What are Briolette Diamonds?
Briolette diamonds are drop-shaped diamonds featuring triangular or diamond-shaped facets.
Many examples include fine drill holes to support wire thread and the addition of a small metal cap. This makes it an excellent choice for diamond drop earrings and pendants, acting as a ‘diamond bead,’ opposite to the conventional methods of diamond setting.
A selection of Briolette style diamonds, in drop shapes.
Are they more expensive than a regular diamond cut?
This diamond cut will demand a higher price on account of its rarity. Only specialist diamond suppliers feature this type of diamond cut within their inventories. Colours range from white, through to brown and yellow.
Photo credit Chip Clark / SquareMoose
Briolette diamonds in Antique jewellery
Besides earrings, this type of diamond features in Antique and vintage jewellery designs. They are especially suited to Tiaras. Moving freely, their reflective movement adds drama to jewellery. The most famous example is probably the ‘Briolette of India’ weighing in at 90.38 carats. Because this diamond shape suspends from a wire thread, there is a similarity to the appearance of Chandelier crystals.
The beauty of 360 degree sparkle
One of the key differences to other diamond cuts comes from the 360-degree faceting around each diamond. Most diamond cuts feature a distinctive ‘underside,’ sometimes referred to as the pavilion.
In contrast, Briolette diamonds display facets all around the tear-drop shape. For this reason, they make an excellent diamond for drop earring styles as we have already discussed.
Sourcing and cost
Unlike regular diamond cuts such as the round brilliant and Princess, we have no specific price guide for this type of diamond. We source each commission on an individual basis, working with a large supplier base. Our suppliers reside in all areas of the world. In particular, within the main diamond cutting centres such as Surat, Antwerp and New York.
We make all commissions through in-depth bespoke design service. As part of this service, we provide clients detailed quotes, sketches or CAD designs as part of their journey towards the final piece of jewellery.
About Mark Johnson
Mark attended Liverpool University and went on to pursue a career in the diamond industry. After more than a decade working in polished diamonds, Mark moved to the Isle of Wight where he launched Serendipity Diamonds. He works most days from their busy Ryde showroom, photographing jewellery and writing for the Serendipity Diamonds website.
