At Shambh Jewels, we believe in the power of exceptional design and the captivating allure of diamonds. Two diamond cuts that consistently enchant us with their graceful, elongated forms are the oval-cut diamond and the pear-cut diamond. While they may share a similar silhouette at first glance, a closer look reveals several key differences that make each of these shapes truly unique and utterly elegant. Join us as we delve into the beautiful intricacies that distinguish these stunning lab diamond cuts.

The Alluring Pear-Cut Lab Diamond: A Teardrop of Timeless Elegance

The pear-cut diamond, often affectionately referred to as a teardrop diamond, is celebrated for its distinct and exquisite pear shape. This captivating cut features a delicately pointed tip at one end that gradually widens to a beautifully rounded bottom. Its unique asymmetry lends it a graceful and romantic appeal, making it a truly distinctive choice for those seeking something beyond the traditional.

The history of the pear-cut diamond dates back to the mid-15th century, credited to a skilled polisher named Lodewyk van Berquem. While initially not universally adored due to the diamond rough lost during the cutting process, the pear-cut diamond gained significant popularity thanks to icons like Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned admirer of this elegant teardrop shape. Her famous 68-carat pear diamond, known as the Taylor-Burton diamond, cemented its place in jewelry history.

Our expert jewelers at Shambh Jewels advise those considering a pear-shaped lab diamond engagement ring to be mindful of overly elongated pear shapes, as they can sometimes resemble less refined oval cuts. We recommend selecting a pear-cut lab diamond with evenly balanced shoulders and a beautifully rounded base. These proportions allow the stone to exhibit a more consistent and captivating shine, showcasing the inherent brilliance of the lab diamond.

Best Settings for Pear-Shaped Lab Diamonds at Shambh Jewels:

The unique shape of a pear-cut lab diamond is best showcased with prong settings, typically utilizing five or six prongs, including a protective V-tip to safeguard the delicate pointed end. Pear-cut lab diamonds also look exceptionally chic and stylish when set in a halo, where an intricate halo of smaller lab diamonds adds a hint of extra sparkle, further enhancing the center stone's brilliance. For the ultimate protection and a modern aesthetic, consider a bezel setting, which beautifully frames the pear-cut lab diamond. Bezel settings are also a wonderful choice for colored lab diamonds where the focus might be more on the richness of the hue than intense light play, though our colorless lab diamonds shine beautifully in bezels too.

The Sophisticated Oval-Cut Lab Diamond: A Modern Twist on Classic Brilliance

The oval-cut diamond boasts a rich history as well, with its earliest forms dating back to the 14th century, though it wasn't widely documented until the 19th century. The modern brilliance we associate with the oval-cut diamond today is largely thanks to Lazare Kaplan, a masterful Russian diamond cutter who perfected the oval diamond cutting process in 1957. His exceptional skill allowed him to transform less desirable rough stones into breathtaking diamonds, and the techniques he pioneered are still used by diamond cutters to create stunning oval-cut lab diamonds today.

At Shambh Jewels, we find that a ring featuring an oval-cut lab diamond is particularly flattering, as the elongated shape creates the illusion of longer, more slender fingers. Interestingly, the "perfect" oval-cut diamond is subjective, as the ideal length-to-width ratio depends entirely on individual preference and personal taste. Wedding bands and engagement rings featuring oval-cut lab diamonds are also a practical choice for those with active lifestyles, as the absence of sharp, pointed edges makes them less prone to chipping and wear.

Another advantage of the oval cut is its ability to beautifully conceal blemishes and inclusions, especially in areas where the ring setting hugs the stone or near the diamond's rounded ends. This allows you to potentially choose a lab diamond with excellent visual appeal and value.

 

The Intriguing Bowtie Effect in Oval-Cut Lab Diamonds:

Many oval-cut diamonds, including lab diamonds, exhibit a dark area in the center of the stone that resembles a bowtie. This "Bowtie Effect" occurs when light entering the diamond cannot properly bounce back into the middle of the gem, causing the center to appear darker than the rest of the stone. While some buyers find this a unique and intriguing characteristic, many jewelers consider a pronounced Bowtie Effect to be a distraction from the oval-cut diamond's overall beauty. At Shambh Jewels, we recommend opting for an oval-cut lab diamond with a subtle Bowtie Effect, adding a hint of rarity and character without compromising the stone's overall brilliance. It's important to note that the Bowtie Effect in an oval-cut diamond cannot be precisely predicted, which is why we highly recommend viewing our oval-cut lab diamonds in person or through high-quality imagery before making your purchase.

Best Settings for Oval-Cut Lab Diamonds at Shambh Jewels:

Oval-cut lab diamonds are beautifully showcased in prong settings, particularly with four or six prongs that securely hold the elongated shape. Oval diamonds also exude elegance and sophistication when set in bezel settings. The versatility of the oval cut allows us at Shambh Jewels to create stunning rings with almost any kind of design and setting, from classic side-stone arrangements to vintage-inspired designs. Engagement rings featuring three or five stones often highlight an oval-cut lab diamond as the captivating center gem, held securely with four or six prongs, while bezel settings can beautifully frame the accompanying side stones.

 

Diamond Shape Comparison: Oval VS Pear-Cut Lab Diamonds

While both oval-cut and pear-cut lab diamonds share the characteristic of being elongated and featuring at least one rounded edge, there's a key difference in their symmetry. Oval diamonds are perfectly symmetrical along their length, while pear-shaped diamonds are distinctly larger on the bottom than on the top, culminating in that signature pointed tip. Both of these elegant lab diamond cuts create a flattering slimming effect on the wearer's finger, allowing you to choose the shape that truly inspires you.

Despite their popularity as breathtaking center stones in engagement rings, both pear and oval cut lab diamonds can also be beautifully set as side stones, adding a touch of unique elegance to a round or square center stone. The inherent versatility of both diamond cuts makes them an excellent option for almost any engagement ring design. Furthermore, their refined nature makes them perfect for other exquisite jewelry possibilities, such as stunning bracelets and elegant necklaces, all crafted with the brilliance of lab diamonds at Shambh Jewels.

At Shambh Jewels, we adore incorporating both oval and pear-cut lab diamonds into our fine jewelry collections. Their effortless versatility and refined nature allow us to create pieces that are both timeless and contemporary, ensuring you find the perfect lab diamond jewelry to express your unique style and celebrate your special moments.

Whether you're drawn to the romantic teardrop of the pear cut or the sophisticated symmetry of the oval cut, both of these elongated lab diamond shapes offer a unique and captivating alternative to more traditional cuts. Explore the exquisite collection of oval and pear-cut lab diamond jewelry at Shambh Jewels and discover the perfect piece to add a touch of refined elegance and brilliant sparkle to your life.