A rectangular-shaped stone with rows of step-like facets. If the
baguette's two long sides taper inward, it is called a Tapered
baguette. Baguettes in long, thin cut rectangles are often used as
enhancements to a lager center stone, or on a watch bezel.
The outermost portion of the stone, called the girdle, can develop
small cracks that resemble whiskers during the polishing process. The
bearding can sometimes be removed, if not too dramatic, with slight
re-polishing, and if the weight allows.
With a bezel setting, a rim holds the stone and completely surrounds
the gem. It is the upper portion above the girdle of a cut stone.
Bezels can have straight edges, scalloped edges, or can be molded into
any shape to accommodate the stone. A watch bezel is the upper part of
the case surrounding the dial. They can be set with diamonds or other
gemstones.
Bangle: A circular rigid band that slips over the hand. Charm: A linked bracelet with suspended charms. Cuff: Round or oval bracelet with clasp and hinge. Tennis: Linked bracelet of set stones, where the stones are usually the same size.
Brilliant cuts are scientifically found to reflect the most light from
within the stone, and often are considered to have the most brilliance
of all cuts. A round brilliant-cut diamond has 58 facets. Other
brilliant cuts include the heart, oval, marquise and pear shaped.
Abbreviated "ct." and spelled with a "c" for gemstones ("k" is used for
karat in gold). One carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram (200 milligrams).
Stones are measured to the nearest hundredth of a carat. A hundredth of
a carat is also called a point. Thus a .10 carat stone can be called
either 10 points, or 1/10 of a carat. Small stones like .05, and .10ct,
are most often referred to by point designations. A one-carat round
diamond of average proportions is approximately 6.5 mm in diameter, but
this relationship of weight and size is different for each family of
stones. (Ruby and sapphire are both heavier than diamond.)
There are many recognized gemological laboratories that can grade your
stones for a fee. The most well known is the GIA, Gemological Institute
of America.
Box: A chain with wide, square links that form boxes. Byzantine: A chain with close-fitting links, creating an intricate design that forms a tube. Cable: A chain with round links of the same size. Figaro: A chain with long and round links that are not uniform in size. FOB: A short chain with a decorative seal or other device attached to the end. Herringbone: A chain with small, slanting links that appear flat. Mesh: Fabric-like chain woven from very fine wire. Omega: Flat chain with a solid surface formed by the links.
A diamond often has natural imperfections, commonly referred to as
inclusions, which contribute to its identifying characteristics.
Inclusions are found within the diamond, and can be white, black,
colorless, or even red or green. Most are undetectable by the human
eye, and can only be seen with 10X magnification. Inclusions are ranked
on a scale of perfection called clarity.
Barrel: Used on most rope chains to make the chain more secure. The barrel clasp looks like part of the chain and makes it easier to get a pendant on and off. Lobster claw: An interlocking catch with a spring mechanism and a safety lock. Spring ring: Used on lightweight chains. Toggle:
Consists of a ring on one end of a necklace or bracelet and a short bar
on the other end. The bar slides through the ring to keep it closed.
