there are two basic types that you’re probably familiar with, the claw setting , and the rubover setting.

Pear shape diamond claw setting

Typically, a claw setting for a pear shape diamond will have 3 claws, the least of any diamond cut.

Does this mean its less secure? Well in some cases, yes, and that’s why you should avoid some types of claw setting.

The diagram to the left, shows a pear shape diamond set with 3 claws, the one on the left has what’s known as a V-claw, you can see why, and this type of 3 claw setting is good, very secrure and compliments the shape of the diamond.

The stone on the right is set with 3 round claws. Whilst these are fine for the two claws at the bottom of the stone, they arn’t ideal for the tip. If the stone get a sideways knock, then theres not a lot of metal stopping the stone from slipping out sideways.

Its for this reason, we only use V-claw settings in our pear shaped diamond rings.

Rubover pear diamond setting

A model of a rubover set pear shaped diamond

A rubover setting has metal all the way around the stone. These are the most secure type of setting for all types of diamond cut and its true of pear cut diamonds too.

A common misconception is that these types of settings allow less light into the stone. While its true that you can’t see as much of the stone as you can in a claw setting, this doesnt effect the sparkle.

Diamonds don’t absorb light from underneath, they reflect light that enters through the top.