Glossary

This is a list of some of the terms and abbreviations used.

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Baguette

A small rectangular shaped gemstone. Rectangular or oblong diamonds are usually called baguettes. They are similar to emerald cuts, but without the mitred corners which make them look octagonal rather than oblong.

Bail

A metal finding that is folded closed, from which a pendant, watch, stone, etc., may be hung from a chain or cord.

Bangle

A stiff bracelet that slips over the hand or is clasped. Bangles are ornaments worn mainly by women, but men may also choose to wear, on the arms or wrists. They are usually circular in shape, and, unlike bracelets, are not flexible. The word is derived from Hindi bungri (glass).

Baroque

A pearl with an irregular shape. The word baroque derives probably from the ancient Portuguese noun “barroco” which is a pearl that is not round but of unpredictable and elaborate shape.

Base metal

Any non-precious metal.

Bead

A gemstone that has been fashioned into any shape, commonly a sphere, and has a hole drilled through it to allow it to be strung.

Beryl

A species of minerals that occurs in deposits across the globe. The beryl species includes Aquamarine (light blue), Emerald (green), Heliodor (yellow), Morganite (pink), and Red Beryl. The mountains of Utah are the only known source for Red Beryl.

Betrothal ring

Betrothal ring is usually a plain ring without a stone, presented by a man to his fiancée showing their intention to marry.

Bezel

A form of any shape which incorporates a continuous groove to fit something, generally a stone.

Birthstone

A gemstone associated with the calendar month of birth or a sign of the Zodiac.

Month	Birthstone
January	Garnet
February	Amethyst
March	Aquamarine
April	Diamond
May	Emerald
June	Pearl
July	Ruby
August	Peridot
September	Sapphire
October	Opal
November	Citrine
Decmber	Blue Topaz

Blue topaz

Topaz commonly forms colorless crystals that can be treated to produce beautiful blue hues. The treatment is permanent and will never fade.

Box chain

A type of chain with links that are wide and square so they form boxes.

Box Clasp

A method of connecting two ends of a chain One end has a box with an opening which is notched on the top of the box. The other end has a flat piece of metal which has been folded over to form a spring with a knob at the end. The folded metal spring slips into the hole in the box with the knob sticking out through the notch in the top. The compressed spring holds the two ends in place. It is released by pressing the knob.

Box setting

A stone enclosed in a box shaped setting with metal edges pressed down to hold the stone in place.

Bracelet

An article of jewelry which is worn around the wrist by both men and women.

Brilliant cut

The most popular cut shape diamonds.. The shape resembles a cone and is meant to maximize light return through the top of the diamond. Brilliants have either 57 or 58 facets.

Briolette

A gemstone cut with triangular facets into the shape of a teardrop.

Bronze

A very dense alloy of 60% copper and 40% tin having a dull brown color.

Brooch

A decorative jewelry item designed to be attached to garments.

Brushed finish

Brushed finish, also called as “Satin finish”, is a texturing technique that can be used on metals where a series of tiny parallel lines are scratched onto the surface with a white brush or polishing tool.

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