I- **Definition**: Pear shape (Pear Cut), also known as teardrop shape, is a mixed cut (round + horse's eye) with an elongated tip and a full rounded end, commonly found in engagement rings and pendants.

- **Material**: Composed of Silicon Carbide (SiC), laboratory synthesized, with a hardness of 9.25 (second only to diamonds) and a refractive index of 2.65-2.69 (more intense fire than diamonds).

Characteristics of the pear cut

- **Large and slimming**: the stretched silhouette is visually larger than that of a round stone of the same carat, and it flatters the shape of the hand (especially for short fingers).

- **Performance of fire**: the high refractive index results in a more brilliant fire (rainbow effect is noticeable), but it may lack the “subdued sparkle” of a diamond.

- **Tip vulnerability**: the pear-shaped tip is prone to knocks, so a protective setting (e.g. V-shaped bezel, baguette) should be chosen.