Gems

177. Gems

See also 385. STONES .

cameography

the art or technique of engraving cameos.

chatoyancy

the condition or quality of changing in color or luster depending on the angle of light, especially of a gemstone that reflects a single shaft of light when cut in cabochon form. —chatoyant, adj.

dactyliography

the art of engraving on rings.

gemmary

the scientific knowledge of gems.

gemmology

the science of gemstones. Also spelled gemology. —gemmologist, n. —gemmological, adj.

glyptic

glyptology.

glyptograph

1 . an engraving on a gemstone or other small object.

2 . the stone or object engraved.

glyptography

the art of carving or engraving upon gemstones. —glyptographer, n. —glyptographic, adj.

glyptology

the science or study of carved or engraved gemstones. Also called glyptic .

lapidary

1 . one who cuts, polishes, or engraves precious stones.

2 . a cutter of gemstones, especially diamonds.

3 . the art of cutting gemstones.

4 . a connoisseur of cut gemstones and the art of their cutting. —lapidarist, n. —lapidarian, adj.

lapidist

a lapidary.

lithoglyph

1 . an engraving or carving on a gem stone.

2 . the stone thus engraved. —lithoglyphic, lithoglyptic, adj.

lithoglypher

Obsolete, an engraver of precious stones.

lithoglyptics

the art of engraving or carving precious stones. —lithoglyptic, adj.

sigillography

the art of engraving on or designing signet rings.