Navete

Navete is a term used mainly in jewelry, beadwork, and related crafts to describe an elongated, boat- or shuttle-shaped form. Derived from the French word navette, meaning shuttle, the term evokes the shape of a weaving shuttle and is applied to objects that resemble that form.

In beadwork, navete beads are small glass or crystal beads shaped like a narrow, pointed oval. They are used to create curved lines, swags, and tassels, and can be found in various sizes and finishes. The navete shape allows designers to achieve smooth, continuous contours and can add a sense of movement to a design.

In jewelry, the navete form is also used to describe certain gemstone cuts or settings that mimic the elongated, double-pointed profile. A navete-cut or navete-shaped gem is typically more slender than a standard marquise cut, with pointed ends that create a streamlined line when set in rows or clusters. Navete stones are common in Art Deco and vintage pieces, where the shape helps produce geometric motifs and elegant line work.

Usage and variation: the term can refer to both beads and stones that share the same navette silhouette, as well as to the broader concept of a shuttle-like form in decorative arts. While most commonly encountered in beading and jewelry, navete-inspired shapes occasionally appear in other design contexts where an elongated, pointed oval is desirable.