A facet is a planar side surface that has been cut or polished on a three-dimensional stone or metal body. The facets enhance the visual effect of a faceted gemstone. Faceted cuts consist of a large number of small planar surfaces. This method of processing precious stones has been commonly practiced since the 15th century.

Diamonds occur in every color of the rainbow. The most common shades are yellowish, and such stones are valued together with colorless diamonds (the so-called "whites"). Other colors such as green, blue, rosé and red are rarer and are collectively described as "fancy colors". The most frequent colors are brownish colors and black. More rare and valuable colors include various shades of rosé, red, green and blue.

There are no limits to the imagination of lapidaries when it comes to the diversity of cuts that can be given to precious stones. Stars, tears, triangles, gems: an infinite variety of shapes have been devised, many of which are new interpretations of well-known shapes. Collectively known as "fantasy" or "designer" cuts, they are used in the design of diamonds and colored stones. Many of these cuts have their own specific names, although many of these names are known only by a few specialists.

As the name suggests, this gem is truly born on fire. Fire opals are mainly found in hollow cavities and crevices in mountains of volcanic origin. The name is also due to the intense orange color of the stone, which shines with shades ranging from yellow to red. Although it belongs to the opal group, opal focus is not opalescent (that is, it has no shimmer of rainbow color). Most fire opals are milky and cloudy. Only the most valuable specimens are clear and transparent. Fire opals can be cut into a faceted shape, which is an unusual form for cut opals. The stone, however, is inherently delicate. The most important deposits are located in Mexico.

The setting of the frame is like a frame that surrounds and holds a stone firmly. The metal is wrapped in a thin strip all around the stone. The adherent upper edge is pressed slightly to the edge of the stone, thereby firmly holding the gem in the desired position.

Freshwater cultured pearls are very popular nowadays. Previously small and irregular in shape, recent advances in cultivation have made it possible to reach pearls grown with fresh water of 10 mm in diameter and almost spherical shape. This variety of pearl is particularly attractive due to the diversity of colors in which it occurs. The spectrum ranges from white, pink and green to intensive shades of red and lilac. To grow these pearls, no lifeless hazel is inserted into the bivalve: nothing is inserted except a small piece of living tissue that produces mother of pearl. As a result, freshwater pearls do not have a central core and consist entirely of mother of pearl. Freshwater pearls are currently imported almost exclusively from China, hence their alternative name: "pearls of China".