Object Description
A stunning pear shape diamond solitaire ring by Hancocks, set with a wonderfully bright and lively old-cut pear-shaped diamond weighing 3.73ct and of G colour and VVS2 clarity, in a platinum five claw setting with scalloped gallery, all to a finely crafted 18ct gold square section band with hand engraved scroll and foliate details and millegrain edging.
Maker
Hancocks
Period
Contemporary
Origin
London
Gemstones
3.73ct G VVS2 old pear shape brilliant cut diamond with GIA certificate.
Setting
18ct yellow gold and platinum with maker’s marks and London assay marks
Weight
4.8 grams
Dimensions
UK finger size M, US size 6.25
Condition
New
Directors Notes
The pear-shaped diamond has long been loved for its elegant and flattering tear drop shape. It is unusual for a diamond cut in that it is one of very few shapes that is not symmetrical but instead combines both the generous curved form of a round brilliant with the elongated tapering point of a marquise shape. The origins of this diamond cut can be traced back to 15th century Belgium and a man named Lodewyk van Bercken who was renowned throughout Europe for inventing a piece of diamond cutting machinery called a scaif. This rotating wheel impregnated with oil and diamond powder facilitated a quality of diamond cutting and polishing previously unknown. As van Bercken’s reputation as a diamond cutter spread, he was able to experiment more freely and this resulted in the development of the pear shape amongst others. Early pear shapes, like their rounded sisters, were gentler in form than today’s modern cuts. Proportions can vary hugely with this shape from wide soft pears to long narrow ones but the antique cuts we favour are of the softer variety. Typically on the fuller side with a softly curved end and a gently rounded tip they often have a flat open culet and faceting style that resembles old mine cut diamonds. The smaller table facet and higher crown allow these old cuts to display a wonderful fire and liveliness which, coupled with their beautiful shape, makes them particularly alluring. The most famous pear shape diamond is the historic Cullinan I, which is also the world’s largest colourless cut diamond weighing in at 530.2cts. It is set in the top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre which is part of the Crown Jewels and is used during coronation services.