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P

Pave setting - Many small gemstones placed in tapered holes creating a "paved" appearance.

Pavilion - The bottom of a faceted gemstone, from the girdle to the culet.

Pavilion depth - Along with crown height, pavilion depth determines the overall proportion and symmetry of a gemstone cut.

Pear-shaped - A pearl that grows round on one end and tapers to a smaller top. Also a cut shape for gemstones.

Pearlessence - A substance of ground fish scales and lacquer used to make imitation pearls, or to coat low-quality pearls.

Pearl shape - The crucial valuing factor for pearls, judged for roundness and Symmetry.

Pearl size - The diameter of a pearl, measured in millimeters, largely determines the value of the pearl.

Per-carat cost - Total cost of a gemstone is equal to the carat weight x the per- carat cost.

Perpetual calendar - A watch calendar that automatically adjusts for 30 day months and leap-years.

Point - A unit of weight measurement for gemstones. 0.01 carats is 1 point. 1 carat is 100 points.

Platinum - A precious metal that is far harder than gold. It is tarnish resistant and hypo-allergenic.

Polish - From poor to excellent, the finish of a gemstone is graded as polish.

Princess - A pearl strand of 18 inches in length.

Princess cut - Square cut, brilliant style, gemstone.

Prong setting - A very popular ring setting style, common in engagement rings, where metal prongs are bent around the girdle of the gemstone to hold it securely in place, allowing maximum light to pass through.

Proportion - The term used in examining the overall symmetry of a gemstone

Q

Quadrillion - A square cut diamond with 96 facets: 49 brilliant-style, 21 crown and 24 pavilion.

Quartz movement - A battery operated watch with plus or minus 30 second per Year accuracy.

Quench crackling - A treatment performed on synthetic gemstones where they are heated and then dunked in cold water to produce natural looking flaws.

R

Radiant - A 70-facet brilliant-cut square or rectangle diamond with emerald cut corners.

Ring setting - The term for any ring prior to gemstone mounting.

Rope - A pearl strand of 40 inches in length.

Round brilliant -The standard round cut gemstone.

Roundness - Pearls are graded by their roundness: round, mostly round, slightly off-round, and off-round.

Ruby color - Judged by three graded factors: hue, tone and purity.