Pear Cut
A teardrop outline, round at one end and pointed at the other. The classic pendant and drop-earring shape.
A pear is effectively half a round brilliant and half a marquise, and it is judged on how symmetrical the two halves are against the centre line.
The point is the vulnerable part and is normally protected by a V-shaped prong.
Like the marquise, it can show a bow-tie shadow if the proportions are off.
When you are buying
Hold a pear-cut stone up and look for symmetry either side of the axis. Asymmetry is far more obvious in wear than on a grading report.
Marquise Cut
A long pointed oval, tapering to a point at both ends. Looks larger than its weight and elongates the finger.
Drop
Tapered at one end and rounded at the other, like a teardrop. Highly valued when the taper is symmetrical.
Oval Cut
An elongated brilliant. Nearly the sparkle of a round, and it looks larger for the same weight.
Briolette
A faceted teardrop, cut all the way round with no flat face, drilled at the top so it hangs and turns.
Cut
How a stone is shaped and faceted. The one thing that most affects how it looks, and the one buyers examine least.