Definition

Noun: 1. A slanted or sloping edge or face, especially on a cutting tool: The part of a tool, such as a chisel or plane blade, that is ground to form the cutting edge. 2. A grooved rim or flange designed to hold a transparent covering (like glass or crystal) in place: The ring or frame that secures the watch crystal, gemstone, or screen to a device, such as a watch, smartphone, or piece of jewelry. 3. The slanted facets on a cut gemstone: The angled surfaces between the girdle (the widest part) and the table (the flat top) of a faceted gem.

Examples

• Cutting Tool:
  • The knife's sharp bezel allows for precise slicing.
  • The craftsman carefully honed the bezel of the chisel.
• Watch or Device Frame:
  • The watch has a thin bezel, making the dial appear larger.
  • Modern smartphones feature minimal bezels around the screen.
  • The diamond is held securely in its gold bezel.
• Gemstone:
  • The light reflects brilliantly off the many bezels of the cut diamond.

Advanced Usage

• "Flanged bezel": A type of setting where the metal rim is raised and folded over the edge of the gem or crystal to hold it in place.
  • A flanged bezel provides a very secure setting for the stone.
• "Rotating bezel": A bezel that can be turned, often found on diving watches to measure elapsed time.
  • He aligned the zero marker on the rotating bezel with the minute hand before starting the dive.

Variants and Related Words

• Bezel setting (n): A style of jewelry setting where a metal rim surrounds the girdle of a gemstone to secure it.
  • A bezel setting offers more protection to the gem than prongs.

Synonyms

• Rim: The outer edge of something circular.
• Flange: A projecting rim or collar used for strength or attachment.
• Facet: A flat surface on a cut gemstone. (Specifically for the gemstone meaning)

Notes on Different Meanings

The meaning of bezel depends heavily on context: 1. In tools and craftsmanship, it refers to the cutting edge geometry. 2. In watches, electronics, and jewelry, it refers to the holding frame or rim. 3. In gemology, it refers to the angled crown facets of a cut stone.

Noun

1. a sloping edge on a cutting tool