When shopping for a diamond, all of the terms can be overwhelming. Jewelers may talk in a language that may be confusing, so we thought a description of diamond terms from our friends at Sylvie may be helpful. Equipped with all the terminology, you will be conversing about diamonds like a pro.
Blemish a tiny mark or flaw on the outside surface of a diamond.
Bow-tie effect a term used to describe a dark or open spot in the shape of a bow-tie that can be found in fancy shaped diamonds (Marquise, Oval, Pear). A bow-tie usually runs horizontally (east to west) across the center of the diamond.
Brilliance the amount of white light that reflects back from the diamond.
Carat the weight of the stone.
Clarity the amount of natural characteristics or inclusions in the stone.
Color the hue of the diamond. Can be white, yellow, brown, or fancy (blue, pink, yellow).
Crown the upper range of facets of a diamond above the girdle.
Culet a single facet on the bottom of a diamond that runs parallel to the table. It is designed to prevent the tip from chipping.
Cut this refers to the proportions and angles of a diamond. A well cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone (table). The more finely proportioned or cut diamond, the more brilliance or fire is dispersed.
Dispersion the break up of white light into the spectrum of rainbow colors (also called Fire).
Facet the cut polished angles and slants on the outer surface of the diamond. The facets should be symmetrical.
Fire flashes of colored light radiating from the diamond.
Fluorescence a diamonds tendency to produce a soft colored glow under ultraviolet light.
Girdle the edge or narrow band between the upper and lower facets of a gem. Widest part of a diamond.
Head the part of the ring that holds the stone.
Inclusions the identifying marks or flaws found inside or outside of the diamond.
Milgrain is a decorating style creating a fine bead like effect on the top of the edge of a metal - is widely applied to the type of pavé setting that has edges surrounding the row of bead-set stones.
Pavilion the lower part of the diamond below the girdle that comes to a point.
Polish the finish or smooth surface of a diamond. It can also mean the finish or surface of metals.
Semi-mount a piece of jewelry that is set with side stones or accent gems, but without a center stone.
Setting any ring before the stone is mounted.
Shank the part of the ring that encircles the finger (does not include the head/setting).
Shape the physical shape of the stone ie: Round Brilliant, Marquise, Oval, Princess, Radiant, Emerald, Asscher, Cushion
Symmetry how perfect a diamond is cut facets should be symmetrical.Table the flat facet of the upper most part of the diamond.
TW total weight the entire diamond weight of a piece of jewelry.
Purchasing a diamond is one of the most important jewelry purchases that someone will make. Being equipped with education is vital in making that decision. We invite you to stop by McCaskill & Companys Bridal Gallery in Destin to learn all about diamonds.
