---
title: "Head: meaning in gemology"
description: "The head, or end, is each end of an elongated stone such as an oval, pear or marquise. On a marquise the ends are points."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/head
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Anatomy and proportions

# Head

Also called end, point, tip

The head, or end, is each end of an elongated stone such as an oval, pear or marquise. On a marquise the ends are points.

## In more detail

GIA's oval guide uses head or end, shoulder and belly to name the parts of an elongated stone. Pointed ends are weak spots, so settings usually protect them, for example with V-prongs.

## Related terms

- [Shoulder](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/shoulder): The shoulder of an elongated stone is where the outline curves away from the end.
- [Belly](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/belly): The belly is the wide middle of an elongated stone such as an oval, pear or marquise.
- [Marquise cut](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/marquise-cut): A marquise cut is an elongated brilliant pointed at both ends.
- [Pear cut](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/pear-cut): A pear cut is a brilliant with one rounded end and one point, halfway between an oval and a marquise.

## Learn more

- [The bow-tie effect in diamonds: what it is](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/bow-tie/bow-tie-effect-in-diamonds)
- [Marquise Cut](https://digitalgemology.com/cuts/marquise)

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)