Pear and Marquise Rings: Choosing and Caring for Pointed Shapes

Pear and marquise stones are the two classic shapes with points. Both are long brilliant cuts that make the hand look slender and the stone look generous for its weight. Their points also call for a little more thought about setting, bands and everyday wear. Here is what to know before you choose one.

The pear

A pear, or teardrop, is round at one end and pointed at the other. It combines the soft curve of an oval with the drama of a single point, and it is a brilliant cut, so it sparkles almost like a round. Pear stones look lovely as solitaires, inside a halo that traces the teardrop, or set with side stones along the band.

The marquise

A marquise is long and narrow with a point at each end, a shape often compared to a boat or a leaf. It has the most length of any classic shape for its weight, so it covers more of the finger than other stones of a similar size. Set upright it reads dramatic and vintage. Turned east-west it reads modern and understated. Small marquise stones also appear as petals and leaves in floral and cluster designs.

Which way should the point face?

Most people wear a pear with the point toward the fingertip, which carries the eye along the finger and lengthens the hand. Pointing it toward the wrist is less common but perfectly fine if you prefer the look. A marquise has two points, so it simply runs along the finger, or across it in an east-west setting.

Protecting the points

Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond, and it resists scratching. The thin tip of any pointed stone is still its most exposed spot, and a hard knock right on a point can chip it. A few habits keep it safe:

• Take the ring off for sports, the gym, gardening and heavy cleaning.
• Store it on its own, in its Carissie box or a soft pouch, so other jewelry cannot knock against it.
• Check now and then that the prongs at the points still sit snugly over the stone.
• If you work with your hands, consider a bezel setting, where a thin rim of metal wraps the stone and covers its edges.

Pairing a band

Because pear and marquise stones are long and pointed, a straight band does not always sit flush beside them. A contour or open band that curves around the point often looks most finished, and our bridal sets include a marquise solitaire paired with an open band that curves around the stone. A thin band with a small gap is also a clean, modern look. Our wedding band guide covers the options.

Pear or marquise?

• Choose a pear for a softer, romantic shape with a single point and plenty of sparkle.
• Choose a marquise for the most length and drama, or for a vintage look.
• Want neither point? An oval gives the same elongating effect with no points at all.

Browse our pear moissanite rings and marquise moissanite rings, or compare every shape in our guide to engagement ring shapes.