Briolette
A faceted teardrop, cut all the way round with no flat face, drilled at the top so it hangs and turns.
A briolette is covered in triangular facets on every side, so it sparkles from any angle as it moves.
It is drilled rather than set, which makes it a bead as much as a stone.
In pearl jewellery, briolette-cut stones hang between pearls as drops or terminate a tassel.
Pear Cut
A teardrop outline, round at one end and pointed at the other. The classic pendant and drop-earring shape.
Drop
Tapered at one end and rounded at the other, like a teardrop. Highly valued when the taper is symmetrical.
Cabochon
A smooth domed top with a flat base, no facets. The only way to show a cat's eye, star or opal fire.
Tassel
A bunch of threads or beaded strands hanging from a cord end or a pendant. Latkan in the north, kuchu in the south.
Cut
How a stone is shaped and faceted. The one thing that most affects how it looks, and the one buyers examine least.