Briolette history dates back to the 1600’s when Tavernier brought it to Europe from his travels in India.  The Indian Sultans displayed these rounded teardrop shape rubies, emeralds and sapphire gems in their turbans and robes. French gemstone merchants brought the design to Europe and named the shape briolette.

     Throughout the 17^th century briolettes were very fashionable and was popular among the wealthy and nobility in Europe. The bright and playful display of color and light from briolettes were unmatched by any other gemstone shape. Its design to reflect light and color from all sides has caught the fancy of an entire era.

      During the 18^th and 19^th centuries as technology, science as well as fashion inevitably progressed, new gem cutting standards evolved. Traditional cuttings gave way to Modern cuttings. The Victorian period showed renewed interest again for briolettes only to fade away again with the depression and post war years of the 20th century.

     It was only now in the new millennium that  briolettes are making a comeback. Jewelers have added briolettes in their designs and the jewelry market have accepted it once more.