He is believed to be the man responsible for creating the 137 carat Florentine Diamond for the powerful Valois family. Louis van Berquem invented a diamond polishing wheel called a scaif which enabled him to cut the facets of a diamond. He also introduced the concept of using absolute symmetry in the placement of facets on the stone. From this point diamonds were used as ornaments in jewelry and the process and different techniques for diamond cutting were gradually developed. 

Description of the Pear Cut Diamond (aka Teardrop)
The description of an Pear Cut Diamond is best described as being one half oval, and the other half marquise - pear-shaped or teardrop shaped. The stone is pointed at one end and round at the other. Ideally cut pear shapes have 58 facets. Aspect ratio of a Pear or teardrop cut: The ratio of the length to the width should be about 1.5:1

Pear Cut Diamond - the Cutting Process
Diamond Facets are the smooth surface areas of a diamond which are cut and polished to control the brilliance and the durability of a diamond. A skilful diamond cutter brings out all the brilliance and sparkle of a diamond by choosing the most appropriate cut, such as the Pear shaped Diamond cut.

Diamonds are Forever...

Pear shaped Style - Fancy Cut Diamonds
Fancy cut stones, such as Emerald, Marquise, Heart, Oval, Pear and Princess cuts are all ways of cutting a stone to maximize the carat weight. A rough diamond which might only yield a half carat in a Brilliant Cut might yield another 50% if cut into the Pear shape. Fancy cuts, such as the pear cut, allow the cutter to use the best attributes of the rough diamond and eliminate inclusions and blemishes. Popular fancy cuts include the "Baguette" (French for a small rod), "Marquise" or "Navette" (little boat), "Princess Cut" aka Square Brilliant Cut, "Heart", "Briolette" (a form of Rose cut), Pear (teardrop), and the Trillion which is triangular in shape.

Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Rings (aka Teardrop)
The tradition of wearing engagement rings, including those with an Pear cut diamond, symbolizes the promise of a future together which is sealed with the giving and accepting of a ring. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring dates back to the 13th century. Mary of Burgundy is the first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring, in 1477. Betrothal Betrothal rings were initially given as a pledge to marry. All wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand because the vein in this finger, called the "vena amoris", was once believed to run directly to the heart which is closely associated with love. The circular shape of rings symbolizes unending love.

Pear Cut Diamond (aka Teardrop)
What constitutes good cuts? Good Pear Cut Diamonds are effected by several different elements which have a large impact on a diamond's brilliance. These include the Width and Depth of the stone, the Symmetry and the alignment of a diamond's facets and the polish. Diamond Clarity is a measure of a diamond's blemishes and inclusions which also effect the brilliance of diamonds and their sparkle because they interfere with the passage of light travelling through the precious stone. The skill of the jeweller will ensure that Pear cut diamonds have a suitable cut to give the most beautiful results in respect of their lustre, transparency, refraction and dispersion of light.

Symbolism & Meaning of Diamonds
The traditional properties closely associated with diamonds  are action, passion, and energy. Jewelry containing diamonds are believed to enhance relationships, increasing inner strength and provide the wearer with balance, clarity and abundance. Wearing jewelry containing a diamond will focus the energies of the precious gemstone through the gem.

Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire (aka Teardrop)
The most popular style engagement ring is a diamond solitaire, the cuts include the Pear cut diamond solitaire. The solitaire design was introduced by Tiffany about 100 years ago.

The Tiffany solitaire setting enhanced the brilliance and lustre of the diamond by introducing the first ‘open’ mount, which allowed light to travel freely through the precious stone differing from all previous settings which had restrictive closed backs. The Pear cut diamond solitaire is a beautiful cut for this type of jewelry.

Diamonds are Forever...
An Impartial Guide to Diamonds

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