Pear Cut Drop Earrings
These pear cut drop earrings suspend a teardrop stone below the earlobe, bringing movement and light to the face.
Pear Cut Drop Earrings
Pear cut drop earrings suspend a distinctive teardrop-shaped stone from a hook, stud, or screw-back fixing. Examples span periods from the Victorian era through the Edwardian period and the Art Deco years into the Mid-Century and 1960s.
The pear shape combines the round curve of a brilliant cut with the taper of a marquise. This form appears across various designs, paired with gemstones such as amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, topaz, and diamond.
How they were made
Goldsmiths and platinum smiths set stones into precious metals including 9ct gold, 14ct white gold, 18ct white gold, 18ct yellow gold, and platinum. Mounting techniques secure faceted gems and pearls using claws, bezels, or flush settings.
Earrings feature articulated joints and drop sections that allow the teardrop stone to swing independently from the upper stud or wire.
Some vintage pairs cleverly disguise their mechanics as tiny gold bows, ensuring the fastener looks just as charming as the drop stone itself.
What varies in quality
The visual balance between the suspending top and the pear drop stone governs the overall proportion of the piece. Symmetry in the cutting of the teardrop gemstone determines how light reflects across the facets.
The weight and gauge of the gold, white gold, or platinum setting affect the structural integrity of the mount, while secure settings ensure the stones remain firmly held over decades of wear.
The Pear Cut Drop Earrings Glossary
- Pear cut
- A modified brilliant cut stone featuring a rounded end and a single tapered point. This shape is often utilised in drop earrings to create an elongated silhouette.
- Drop earrings
- Jewellery items that hang below the earlobe rather than sitting directly on the pierced hole. They commonly utilise wire hooks, lever-backs, or posts.
- Art Deco
- A design style spanning the 1920s and 1930s characterised by geometric symmetry and clean lines. Pieces from this era frequently employ white gold or platinum alongside diamonds and coloured gemstones.
- Edwardian
- A period spanning the early twentieth century known for delicate filigree work and platinum-topped gold settings. Designs from this time often incorporate pearls and diamonds.
- Screw-back
- A mechanical earring finding used on non-pierced lobes. A threaded post and butterfly nut allow the wearer to adjust the pressure against the ear.
Pear Cut Drop Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear drop earrings safely?
Ensure the backings fit securely onto the posts or hooks before wearing them for long periods. Regular checks by a jeweller help maintain the integrity of the settings.
Store each pair separately in a lined box to prevent the stones from scratching neighbouring metalwork or gems.
Are these earrings for pierced ears?
Many examples on this page utilise standard posts or hook wires designed for pierced lobes. Certain antique and vintage pairs feature screw-back mechanisms intended for non-pierced ears.
Check the specific listing details to confirm whether the finding is a post, wire, or screw-back.
How do I identify an Edwardian pair?
Edwardian earrings frequently combine platinum and yellow gold with fine millegrain detailing around diamonds and pearls. The overall aesthetic leans towards light, lace-like metalwork characteristic of the early twentieth century.
Compare the style against pieces from the 1950s or 1960s, which tend to feature heavier yellow or white gold castings.