A briolette is a drop-shaped gem with facets over its whole surface. Its tapered top is often drilled so the stone can hang.
In more detail
The style has a long history: Tavernier sold briolettes to Louis XIV in the 17th century. A record from 1612 describes a large pendant diamond faceted on all sides and pierced at the top. Early sources link the form to India. The name itself was not used much before the 19th century.
Related terms
- Pear cut: A pear cut is a brilliant with one rounded end and one point, halfway between an oval and a marquise.
- Rose cut: A rose cut is a dome of triangular facets on a flat base: all crown and no pavilion.
- Mogul cut: A Mogul cut is a historic Indian cutting style that often followed the shape of the rough. It usually has a large flat base and an array of sloping or radial facets.
- Facet: A facet is one flat, polished face of a cut gemstone. Its angle and its direction around the stone decide where it sends light.