Can 'briolette' refer to any gemstone shape?

No, it specifically refers to a pear or drop shape with a particular style of full, multi-faceted cutting.

Is 'briolette' a common word?

No, it is a low-frequency, specialist term used almost exclusively in the fields of gemology and high-end jewelry.

How do you pronounce 'briolette'?

In British English: /ˌbriːə(ʊ)ˈlɛt/ (bree-oh-LET). In American English: /ˌbrioʊˈlɛt/ (bree-oh-LET). The stress is always on the final syllable.

What's the difference between a briolette and a normal pear-cut gem?

A standard pear cut (or teardrop cut) typically has a flat table and a structured pattern of facets on the crown and pavilion. A briolette is fully faceted around its entire three-dimensional form, often with no flat table, making it sparkle from all angles.

Is “briolette” formal?

Briolette is usually formal / technical in register.

briolette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌbriːə(ʊ)ˈlɛt/US/ˌbrioʊˈlɛt/

Formal / Technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “briolette” mean?

A pear-shaped diamond or gemstone cut with numerous triangular facets, usually in a full, three-dimensional cutting style.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A pear-shaped diamond or gemstone cut with numerous triangular facets, usually in a full, three-dimensional cutting style.

Can refer to any gemstone or piece of jewelry (especially a pendant) featuring this specific, elaborate cut. In extended metaphorical use, may describe something brilliant, multifaceted, or exquisitely crafted.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant spelling or meaning differences. The term is international in gemology.

Connotations

Identical connotations of luxury, craftsmanship, and value.

Frequency

Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist fields.

Grammar

How to Use “briolette” in a Sentence

[adjective] ~ (of [gemstone])a ~ pendant/earringcut in the style of a ~

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

diamond briolettesapphire briolettependantcutfacets

medium

set insuspended frompolishedgemstone

weak

beautifulexpensiveshimmeringdelicate

Examples

Examples of “briolette” in a Sentence

verb

British English

American English

adverb

British English

American English

adjective

British English

The briolette-cut sapphires caught the light beautifully.
She preferred a briolette style pendant.

American English

The designer specializes in briolette-cut diamonds.
It was a stunning briolette necklace.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in the luxury goods, jewelry retail, and auction sectors.

Academic

Used in gemology, art history, and material culture studies.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

Standard term in gemology and jewelry design/manufacturing.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “briolette”

Strong

NA (specific technical term)

Neutral

pear-cut gemfaceted drop

Weak

pendant stonedrop stone

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “briolette”

cabochonuncut stonerough gem

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “briolette”

Misspelling as 'briolet', 'brilliolette', or 'briolett'.
Mispronouncing with stress on the first syllable (BRI-o-lette). Correct stress is on the last syllable (brio-LETTE).
Using it as a general term for any pendant.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it specifically refers to a pear or drop shape with a particular style of full, multi-faceted cutting.
: No, it is a low-frequency, specialist term used almost exclusively in the fields of gemology and high-end jewelry.
: In British English: /ˌbriːə(ʊ)ˈlɛt/ (bree-oh-LET). In American English: /ˌbrioʊˈlɛt/ (bree-oh-LET). The stress is always on the final syllable.
: A standard pear cut (or teardrop cut) typically has a flat table and a structured pattern of facets on the crown and pavilion. A briolette is fully faceted around its entire three-dimensional form, often with no flat table, making it sparkle from all angles.
: A pear-shaped diamond or gemstone cut with numerous triangular facets, usually in a full, three-dimensional cutting style.
: Briolette is usually formal / technical in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“NA”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'BRILLIANT' + 'NECKLACE' (a pendant) = BRIOLETTE. A brilliant-cut stone for a necklace.

Conceptual Metaphor

PRECISION / BRILLIANCE IS A FACETED CUT; LUXURY IS A RARE GEMSTONE.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The necklace's centrepiece was a magnificent sapphire, suspended on a fine platinum chain.

Multiple Choice

What is a defining characteristic of a briolette?