Glossary Blog

A bezel (bezz'el) 1. a continuos groove of a form to fit a gemstone or diamond in a piece of jewelry, with the metal at the top of the gemstone groove burnished over the edge of the gemstone to form a setting. 2. The grooved ring forming part of a watch case, around the dial, into which the watch crystal is fitted. 3. In silver hollowware, the...

A basket-setting is a fancy setting of various stone shapes in the form of a basket with some designs having side piercings that provide a basket work or lacy apprerance.

Bakelite (bake'el-ite) is a colorless plastic made from phenol and formaldehyde, and named for its inventor, Dr. L. Baekeland. It can be dyed any color and was often sold as an amber imitation.

A bail is a finding, connected to pendants or charms. To stones worn as pendants, etc. to accomodate a chain, bracelet or cord and is connected by a ring to the pendant.