bri·o·lette | ˌbrē-ə-ˈlet
noun
A pear-shaped, faceted stone
The briolette gemstone cut was very popular during the Victorian era. This cut results in a gemstone that is elongated, faceted, and pear-shaped. Briolettes were first created during the 17th century in India. Later during the Victorian era, gemstones that were briolette cut were often drilled so that they could be hung by pieces of jewelry, such as necklaces. One of the most popular briolette cut pieces of jewelry was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1811. This 275-carat diamond briolette necklace, which is now on display at the Smithsonian, was originally created for Napoleon's Empress Consort, Marie Louise. Napoleon’s first wife, Empress Josephine, also was gifted a tiara with briolette cut diamonds which dangled from the tiara. While not as popular of a gemstone or diamond cut for modern-day jewelry for the everyday woman, briolette cut diamonds and gemstones remain popular in high-end pieces and royal jewelry that has been passed down through generations.
