Pear vs. Heart: Choosing the Right Romantic Diamond Shape

Some diamonds are about more than just sparkle. They carry a story, a feeling, something deeper than their cut and clarity. Pear and heart-shaped diamonds both capture emotion in their design, making them two of the most romantic choices for engagement rings and jewelry.

These shapes break away from tradition, offering something distinct from the usual round or princess cuts. But while they both represent love and sentiment, they do so in very different ways. If you're drawn to the unique beauty of pear or heart diamonds but can’t decide which suits you best, let’s explore their differences in shape, brilliance, size, symbolism, and settings to help you find the perfect match.

Shape & Appearance: What’s the Difference?

The pear cut diamond is a teardrop shape, blending the curved brilliance of a round diamond with the sharp definition of a marquise. This combination creates a striking balance of softness and edge, making it an elongating and graceful choice. Its asymmetry adds to its intrigue, offering something unexpected yet refined.

The heart cut diamond is all about precision and symmetry. Its defined curves and central cleft form a recognizable symbol of love, making it a deeply personal and sentimental choice. Every heart-shaped diamond is carefully crafted to maintain balance—too narrow, and the shape is lost; too wide, and it lacks its delicate charm. When cut well, it carries a bold and romantic presence.

Sparkle & Brilliance: Which One Shines More?

Both pear and heart diamonds are cut for maximum light reflection, but the way they sparkle differs.

A pear-shaped diamond has a modified brilliant cut, allowing it to reflect light powerfully, though some areas may show a crushed ice effect rather than uniform brilliance. Its faceting structure ensures the rounded side glows intensely, while the pointed tip adds a sharp, eye-catching contrast.

A heart-shaped diamond follows a brilliant cut faceting pattern, similar to a round diamond. When cut correctly, it delivers a lively, even sparkle. However, its symmetry plays a major role—a well-cut heart diamond will dazzle, while a poorly cut one may appear uneven or dull in places.

Size Perception: Which One Looks Bigger?

Size is about more than carat weight—it’s about how the shape distributes that weight.

The pear cut diamond naturally looks larger than its carat weight suggests. Its elongated shape creates the illusion of length, making it one of the best choices for those who want a more substantial-looking diamond without increasing carat size.

The heart cut diamond, while bold in shape, tends to appear more compact due to its even weight distribution. A heart-shaped diamond of the same carat weight as a pear cut will often look smaller by comparison.

Symbolism: What Does Each Shape Represent?

Beyond their brilliance, these shapes carry deep personal meaning. The pear cut diamond is often associated with grace, individuality, and bold emotions. The teardrop shape symbolizes a sense of movement and transformation, making it a meaningful choice for those who embrace change and confidence in their style. Heart-shaped diamonds, on the other hand, represent pure love and devotion. They are a direct, unmistakable expression of romance, chosen by those who want their jewelry to carry a message as deep as the commitment it represents.

Best Settings for Pear and Heart Diamonds

The right setting enhances the beauty of each shape, whether worn as a ring or as a stunning diamond necklace. But beyond their sparkle, these shapes also have a visual impact on how they complement the hand, subtly altering the way the fingers appear.

Pear-Shaped Diamond Jewelry

• Solitaire settings let the teardrop shape shine, keeping the focus on the diamond itself.
• Halo settings surround the diamond with smaller stones, adding extra sparkle and making the diamond appear larger.
• Pear cut diamond rings have a natural elongating effect on the hand. Their tapered teardrop shape creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers, making them an excellent choice for those who want a refined, delicate look.
• Pear cut diamond necklaces capture the same elegance, with the diamond gently suspended for a graceful, flowing effect.

Heart-Shaped Diamond Jewelry

• Prong settings are key to maintaining the heart’s symmetry, keeping the curves well-defined.
• Three-stone settings complement the heart shape by adding dimension and extra brilliance.
• Halo settings help emphasize the shape, giving the heart a more dramatic, sparkling outline.
• Heart cut diamond rings create a bold, eye-catching presence on the finger. While they don’t elongate the hand in the same way as pear cuts, they stand out beautifully, offering a delicate but noticeable balance that draws attention to the shape itself.
• Heart cut diamond necklaces are a perfect way to wear this deeply symbolic shape close to your heart, whether as a delicate pendant or a bold centerpiece.

Which One is Right for You?

• Choose a pear-shaped diamond if you love an elegant, elongating shape that looks larger than its carat weight and has a distinct, eye-catching presence.
• Choose a heart-shaped diamond if you want a bold, sentimental shape that carries deep romantic symbolism and brilliant sparkle.

Both are breathtaking in their own way. The decision comes down to which one speaks to you.

See Pear & Heart-Shaped Diamonds in Person

No words, no photos, no descriptions can truly capture what it’s like to see these diamonds in real life. The way they reflect light, the way they complement your hand—it’s something you have to experience firsthand.

Visit our Singapore or Hong Kong stores to try on pear and heart-shaped diamond rings and see which one feels like it was meant specifically for you.