Just like the infinite range of diamond qualities and colors, there are many different shapes and setting techniques offered by today's designers. Here is a mini-glossary of the most important ones.

Baguette - This refers to a rectangular-shaped small diamond that is often used to enhance the setting of a larger stone.

Bezel setting - A diamond is completely surrounded by a precious metal border in this setting technique that resembles a picture frame.

Channel setting - Popular for mounting rows of small, uniformly-sized stones, this setting technique uses two strips of metal to hold the stones at the sides. Used for round, baguette and square-cut stones, the channel setting resembles a railroad track with the diamonds in the center.

Fancy cut - A diamond cut in any shape other than round. Fancy cuts include such shapes as baguette, emerald, triangle, pear, princess, oval and marquis.

Pavé setting _ A setting technique for small diamonds in which the stones are set so closely together that no metal shows. A pavé surface appears to be paved with diamonds.

Solitaire - The mounting of a single gemstone.

Tiffany setting - A four- or six-prong setting using long, slender prongs to hold the stone.