The ‘drop’ or ‘pear’ shape cut of gemstone is unusual and rare. It’s outline dramatically combines the marquise cut’s point to one end, and the oval to the other, providing an interesting symmetry. It is a particularly elegant cut which compliments the hand beautifully, elongating the finger, or forming a perfectly shaped ‘drop’ dangling from the ear or twinkling at the base of the throat, references 17330, 17583 and 18478.
The first form of the drop shape, the ‘pendeloque’ or ‘briolette’ was invented by a Flemish cutter, Lodewyk van Berquem as early as the 1400s. He is also credited with the discovery of the diamond polishing wheel which allowed him to polish facets and thus better optimise light reflection and ‘sparkle’ within a diamond- a defining moment in the history of diamond cutting.
Some of the most famous diamonds have been fashioned into drop shapes, for example the world’s largest white diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan I or Star of Africa, is a 520.02 drop shape set in the ceremonial sceptre of the British Crown Jewels. This fancy cut did not escape the notice of Hollywood either, as Elizabeth Taylor’s awe inspiring engagement ring given to her by Richard Burton was a drop shape diamond solitaire of approximately 69.42 carats. Anyone wishing to recreate the glitz and opulence of movie stars, may wish to consider references 20848, 17934 or 17413.
If you are taken with the glamour of the drop shape’s shapely silhouette, take a look at the dazzling antique and vintage treasures currently available in stock.
