Bow-Tie Effect On Pear Diamond

Pear diamond with bow-tie effect

Dear EWR Team!

I would like to kindly your expert opinion. I am thinking about to order a pear-shape diamond and I asked to send me photo from the candidate.

The properties of the stones are: VVS1 Clarity, E color, 0.67ct, 1.56 L/W ratio.

I really worry about bow-tie effect and I think the chosen one (in the uploaded photo) has bow-tie effect. Could you confirm it? Is it strong or just mild? Should I avoid it?

Many thanks!

Hello,

It is difficult to tell whether the bow-tie on this particular diamond has a moderate or severe bow-tie based on the photo. Ideally, photos of diamonds should be taken with a white background – because any color on the background can affect the diamond’s picture.

However, it does look like this diamond has at least a moderate bow-tie and could quite possibly have a strong bow-tie effect.

On some fancy cut diamonds – including pear cut diamonds – there will usually be some bow-tie effect, but this effect can be reduced with an excellent cut that includes facets with ideal proportions and angles. On this diamond though, the bow-tie effect seems quite dramatic.

In addition to the bow-tie effect, this diamond appears to have additional clarity issues based on the photo. Below where the bow-tie can be seen, are four shadows which can indicate either a poor cut or inclusions within the diamond. I am concerned too because the diamond seems to show slight yellow tints of color – although this could be due to the colored background as well.

With the stone's properties – especially the E color and VVS1 clarity grade - there should be absolutely no visible inclusions or color tints on the diamond.

If the diamond was not certified by a well known reputable laboratory, then I would use caution with this diamond purchase. Based on the bow-tie effect, possible inclusions and possible color tints…personally I would not buy this diamond, especially if it is not certified by a well known reputable diamond certification laboratory. While the diamond has beautiful overall proportions, there could be issues with the color and clarity (based on looking at the picture).

If you are searching for a quality pear diamond, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Look for pear diamonds that have been certified through one of these top diamond certification laboratories highly recommended by EWR which include:

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – this is the top diamond certification laboratory in the world.

The American Gem Society (AGS)

The International Gemological Institute (IGI)

The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL)

Because the pear cut will also show even minute color tints and inclusions, you’ll want to stick with a certified pear diamond that is within these parameters:

Color = D to G
Clarity = VVS1 to VS2
Ideal Length to Width Ratio = 1.50 to 1.75

If you are searching for a pear diamond online, two of EWR’s top recommendations for online pear diamond engagement and wedding rings and loose pear diamonds are:

Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth

Both of these jewelry retailers carry a vast selection of high quality GIA certified conflict free pear diamonds in small to extra large carat sizes – and they ship diamonds to any location around the world. Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth also have user-friendly diamond selection systems that you can use to quickly find available diamonds, within specific grade parameters and sizes, which will fit your budget.

Good luck with your search, and do write us again if you have any additional questions!

Suzanne Gardner
Everything Wedding Rings

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