Glossary
Window
A window is a pale, see-through area in the centre of a stone where you look through it instead of seeing colour. It occurs when the pavilion is cut too shallow and light escapes unused. A small window is common in coloured stones; a large one noticeably reduces colour and appeal.
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- KnowledgeHow to read a gemstone dossierA dossier brings together everything that describes a stone – from the laboratory report to custody. Here is how to read it in the right order.Read more
- Laboratory reportsUnderstanding a laboratory reportA laboratory report is a gemstone's most important document. Which information it contains, how to read it and what it does not say.Read more
- GlossaryAbsorption spectrumWhen light passes through a gemstone, the stone absorbs certain wavelengths – the rest make up its colour.Read more
- GlossaryAfghanistanAfghanistan is an old source of ruby and emerald; both are mined in the mountains of the Hindu Kush.Read more
Updated 2026-10-06