Glossary

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

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Dangle earrings

see Drop earrings.

Depth

The distance from the Table (top) of a diamond to its Culet (bottom).

Diamond

A gemstone composed of pure carbon. Diamonds are the hardest of all known substances, but they aren't indestructable. Care should be used when storing diamonds because they can scratch other gemstones in a jewelry box and can damage other diamonds by impacting against them. It is wise for a diamond owner to use a cloth pouch to store their diamond jewelry to prevent any expensive accidents.

Diamond cut

same as Brilliant cut.

Diamond gauge

An instrument that is used to measure a diamond's length, width and depth in millimeters.

Diamond grade

Diamond grading is a system devised to classify the color, clarity, cut and carat weight of a diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) developed a system that is the most respected, and is the standard used by most jewelers.

Dichroic

Refers to a gem that appears two different colors or shades when viewed from different directions. see also pleochroism

Disc earrings

A flat, usually round earring which sits on the earlobe and has no dangling parts.

Dispersion

The splitting of white light into its constituent spectral colors, the rainbow colors, when it passes through inclined surfaces, such as those on a prism or faceted gem. Dispersion in gemstones is called fire.

Dog collar

A wide "choker" style necklace worn tight around the neck above the collarbone just like a dog's collar.

Doublet

A form of gemstone trickery that was devised to allow inexpensive materials to imitate the more valuable gemstones before modern synthetics were available

Drop earrings

Any earring which hangs below the earlobe. Also called as dangle earrings.

Duette

A combination of two clips on a pin back.

Top