Common Jewellery Terms: Making Sense of the Sparkling World of Jewellery

When you're shopping for jewellery, you may come across a number of terms that seem a bit confusing or unfamiliar. Understanding these words can help you make more informed decisions and feel confident in your jewellery buying experience. Below is a guide to some of the most common jewellery terms you may encounter, explained simply and clearly, so you can focus on finding the perfect piece.

Brilliance, Fire, and Scintillation

These three terms often go hand-in-hand when discussing diamonds and gemstones. Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from a diamond, giving it that eye-catching sparkle. Fire describes the flashes of rainbow-like colour that appear when light disperses through the stone. Scintillation is the sparkle or flashes of light you see as the diamond moves. Together, these qualities determine how much a diamond will "wow" you with its light performance.

Facet, Table, and Pavilion

Every diamond or gemstone is made up of small, flat surfaces called facets. These are cut into the stone to allow light to bounce around, creating brilliance. The largest facet on the top of the diamond is called the table, which is responsible for how light enters the stone. The lower portion of the diamond, below the girdle (the widest part), is called the pavilion. The angles of the pavilion help direct light back through the top of the diamond, enhancing its sparkle.

Cut, Carat, and Clarity

You may already be familiar with the 4Cs of diamonds, but let’s break them down a little more. The cut of a diamond doesn’t just refer to its shape (like round or oval), but how well the facets are proportioned to reflect light. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, with larger diamonds typically costing more. Clarity indicates the number of internal flaws (inclusions) or surface imperfections (blemishes) present. The fewer flaws, the higher the clarity grade, and the more valuable the diamond.

Inclusion and Blemish

Inclusions and blemishes are natural imperfections found in diamonds. Inclusions are internal, while blemishes are on the surface. Inclusions may look like tiny crystals, feathers, or clouds, and they can affect the clarity of a diamond. These imperfections are part of what makes each diamond unique, much like a fingerprint.

Girdle, Crown, and Culet

The girdle is the thin edge that separates the top (crown) of the diamond from the bottom (pavilion). The crown refers to the upper part of the diamond, from the girdle to the table. At the very bottom of the diamond, you’ll find a tiny point or flat surface called the culet. A small culet helps protect the stone from chipping but is typically invisible to the naked eye.

Channel and Prong Setting

When it comes to securing your stones, two popular options are channel and prong settings. In a channel setting, gemstones are placed between two strips of metal, creating a sleek and secure row of stones, often seen in wedding bands. This design provides excellent protection and keeps stones safe from damage. A prong setting, on the other hand, uses metal claws to hold individual stones in place, allowing more light to pass through the gem and maximize its sparkle. Prong settings are especially common in engagement rings, as they beautifully showcase the diamond, enhancing its brilliance.

Halo and Pavé

You may often hear the term halo setting when looking at engagement rings. In a halo, small diamonds encircle the center stone, adding extra sparkle and making the center diamond appear larger. Pavé refers to a setting style where smaller stones are set closely together, creating a "paved" look of continuous sparkle. Pavé settings are popular in bands and rings, adding that extra touch of elegance.

Lab Grown Diamond

In recent years, lab grown diamonds have gained popularity as an alternative to natural diamonds. These diamonds are created in a laboratory but are identical to natural diamonds in their physical, chemical, and optical properties. Lab grown diamonds are often more affordable and are seen as an ethical, sustainable option for those who want the beauty and quality of a diamond without the environmental or ethical concerns sometimes associated with mining. Lab grown diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for couples looking for both value and conscience in their jewellery.

Step Cut and Brilliant Cut

Diamonds are cut in two major styles: step cut and brilliant cut. A step cut—like in emerald or baguette diamonds—features large, flat facets arranged in parallel steps. This cut emphasizes clarity over sparkle. A brilliant cut, on the other hand, uses multiple small facets arranged to maximize the stone’s brilliance and fire. The round brilliant cut is the most popular style for engagement rings because of its sparkle.

Fluorescence

Some diamonds emit a soft glow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This glow is called fluorescence. While some people prefer diamonds without fluorescence, others love the unique, bluish glow it adds. Fluorescence doesn’t usually affect the overall quality of the diamond but can be an interesting feature to consider.

Understanding the unique language of the jewellery world can help you make informed decisions when purchasing a piece for yourself or a loved one. At Canadian Jewellers, we’re always happy to walk you through the details, so you feel confident and informed when making your purchase. Whether you’re looking for the perfect engagement ring or a timeless piece to add to your collection, knowing these terms will help guide you through the process with ease.