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.