In the idyllic surroundings of Chittenden County, where love is as enduring as the Green Mountains, After Midnight Jewelers offers a piece of forever with their selection of pear shaped engagement rings. This unique diamond cut, much like love itself, has a storied history and an everlasting appeal.

In the midst of the European Renaissance, a time bursting with art and innovation, the Flemish diamond polisher Lodewyk van Berquem changed the gemstone world forever. The year was 1475, and van Berquem had just unveiled his cutting-edge invention: the “scaif,” a diamond-polishing wheel that transformed rough stones into symmetrical works of art. This leap of imagination set the stage for the beloved brilliant-cut diamonds we cherish today. In that creative storm, van Berquem also presented the world with another gift—its first pear-shaped diamond. This mesmerizing cut captured the spirit of the age and set a course for diamond craftsmanship for centuries to come.

Interestingly, at the time of its introduction, the pear cut was not immediately embraced. Its status skyrocketed only after Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor was gifted a 69.42-carat pear shaped diamond by Richard Burton in 1969. Known as the Taylor-Burton Diamond, this gift became one of the most treasured pieces in Taylor’s collection and simultaneously breathed new life into the popularity of the pear shaped diamond.

Today, pear shaped engagement rings seamlessly blend historical significance with contemporary allure. As more couples opt for this distinctive cut, its appeal is only magnified by its unique set of virtues and considerations. For instance, the elongating effect it has on the finger adds a touch of elegance, while its cost—often 15-30% less per carat than its round brilliant counterpart—makes it a financially attractive option. Moreover, the pear shaped diamond’s brilliant faceting guarantees a scintillating display of sparkle, brightness, and fire.

In this era of choices and customization, pear shaped diamonds also present a pocket-friendly alternative in their lab-grown variants. These diamonds offer the same chemical and physical properties as their mined counterparts, but come at a much more attractive price point. In fact, choosing a lab-grown pear shaped diamond can mean flaunting a stone twice the size for the same budget. To add a splash of color, lab-grown pear shaped diamonds are available in exquisite hues like fancy yellow, offering a modern twist to this age-old cut.

Choosing pear shaped engagement rings is as much about the individuality of each stone as it is about universal standards for beauty and durability. While personal preferences for color, clarity, and the level of the “bow-tie” effect vary, there are key considerations that apply to all pear shaped diamonds. First and foremost, proportional symmetry is a must; both the shoulders and wings of the stone should be balanced. An imbalanced cut not only detracts from the diamond’s visual allure but also poses challenges for secure setting. Beyond symmetry, the devil is in the details. The culet—the diamond’s bottom facet—and the table—its topmost, largest facet—need to align flawlessly along the stone’s line of symmetry. Achieving this perfect alignment amplifies the diamond’s fire and brilliance, making it a truly captivating choice.

While the unique shape of the pear cut adds to its allure, it also offers opportunities to demonstrate your discerning eye and expertise. Specifically, the pointed end—a signature feature of this cut—can be a focus of elegance and sophistication when properly set. When you choose a setting that beautifully showcases and protects this exquisite point, like a V-tip or a halo setting, you not only enhance its appearance but also its durability. It’s these small but significant details that transform a pear-shaped diamond into a lifelong treasure.

In the end, when you choose pear shaped engagement rings from After Midnight Jewelers, you’re investing in more than just a gemstone. You’re acquiring a work of art that is as steeped in history and personal significance as it is designed for longevity. It’s a ring that harmoniously marries the eternal with the individual—much like the love it symbolizes, and much like the commitment we offer to each couple that walks through our doors.