Glossary of Precious Stones Jewelry Terms

Like any industry, the world of precious stones and jewelry can sound like Latin to the uninitiated. That's why we want to offer you a few definitions for common terms that will help make your shopping experience more enjoyable:

Baguette - rectangular-shaped stone with rows of step-like facets.

Bezel - the rim of the jewelry that holds the stone and surrounds the stone completely. Bezels can be molded into any shape to accommodate a stone.

Carat - unit of measurement for weight for diamonds and gemstones. Jewelry with a higher carat weight is more expensive.

Crown - the top of a diamond.

Facet - the flat polished surface of a diamond or gemstone. Jewelry with carefully planned facets (placement, angle, and shape) tends to maximize the beauty of the piece.

Luster - depth and hue of the reflection from opals, pearls, or other opaque stone jewelry.

Play of color - the iridescent effect in opal when light shines on it.

Princess cut - square or occasionally rectangular-shaped modified diamond. This cut is popular in bridal jewelry and engagement rings.

Shape - appearance or form of a diamond. Diamond jewelry usually comes in round, square, triangular, pear, marquise, oval, or heart shapes.

Solitaire - single diamond or gem set by itself in mounting.

Table - the top surface of a cut gemstone or diamond.