In 1475, a Flemish cutter by the name of Lodewyk van Bercken invented a diamond-polishing wheel called a scaif. The scaif transformed the diamond trade. His innovative polishing wheel enabled Van Bercken to place facets into the diamond with absolute symmetry, and opened the doors to the creation of complex diamond cuts.

At the same year Lodewyk van Bercken invented the world's first Pear Shaped Diamond.

It is considered a cross between the round brilliant and the marquise shape diamond.

The pear shape diamond, also known as Teardrop, is a well-known diamond cut and it looks beautiful when used in engagement rings, all types of earrings and as a pendent. It  has soft-sided curves and rounded bottom narrowing to a pointed edge. Pear shape is one of the few diamond shapes that presents a unique asymmetrical design.

The pear shape diamond has 58 facets and is normally cut in the brilliant style. It is a unique hybrid cut, and when well proportioned, it gives a depth of scintillation to the point of the diamond.

Most pear shapes cut today are too short and stubby.  Others are too long. Others aren’t properly rounded on the round side of the stone. It is harder to find a beautifully made pear shape than to find a stunning round brilliant or princess cut.  However, when it’s cut properly it is a beautiful stone. The ideal ratio of length to width should be 1.5 : 1.

This shape allows the diamond cutter to leave more carat weight in the rounded end of the diamond
Pear Shapes are among the diamond shapes that show color the strongest.  When buying a pear shape it is best to stick with H color or higher to make sure that the stone looks white. The buyer should also make sure that the stone is not too narrow or too wide.

Pear shaped engagement rings have gained popularity.

Combining the brilliance of a round cut diamond with the uniqueness of a marquise shape, pear cut engagement rings are a beautiful blend of eccentricity and sophistication.  Pear shaped diamonds are considered to be perfect for engagement rings.

Some of the reasons for that are:

1. More and more couples are searching for engagement rings that express their individuality and reflects their personality, and the uniqueness of the pear shape is an excellent option for the classic but still a bit unconventional bride-to-be.
2. Similar to the round brilliant, the pear shape cut has 58 facets. This makes this stone as brilliant as the round cut.
3. The unique asymmetrical shape of the stone and it’s brilliance and scintillation make this diamond looks dazzling on the finger.
4. The pear shape is a versatile stone. A creative and talented designer can use the stone in a variety of ways to create beautiful custom engagement rings. 
5. Celebrities have embraced the unconventional cut and you can see many of them wearing a pear shaped engagement ring
6. When used in engagement rings, the teardrop shaped cut helps to elongate the fingers

When used as a solitaire, the stone will look it’s best in a prong setting. It is important to put a prong at the pointed edge to protect it from chipping. 4-6 prongs can be used. The more prongs the more secure the stone will be.