briolette

[ bree-uh-let; French bree-aw-let ]

noun

, plural bri·o·lettes [bree-, uh, -, lets, b, r, ee-aw-, let].

1. any pear-shaped gem having its entire surface cut with triangular facets.

briolette

/ ˌbriːəʊˈlɛt /

noun

1. a pear-shaped gem cut with long triangular facets

Word History and Origins

Origin of briolette¹

1860–65; < French, variant of brillolette, itself alteration (by association with brillant diamond) of brignolette literally, little dried plum (facetious coinage), equivalent to brignole (after Brignoles in Provence, where the plums are dried) + -ette -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of briolette¹

C19: from French, alteration of brillolette , from brignolette little dried plum, after Brignoles , France, where these plums are produced

Example Sentences

Earlier, the 90-carat “Briolette of India” diamond — the centerpiece of a necklace adorned with smaller diamonds — sold for 6.3 million francs including fees.

From Seattle Times

The pieces going on sale include the 90-carat "Briolette of India" diamond necklace by Harry Winston, and the Sunrise Ruby, a diamond ring by Cartier that is worth up to an estimated $20 million.

From BBC

Among standout pieces in the auction —- which features sapphires, emeralds, pearls, diamonds and much more — is the 90-carat “Briolette of India” diamond, the centerpiece of a necklace adorned with smaller diamonds, which has a pre-sale estimate of $10 million to $15 million.

From Seattle Times

Some of its most spectacular pieces include the 90-carat "Briolette of India" diamond necklace by Harry Winston, and the "Sunrise Ruby" and diamond ring by Cartier that is worth up to an estimated $20 million.

From Reuters

One standout piece, the “Briolette of India,” includes a 90-carat diamond and carries a high estimate of $7.8 million.

From New York Times