|
Baguette
A small rectangular-cut diamond used as an accent stone.
|
|
Bezel-setting
A setting in which a metal "collar" completely or partially surrounds the stone and holds it inside.
|
|
Blemish
Diamond surface imperfections such as nicks, scratches or abrasions.
|
|
Brilliance
The light-reflecting power from the surface as well as deep inside a diamond. Brilliance is affected by the diamond's proportions, polish, symmetry and clarity.
|
|
Brilliant-cut
A faceting style designed to maximize brilliance. Facets appear to radiate out from the center of the diamond.
|
|
Briollette
A teardrop shaped gem that is top-drilled and has triangular facets.
|
|
Carat
The standard unit of weight to measure gemstones. One carat equals 200 milligrams.
|
|
Channel-setting
A setting in which stones are set right next to each other with no metal in between them. Generally used for wedding and anniversary rings.
|
|
Clarity
Describes the relative lack of imperfections inside and on the surface of a diamond. The higher the clarity, the better the diamond.
|
|
Color
The general hue of a diamond, graded according to a relative lack of color - from completely colorless (D) to light yellow (Z).
|
|
Comfort fit
A ring which is contoured on the inside surface for a more comfortable fit.
|
|
Crown
The upper part of a cut gemstone, above the girdle.
|
|
Culet
A small, octagonal facet sometimes added to the bottom of a diamond's pavilion to protect the tip from being damaged.
|
|
Cushion-shaped
A softened square diamond with curved sides and rounded corners.
|
|
Cut
The proportions and symmetry of a diamond. The cut determines how well it reflects light, which is responsible for its brilliance.
|
|
Depth
A diamond's height, from the culet to the table, measured in millimeters.
|
|
Diameter
The width of the diamond, measured through the girdle.
|
|
Dispersion
Also known as a diamond's "fire," the flashes of color caused by the breakup of white light into spectral colors (such as red, blue and green) as it hits a diamond's surface.
|
|
Emerald-cut
A square or rectangular step-cut stone with cut corners.
|
|
Facet
The smooth, flat, polished surfaces on a diamond, allowing light to enter and reflect off at different angles.
|
|
Fancy shape
All non-round diamond shapes.
|
|
Feather
Any small fractures below a gemstone's surface, which look either transparent or light white under magnification.
|
|
Finish
All aspects of a diamond's appearance that are due to the diamond cutter's skill - including polish, girdle quality and faceting precision.
|
