Explore the essential terminology of diamonds and jewelry, offering insights
into industry-specific concepts and practices.
A
Abrasion
An unpolished area, typically at a facet junction, that appears as a
white scratch, often due to wear or contact with harder materials.
AGS 0 (AGS Ideal)
The pinnacle of the American Gem Society's grading scale, indicating a
diamond with exceptional cut quality. This grading also applies to color
and clarity on a 0-10 scale, complemented by international standards.
American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL)
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, specializes in assessing diamond cut quality
and light performance.
Air Holes or Air Lines
Tiny openings beneath gemstones in a setting, enhancing light entry and
simplifying cleaning.
Anniversary Ring
A ring, often a band or three-stone design, symbolizing the journey of a
relationship: past, present, and future.
Antique or Vintage Rings
These designs draw inspiration from historical fashion, incorporating
detailed craftsmanship and stylistic elements from past eras.
Appraisal
A professional valuation, often used for insurance, tax, or sale
purposes, assessing a piece's worth.
Approximate Size & Shape
Using a representative image to convey the general dimensions and shape
of a diamond, aiding in visualizing the actual stone.
Artisanal Mining
Describes independent, small-scale mineral extraction, often conducted
manually.
Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool (ASET)
A foundational tool in AGS's light performance grading, assessing
brightness, leakage, and contrast in diamonds.
Asscher Cut Diamond
A square emerald cut variation with distinctive cut corners, offering a
unique geometric appeal.
Azimuth
Measures the directional orientation of a diamond's facets.
B
Baguette Diamond
A rectangular diamond with step-like facets, known for its elegance and
simplicity.
Bar Setting
A setting method using metal bars to secure stones side by side.
Barion Cut
Named after its creators, Basil and Marion Watermeyer, this cut features
a step-cut crown and a modified brilliant-cut pavilion.
Beading or Milgrain
A decorative technique adding metal 'beads' to edges or patterns,
enhancing a piece's detail and texture.
Bearded Girdle
A condition where the diamond's girdle has tiny, feather-like fractures,
often resulting from bruting during the cutting process.
Bezel Facet
Large kite-shaped facets on a round brilliant diamond's crown,
contributing to its brilliance and fire.
Bezel Setting
A secure, metal rim surrounds the gemstone, exposing only its top
portion, offering protection and a modern aesthetic.
Blemish
External characteristics on a diamond, including scratches, nicks, and
polish marks, which may affect clarity.
Blocking
An initial diamond cutting step, shaping the first eight facets on the
crown and pavilion.
Bort
Industrial-grade diamonds not suitable for jewelry, often used for
cutting practice.
Bow Tie
A shadowy pattern across a diamond's center, commonly seen in elongated
fancy shapes, affecting its visual appeal.
Branded Diamonds
Diamonds associated with a specific collection or retailer, often
featuring unique cuts or quality specifications.
Brilliance
The total light reflection from a diamond, combining surface and
internal reflections, enhancing its visual impact.
Brilliant Cut
Utilizes triangular or kite-shaped facets to maximize a diamond's
scintillation and contrast, offering distinct beauty compared to step
cuts.
Brillianteering
The final polishing phase for a round brilliant diamond, refining the
last forty facets to perfect its light performance.
Bruise
A small, feather-like fracture caused by impact, typically found at a
facet junction.
Burn Mark
Surface clouding from excessive heat during polishing, potentially
affecting the diamond's clarity.
Burnish/Flush Setting
A technique embedding the stone within the metal band, resulting in a
sleek, seamless appearance.
C
Carat Weight
A measurement unit for diamond weight, with five carats equating to one
gram, offering a direct comparison to the ancient use of carob seeds for
weight reference.
Carbon Composition in Diamonds
Diamonds are primarily made up of crystallized carbon, accounting for
99.95% of their structure. The remaining 0.05% may include trace
elements influencing their color and crystal shape.
Carbon Spots
"Carbon Spots" is an informal term for black inclusions within a
diamond. These inclusions vary in composition and are not necessarily
carbon-based.
Cathedral Setting
Characterized by arching sides that reach up towards the center stone,
creating an architectural silhouette reminiscent of cathedral arches.
Cape Diamonds
Refers to diamonds which are yellower in color. The term Cape was
originally used to refer to diamonds cut from the Cape Province, South
Africa.
Cavity
A small surface break in a diamond, often occurring where a crystal
inclusion has been dislodged.
Certification
Commonly used to describe a diamond's grading report. The report
outlines the diamond's 4Cs, measurements, and craftsmanship assessments.
Channel Setting
A method where gemstones are set between parallel metal bars or
channels, commonly used in wedding and anniversary bands for a sleek,
uninterrupted flow of diamonds.
Chevrons
V-shaped facets found on the pavilion of princess cut diamonds,
influencing the stone's light reflection and overall appearance.
Chip
A superficial break typically found along a diamond's girdle, facet
junction, or culet, often resulting from impact.
Clarity
One of the 4Cs, evaluating a diamond's internal (inclusions) and surface
(blemishes) imperfections that affect its appearance and structure.
Clarity Grading
The process of assessing a diamond's clarity based on visible inclusions
and blemishes under 10x magnification, determining its clarity grade.
Clarity Characteristics
Encompass both inclusions (internal features) and blemishes (surface
imperfections), impacting a diamond's clarity rating.
Claw Prongs
A setting style where prongs are shaped into pointed claws to securely
hold the gemstone, often used for aesthetic appeal.
Cleavage
Natural planes of weakness in a diamond's crystal structure, utilized by
cutters to split the stone along these lines during the cutting process.
Cloud
A cluster of tiny internal inclusions, giving the appearance of a cloud
within the diamond, potentially affecting its transparency and
brilliance.
Coating
A treatment applying a thin layer over a material to modify its
appearance or properties, such as enhancing a gemstone's hardness or
altering its color.
Color
Refers to the hue present within a diamond, ranging from colorless to
yellow or brown, and including fancy colors. Color impacts a diamond's
value and is one of the 4Cs.
Color Grading
The assessment of a diamond's color by comparing it to master stones
under controlled lighting conditions, distinguishing between normal and
fancy colors.
Color Origin
Identifies the cause of a diamond's color, whether natural, treated
through enhancements, or subjected to high temperatures and pressures.
Conflict Diamonds
Diamonds mined in areas of armed conflict and traded illicitly to
finance warfare, addressed by the Kimberley Process to reduce the trade
of such diamonds.
Contrast
The variation in brightness between adjacent facets, enhancing a
diamond's visual appeal through the interplay of light and dark areas.
Crown
The upper portion of a diamond, above the girdle, contributing to its
light reflection and dispersion.
Crown Angle
The angle formed between the diamond's table and its crown facets,
crucial for optimal light performance.
Crown Height Percentage
Expresses the crown's height as a percentage of the diamond's average
girdle diameter, influencing its light handling characteristics.
Crystal
An internal inclusion within a diamond, consisting of a mineral deposit,
which can be transparent or opaque, affecting the diamond's clarity.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
A synthetic material widely used as an affordable diamond simulant,
popular for its diamond-like appearance but differing in physical and
chemical properties.
Culet
A small facet at the bottom of a diamond, designed to prevent chipping
of the point. Its size can vary from nonexistent to large, affecting the
diamond's appearance.
Cushion Cut
A diamond cut combining a square shape with rounded corners, reminiscent
of a pillow, evolved from the older " mine cut."
Cut
One of the 4Cs, referring to a diamond's proportions, symmetry, and
polish, determining its brilliance, fire, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Cutting Style
Refers to the methodology and pattern of facets on a diamond. There are
mainly three styles: brilliant cuts with kite-shaped facets for maximum
sparkle, step cuts with rectangular facets for elegance, and mixed cuts
that combine both techniques.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
A synthetic gemstone used widely as an affordable alternative to
diamonds, known for its similarity to diamonds in appearance but
differing in hardness and composition.
D
Diamond Grading Report (Certificate)
Refers to the detailed assessment provided by gemological laboratories,
evaluating a diamond's quality based on the 4Cs. The term "certificate"
is a misnomer as labs provide reports rather than certifications.
Dahlia Cut
A unique diamond shape with an oval outline and flat ends, introduced in
the 1990s by Gabi Tolkowsky for De Beers, offering a distinctive
aesthetic.
Deep Cut
Describes diamonds cut with proportionally wide angles, aiming to retain
more carat weight. This often results in reduced brilliance due to light
escaping from the sides rather than reflecting back.
Depth
Measures the height of a diamond from its table (top) to the culet
(bottom point), typically expressed as a percentage of the girdle
diameter, influencing the stone's potential for brilliance.
Depth Percentage
The ratio of a diamond's depth to its average girdle diameter, a
critical factor in assessing the stone's cut quality and overall
appearance.
Diamond
A naturally occurring gemstone composed of crystallized carbon, renowned
for its unparalleled hardness and reflective properties. Diamonds are
mined, cut, and polished to create stunning jewelry pieces.
Diamond Anatomy
The structural components of a diamond, comprising various polished
facets arranged in a specific pattern across the crown, girdle, and
pavilion.
Diamond Certificate
A document provided by independent gemological labs detailing the
characteristics of a diamond, particularly its 4Cs (Carat, Color,
Clarity, Cut). It's important to note that these are reports rather than
certifications.
Diamond Detector
A device designed to determine if a gemstone is a diamond or a different
material, crucial for identifying natural diamonds and distinguishing
them from simulants.
Diamond Dimensions
The measured length, width, and depth of a diamond in millimeters,
essential for understanding its proportionality and potential light
performance.
Diamond Grading Reports
Issued by gemological institutions, these reports offer a detailed
analysis of a diamond's qualities based on standardized grading systems.
Diamond Plot
A diagram included in diamond grading reports maps out a diamond's
internal and external clarity features, providing a visual guide to its
unique characteristics.
Diamond Treatments
Techniques applied to enhance a diamond's natural color or clarity.
These include processes such as heat treatment and laser drilling but
can affect the stone's value and durability.
DiamondSure
A detection tool by DeBeers designed to differentiate natural diamonds
from synthetic or treated counterparts, ensuring authenticity.
Dispersion
The phenomenon where white light is split into its spectral colors upon
passing through a diamond, contributing to its fire and brilliance.
Dossier
A compact version of a grading report that summarizes a diamond's
essential attributes without a detailed clarity plot. It typically
includes laser inscription for identification.
Double Prong
A setting style where two adjacent prongs secure a gemstone, offering
additional stability and a distinct aesthetic.
Durability
A composite measure of a gemstone's resistance to wear and damage,
considering factors like hardness, toughness, and stability.
E
EGL
European Gemological Laboratories, once a network of diamond grading
labs known for lenient grading standards. Many of its branches have
since closed.
Eight Cut / Single Cut
A simplified diamond facet pattern with eight crown and pavilion facets,
usually applied to smaller diamonds (melee), enhancing their
scintillation.
Emerald Cut
Characterized by a rectangular shape with truncated corners and parallel
facets, the emerald cut is prized for its elegant, understated
appearance and hall-of-mirrors effect.
Emeralds
Belonging to the beryl family, emeralds are precious gemstones known for
their rich green color, distinct from emerald-cut diamonds.
Engagement Ring
A symbol of commitment and impending marriage, typically featuring a
prominent diamond or gemstone set on a band and worn on the fourth
finger of the left hand.
Engraving
The art of inscribing personal messages or intricate designs on jewelry,
adding a layer of customization and significance.
Etched Channel
An unusual clarity characteristic resembling a void, resulting from
natural dissolution processes during the diamond's formation.
Eternity Ring
A band set with continuous stones around its circumference, symbolizing
unending love. Variations include half and three-quarter eternity rings.
EX-EX-EX / Triple EX
Denotes a diamond with an Excellent grade in cut, polish, and symmetry
from grading labs, representing top-tier quality.
Excellent Cut
The highest cut grade assigned by some grading laboratories, indicating
a diamond with superior light performance.
Extra Facet
An additional facet not part of the standard cutting pattern, usually
added to remove blemishes or optimize the stone's shape and size.
Eye-Clean
Refers to a diamond that shows no inclusions visible to the naked eye
from a normal viewing distance (typically 6 inches), ensuring a clean
appearance without magnification.
F
Facet
Each polished surface on a diamond, contributing to its ability to
reflect light and produce brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Faceted Diamond
A diamond that has been cut and polished to feature multiple facets,
enhancing its optical properties.
Faceted Girdle
The outermost edge of a diamond, which can be polished with multiple
facets to improve the stone's overall appearance and light performance.
Facetware
A tool provided by GIA that allows users to input a diamond's
proportions to predict its potential cut grade, aiding in the selection
process.
Faceup Appearance
The initial visual impression a diamond makes when viewed from above,
influencing its appeal and perceived quality.
Fair Cut
A grade indicating a diamond with below-average proportions and finish,
potentially impacting its brilliance and overall beauty.
Fancy
Refers to diamonds cut in shapes other than the traditional round
brilliant, such as oval, marquise, or cushion, offering a variety of
aesthetic options.
Fancy Color
Diamonds exhibiting colors beyond the standard colorless to yellow/brown
spectrum, including vivid hues like pink, blue, and green, assessed with
a separate grading system.
Fancy Cut
Synonymous with non-round diamond shapes, offering unique alternatives
to the classic round brilliant cut.
Fancy Shape
Another term for fancy cut diamonds, emphasizing the diversity of shapes
available beyond the conventional round.
Feather
A type of inclusion resembling a small crack or cleavage within the
diamond, affecting its clarity grade but not necessarily its structural
integrity.
Filling
A clarity enhancement technique where a substance is introduced into
surface-reaching inclusions to improve the diamond's appearance. It's
important to note that this treatment may not be permanent.
Fingerprint
A unique characteristic or inclusion within a diamond, serving as a
natural identifier much like a human fingerprint.
Finish
The overall quality of a diamond's surface condition and the precision
of its facet alignment, affecting its light performance and aesthetic
appeal.
Fire (Dispersion)
The colorful flashes produced when light is dispersed into its spectral
components upon passing through a diamond, contributing to its visual
allure.
Fish Eye
A detrimental effect observed in shallow-cut diamonds where the girdle
reflects across the table, reducing the stone's aesthetic value.
Flawless (FL) Grade
The highest clarity grade for diamonds, indicating the absence of
visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification.
Flat Top Setting
A design where the band broadens and flattens at the top, providing a
platform for setting stones, often used for its modern, streamlined
look.
Flaw
A general term for any inclusion or blemish within a diamond, impacting
its clarity and overall appearance.
Fluorescence
The emission of visible light by a diamond when exposed to ultraviolet
(UV) rays, ranging in intensity from none to very strong, and often
perceived as a blue glow.
Flush Fit
A setting style where the gemstone is embedded into the band, resulting
in a smooth, seamless surface.
Four Cs
The cornerstone criteria for evaluating diamond quality: Carat weight,
Color, Clarity, and Cut, providing a standardized framework for
comparison.
Fracture
A break or crack on the surface of a diamond, differing from a feather
which is an internal inclusion.
Fracture Filling
A clarity enhancement process where a glass-like substance is injected
into surface-breaking fractures to minimize their visibility, not
considered a permanent treatment.
G
Gemstone
A broad term encompassing minerals, rocks, or organic materials that
have been cut and polished for use in jewelry, including diamonds,
emeralds, sapphires, and more.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
A leading authority in gemology, providing education, research, and
diamond grading services, established to promote standards and ethics in
the gemstone industry.
Gemologist
A person who assesses gems often having completed training at the GIA
and many years of practical industry experience.
GIA Certificate
A common but incorrect term for a GIA grading report, which evaluates a
diamond's characteristics but does not "certify" them. The correct term
is "grading report."
GIA Dossier
An abbreviated grading report from GIA for smaller diamonds, providing a
concise evaluation without a clarity plot, including laser inscription
of the report number for identification.
GIA Excellent
The highest grade in GIA's cut grading system, denoting diamonds with
exceptional craftsmanship and light performance.
GIA Grading Report
A comprehensive evaluation issued by the Gemological Institute of
America, detailing a diamond's 4Cs and other critical attributes,
serving as a benchmark for quality.
Girdle
The narrow rim that circumscribes a diamond, serving as the boundary
between the crown (top) and pavilion (bottom), which can be polished,
faceted, or left unpolished.
Girdle Reflection
The visual effect of seeing the girdle's reflection within the diamond,
often mistaken for an inclusion or flaw but merely a facet alignment
characteristic.
Girdle Thickness
Describes the width of the diamond's girdle, ranging from extremely thin
to extremely thick, influencing the stone's setting security and overall
proportions.
Gletz
An industry term for a visible imperfection within a gemstone, typically
a crack or fissure, potentially affecting its clarity grade and
appearance.
Gold
A yellow, malleable, ductile, precious metal used extensively in jewelry
making, valued for its luster and ability to be alloyed for strength and
color variations.
Good Cut
A diamond grading category indicating decent but not optimal
proportions, resulting in satisfactory but not exceptional brilliance
and fire.
Grading Report
An independent evaluation of a gemstone's qualities, typically including
the 4Cs, issued by a recognized gemological laboratory to provide an
objective assessment of its attributes.
Graduate Gemologist (GIA)
A professional designation awarded by the Gemological Institute of
America to individuals who have completed a comprehensive education in
gemology, equipping them with expert knowledge in identifying and
grading gemstones.
Grain
A unit of measurement used historically in the gem trade, equivalent to
0.25 carats, reflecting the traditional use of seeds and natural objects
for weighing diamonds and other precious stones.
Grain Center
A localized area within a diamond showing concentrated crystal
distortion, visible as a white or dark inclusion, often resembling a
pinpoint or thread.
Graining
Internal lines within a diamond that reflect its crystal growth pattern,
visible under magnification and sometimes affecting transparency or
color.
Green Diamond
A rare natural fancy color category for diamonds, resulting from
exposure to natural radiation during formation, prized for its unique
hue and rarity.
Growth Lines
Similar to graining, these are internal lines visible under
magnification that indicate the diamond's natural growth patterns,
potentially impacting its optical properties.
Gypsy Setting
A robust, masculine jewelry setting characterized by a smooth, domed
band with the gemstone flush-set at the center, offering a sleek,
streamlined appearance.
H
Half-Bezel Setting
A design that secures the gemstone with metal partially encircling its
perimeter, exposing parts of the girdle for additional light exposure
and aesthetic variation.
Halo Setting
Incorporates a circle of smaller accent stones around a central gem,
amplifying its brilliance and perceived size through added sparkle.
Hardness
Measured on the Mohs scale, it quantifies a mineral's resistance to
scratching. Diamonds top this scale at a hardness level of 10, making
them the hardest natural material.
Heart Cut
A diamond shaped like a heart with a pointed bottom and a cleft at the
top, combining the brilliance of a round cut with a unique and symbolic
shape.
Hearts & Arrows
A precision-cut round brilliant diamond that exhibits symmetrical
patterns of hearts (seen from the bottom) and arrows (viewed from
above), indicative of exceptional optical symmetry.
Helium Scanner
A high-tech device used to capture precise measurements and create
detailed models of both polished and rough diamonds, facilitating
accurate grading and valuation.
HRD Antwerp
The Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD) represents Belgium's authoritative
gemological institution, providing diamond grading and certification
services with a global footprint.
High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT)
A method used in creating lab-grown diamonds that mimics the natural
formation conditions of diamonds, applying high pressure and temperature
to transform carbon into crystalline diamond.
Hue
Defines the dominant color perceived in a gemstone, critical in
evaluating color quality and rarity, especially in colored diamonds.
I
I3 Clarity Grade
The lowest grade on the clarity scale, indicating diamonds with
noticeable inclusions that potentially affect transparency and
durability.
Ideal Cut
A round brilliant diamond cut to precise proportions that achieve the
optimum balance of brilliance, fire, and scintillation, often resulting
in superior light performance.
Ideal Scope
An assessment instrument that visualizes a diamond's light return,
highlighting areas of brilliance and identifying zones of light leakage.
Internally Flawless (IF) Grade
A clarity classification for diamonds with no visible inclusions under
10x magnification, representing near-perfect clarity.
International Gemological Institute (IGI)
A leading gemological organization known for its comprehensive diamond
grading services and pioneering efforts in lab-grown diamond
certification.
Illusion Setting
A setting technique designed to enhance the perceived size and
brilliance of a central stone, often through the strategic placement of
reflective metal around it.
Inclusion
Internal features within a gemstone, such as crystals or fractures, that
can influence its clarity, appearance, and value.
Indented Natural
A remnant of the diamond's original rough surface that extends into the
polished stone, often preserved to maximize carat weight.
Inscription
Laser-engraved identifiers, such as grading report numbers, on a
diamond's girdle, providing a discreet method of identification.
Insurance
Offers protection against loss, theft, or damage, ensuring financial
safeguarding for valuable jewelry pieces.
Internal Graining
Internal markings resulting from crystal growth, visible as lines or
patterns within the diamond, sometimes impacting its clarity and overall
appearance.
Invisible Setting
A technique that aligns stones next to each other without visible metal
prongs or beads, creating a seamless expanse of brilliance.
Irradiation
A treatment process that alters a diamond's color through exposure to
certain types of radiation, enhancing or changing its hue.
K
Karat (K)
A measure of gold's purity, with 24K representing pure gold and lower
values indicating alloys with other metals for added strength and color
variety.
Keel
The bottom edge of a non-round diamond, analogous to the culet in round
diamonds, providing structural integrity to the stone's base.
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)
An international initiative aimed at preventing "conflict diamonds" from
entering the mainstream market, ensuring diamonds are conflict-free.
Kimberlite
Volcanic rock formations that serve as the primary source of natural
diamonds, transporting them from the Earth's mantle to the surface. Also
known as Blue Ground.
Knife Edge
A band style where the ring's shank tapers to a point at the top, often
used to accentuate the setting and make the center stone appear larger.
Knot
An internal inclusion in a diamond where a smaller diamond crystal is
enclosed within a larger one, visible under magnification.
L
Lab Report
A detailed document issued by a gemological lab that describes a
diamond's characteristics and quality, based on standardized grading
systems.
Lab-Created Diamond
Diamonds manufactured in a controlled laboratory environment, possessing
the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Laser Drill Hole
A microscopic channel created by a laser to remove or alter inclusions
within a diamond, a common clarity enhancement technique.
Laser Drilling
A process used to improve a diamond's appearance by drilling to reach
and treat inclusions, making them less visible.
Laser Identification
A method of marking diamonds with a unique identifier, usually involving
laser inscription on the girdle for traceability and authentication.
Leakage
Occurs when light passes through a diamond without being reflected back
to the viewer, often resulting from suboptimal cut proportions, reducing
the stone's brilliance.
Length to Width Ratio
A comparison used primarily for fancy-shaped diamonds to evaluate the
proportionality of length versus width, impacting the stone's overall
balance and appeal.
Light Map
A digital representation of a diamond's light performance, indicating
how well the stone utilizes light to create brilliance, fire, and
scintillation.
Light Performance
An assessment of how a diamond interacts with light, encompassing
brightness, fire, and the pattern of light and dark areas within the
stone.
Light Return
The amount of light that reflects back to the observer from within a
diamond, a critical factor in assessing the stone's brilliance and
visual appeal.
Loupe
A small magnification device used by jewelers and gemologists to closely
examine gemstones, identifying inclusions, surface features, and
craftsmanship details.
Louping
The act of examining a gemstone with a jeweler's loupe to assess its
quality, inclusions, and overall appearance.
Lower Girdle Facet
The facets located on the lower portion of a diamond, below the girdle,
influencing the stone's light performance and visual characteristics.
M
Main Facets
The primary facets on a diamond, including the pavilion mains extending
from the girdle to the culet and the crown mains reaching from the
girdle to the table, shaping the stone's optical effects.
Make
A term that refers to the overall cut quality of a diamond, including
its proportions, symmetry, and polish, significantly impacting its light
performance and aesthetic appeal.
Mandrel
A tapered tool used by jewelers to measure ring sizes and ensure the
accurate sizing of rings, essential for custom fittings and adjustments.
Marquise Cut
An elongated diamond shape with pointed ends, offering a distinctive and
elegant appearance, often chosen for its ability to elongate the finger
visually.
Matched Set
A pair of diamonds or gemstones selected for their similarities in carat
weight, proportions, color, clarity, and cut, ensuring a consistent and
balanced appearance in jewelry designs.
Mazal
In the diamond trade, "Mazal" is a Hebrew phrase equivalent to "good
luck," traditionally exchanged to seal a deal between parties.
Melee
Refers to diamonds smaller than 0.20 carats, often used as accent
stones, available in full cut (57 facets) or single cut (17 facets)
versions.
Micro-Pavé
An intricate setting style where tiny diamonds are set so closely that
the metal setting is barely visible, enhancing the stone's brilliance.
Milgrain
A decorative technique where tiny metal beads are used to embellish the
edges of jewelry, adding a vintage appeal.
Mine Cut Diamond
Also known as an old mine cut, this antique diamond cut features a
squarish girdle, high crown, small table, deep pavilion, and large
culet.
Mined Diamonds
Diamonds that have been extracted from the earth, utilizing methods such
as mechanized excavation, artisanal digging, and marine mining.
Mixed Cut
Combines the features of both brilliant and step cuts, incorporating
kite-shaped and rectangular facets to optimize light performance.
Mohs Scale
Developed by Friedrich Mohs, this scale measures mineral hardness, with
diamonds ranking highest at 10 for their unparalleled scratch
resistance.
Moissanite
A synthetic gemstone that closely mimics diamond's appearance and
properties but can be distinguished by its double refraction.
Mounting
The part of jewelry designed to hold and display the central gemstone.
N
Nail Head
Describes a diamond cut too deep, resulting in a dark appearance at the
center.
Natural
A term for the untouched rough surface found on a polished gemstone,
typically located at the girdle.
Needle
A long, thin crystal inclusion found within a gemstone.
Nick
A minor chip or break on the surface of a gemstone.
O
Off Make
A diamond with suboptimal proportions, affecting its overall beauty and
light performance.
OGI
A technology company known for developing advanced diamond scanning
equipment.
Old European Cut
A precursor to the modern round brilliant cut, characterized by its
small table, high crown, and broad pavilion facets.
Opaque
Describes a gemstone that does not allow light to pass through,
resulting in a lack of transparency.
Optical Precision
The meticulous alignment of a diamond's facets in three-dimensional
space, enhancing its light performance.
Oval Cut
A diamond cut in an elongated shape with brilliant faceting, offering a
unique alternative to the traditional round brilliant.
P
Palladium
A precious metal like platinum, known for its density, strength, and
hypoallergenic properties.
Pavé
A setting style where small diamonds are set closely together, creating
a paved appearance.
Pavilion
The lower portion of a diamond, extending from the girdle to the culet,
crucial for the stone's light performance.
Pavilion Angle
The angle formed by the pavilion facets and the girdle, critical for
optimizing light reflection within the diamond.
Pavilion Main Facet
The primary facets on a diamond's pavilion, extending from the girdle to
the culet, instrumental in the stone's brilliance.
Pear Cut
A hybrid cut combining the round brilliant and marquise shapes,
resulting in a teardrop appearance.
Pendant
A piece of jewelry that hangs from a chain, typically worn around the
neck, often featuring a central gemstone.
Pink Diamond
Among the rarest of colored diamonds, pink diamonds are highly sought
after for their unique hue and rarity.
Pinpoints
Tiny crystal inclusions within a diamond, sometimes clustering to form
clouds, affecting the stone's clarity.
Piqué
A clarity classification indicating visible inclusions within a
gemstone, affecting its appearance and value.
Pit
A small surface opening on a diamond, often appearing as a tiny dot.
Platinum
A dense, durable metal used in fine jewelry, prized for its strength and
hypoallergenic properties.
Plot
A diagram on a diamond grading report indicating the location and type
of clarity characteristics.
Point
A unit of measurement for diamond weight, with one point equaling
one-hundredth of a carat.
Polish
Assesses the smoothness of each diamond facet, impacting the stone's
overall finish and brilliance.
Polish Lines
Fine lines left on a diamond's surface during the polishing process,
considered minor blemishes.
Polish Mark
Also known as burn mark, it is clouding on a diamond's surface caused by
excessive heat during polishing.
Poor Cut
The lowest category on the cut grading scale, indicating a diamond with
compromised light performance due to suboptimal proportions.
Price-Per-Carat (PPC)
The unit price of a diamond, calculated by dividing the total cost by
its weight, useful for comparison shopping.
Princess Cut
A square or rectangular diamond cut with brilliant-style faceting, known
for its modern appearance and high light return.
Prong
Metal tips used in jewelry settings to secure a gemstone in place,
varying in number and style.
Prong Setting
A common setting style where metal prongs hold the gemstone, allowing
light to enter and enhance its brilliance.
Proportions
The measurements and angles of a diamond. The proportions will determine
the light performance of the stone
R
Radiance
Refers to the dynamic light performance of a diamond, encompassing its
brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Radiant Cut
A hybrid diamond cut combining brilliant and step-cut faceting,
introduced in 1977 for its fire and brilliance with cut corners.
Rapaport
A pricing guide for wholesale diamonds, facilitating trade negotiations
by providing benchmark prices for various qualities.
Ray Tracing
A technique using 3D models to simulate light paths within a diamond,
analyzing its light performance and visual appeal.
Refraction
The phenomenon of light bending as it passes through a diamond,
dispersing into spectral colors and contributing to its fire.
Refractive Index
A measure of how much light is bent when entering a material, crucial
for understanding a gemstone's optical properties.
Rhinestone
An early diamond simulant made from glass backed with reflective paint
to mimic the sparkle of a real diamond.
Rhodium Plating
A process of coating white gold with rhodium to enhance its whiteness
and durability, requiring periodic reapplication.
River
An antiquated term for the highest color grade diamonds, indicating
exceptional colorlessness.
Rose Cut
An antique diamond cut with a flat base and a domed top covered in
triangular facets.
Rough Diamond
A diamond in its natural, uncut form, as extracted from the earth.
Round Brilliant
The most popular diamond cut, optimized for maximum light performance
with its symmetrical faceting pattern.
S
Sarine
A leading provider of diamond technology, offering precision scanning
and analysis tools for the gemstone industry.
Saturation
Refers to the intensity of a diamond's color, ranging from light to
vivid, affecting its overall appearance and value.
Scintillation
The play of light seen as sparkles in a diamond, resulting from movement
and contributing to its overall allure.
Scratch
A superficial abrasion on a diamond's surface, typically linear,
affecting its clarity and finish.
Shallow Cut
A diamond with a cut shallower than ideal, offering a larger appearance
but potentially compromising brilliance.
Shape
The geometric outline of a diamond, such as round, oval, or marquise,
distinct from its cut, which relates to its faceting and proportions.
Sightholder
A diamond merchant granted the privilege to buy rough diamonds directly
from DeBeers, signifying a high level of trust and volume.
Simulant
A material resembling a gemstone but with different physical and optical
properties, such as cubic zirconia for diamonds.
Single Cut
A simple diamond cut featuring eight facets on the crown and pavilion,
typically used for small stones.
Solitaire
A jewelry setting showcasing a single gemstone.
Sparkle
The visual effect of scintillation, characterized by the dynamic
interplay of light and dark areas as a diamond moves.
Split Shank
A ring design where the band splits into two or more strands as it
approaches the center stone, enhancing its visual impact.
Spread
Refers to the physical dimensions of a diamond, measured in millimeters,
affecting its perceived size.
Spready
A shallower cut diamond maximizing its face-up area, often resulting in
a larger appearance but possibly at the expense of depth and brilliance.
Stacking
A jewelry style involving multiple rings or necklaces worn together,
allowing for personalization and versatility.
Star Facet
The triangular facets on a round brilliant diamond connecting the table
to the crown's main facets, influencing its light performance.
Step Cut
A faceting style characterized by parallel rows of facets, offering a
different aesthetic with less brilliance but more emphasis on clarity
and color.
Surface Graining
Visible lines on a diamond's surface, indicating its crystal growth
pattern, which can affect its clarity and appearance.
Symmetry
The alignment and uniformity of a diamond's facets, influencing its
overall appearance and light performance.
Synthetic
Gemstones created in a lab with properties identical to their natural
counterparts, offering an alternative to mined stones.
Synthetic Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds produced with the same physical and chemical
characteristics as natural diamonds, offering a sustainable choice.
T
Table
The largest facet of a diamond, located at its top, playing a crucial
role in its light performance and appearance.
Table Percentage
The ratio of the table's size to the diamond's overall diameter,
affecting its light reflection and dispersion.
Tension Setting
A modern jewelry design where the gemstone is held in place by the
tension of the metal setting, creating a floating effect.
The 4 Cs
The fundamental criteria for evaluating diamond quality: Carat Weight,
Color, Clarity, and Cut, established to standardize grading.
Three Stone Ring
A ring featuring three gemstones representing the past, present, and
future, often used as an engagement or anniversary ring.
Tolkowsky
Marcel Tolkowsky, a mathematician who defined the Ideal Cut for diamonds
in 1919, establishing a benchmark for optimal light performance.
Tone
The lightness or darkness of a diamond's color, impacting its overall
hue and perception.
Top Wesselton
A term denoting diamonds of F and G color grades, reflecting high color
quality and desirability.
Transitional Cut
Diamond cuts that bridged the gap between old European and modern round
brilliant cuts, marking an evolution in faceting techniques.
Transparency
The degree to which light passes through a diamond, affecting its
brilliance and clarity.
Trapezoid
A four-sided step cut used primarily as accent stones, complementing
various center stone shapes.
Treated Diamonds
Diamonds subjected to processes like laser drilling or fracture filling
to enhance their color or clarity, altering their natural state.
Triangle Cut
A three-sided diamond cut, offering a contemporary alternative to
traditional shapes, known for its geometric aesthetic.
Trilliant
A triangular diamond cut known for its brilliance and unique shape,
often used as side stones or solitaire settings.
Triple Ex
Diamonds achieving Excellent grades in Cut, Polish, and Symmetry from
grading laboratories, signifying superior quality and craftsmanship.
Triple Zero
A grading by the American Gem Society for diamonds with the highest
scores in Performance, Proportions, Symmetry, and Polish, denoting
exceptional quality.
Twinning Wisp
Clarity features formed from the merging of crystal planes during a
diamond's growth, visible as lines or clouds within the stone.
U
Ultraviolet Light
Light with wavelengths shorter than visible light, used to test
gemstones for properties like fluorescence and phosphorescence.
Upper Girdle Facet
Facets located between the diamond's girdle and crown, influencing its
light performance and visual characteristics.
V
Very Good Cut
A high-quality diamond cut, offering excellent light performance and
aesthetic appeal, just below the top grades of Excellent or Ideal.
Vintage Ring
Jewelry designs inspired by historical styles, featuring intricate
detailing and craftsmanship reminiscent of past eras.
Virtual Facet
Individual light reflections within a diamond, contributing to its
overall light performance and visual appeal.
VPA
The Visual Proportion Analyzer, a tool that provides detailed analysis
of a diamond's cut quality and optical precision.
VS Grade
Diamonds classified as Very Slightly Included, with minor inclusions not
visible to the naked eye, offering a balance of quality and value.
VVS Grade
Very Very Slightly Included diamonds, near the top of the clarity scale,
with inclusions difficult to detect even under magnification.
W
Wedding Set
A combination of an engagement ring and wedding band designed to
complement each other, often sold together for a cohesive look.
Wesselton
An older term referring to diamonds of H color grade, originating from
the name of a diamond mine known for its quality gems.
White Gold
An alloy of gold with white metals like palladium or nickel, often
plated with rhodium for a bright white finish.
X
X-Ray Fluorescence
A property of diamonds that emit secondary X-rays when exposed to
primary X-rays, aiding in their identification and differentiation from
other materials.
Y
Yield
The proportion of a finished, polished gemstone relative to its original
rough weight, indicative of the efficiency of the cutting process.
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