Facets are flat faces on geometric shapes. The organization of naturally occurring facets was key to early developments in crystallography, since they reflect the underlying symmetry of the crystal st
A faceted amethyst
A 19th century tiara with blue sapphires and diamonds, cut in old European style.
An amethyst on a dop stick in a faceting machine
Moving an amethyst from one dop stick to another using a transfer jig.
A brilliant is a diamond or other gemstone cut in a particular style with 57-58 facets so as to have exceptional brilliance. The word 'brilliant' is often used for diamonds cut in this style that are
Facet
…surfaces or facets, was first developed in Europe. Of the hundreds of facet arrangements that have been used, the most famous is probably the round brilliant cut, used for diamond and many colored gemstones. This first early version of what would become the modern Brilliant Cut is said to have been devised by…
A scattering of "brilliant" cut diamonds shows off the many reflecting facets.
Solitary ring and diamond before mounting
Diamond displaying eight arrows
Gold ring with Old European cut diamonds, late 1800s, Hallwyl Museum