Bezel
Bezel. A frame for holding a coin or medal, as a jewelry item like a pendant. The term comes from the jewelry field where a bezel holds a gem like on the top of a finger ring. Bezels or frames encircle the numismatic item and contain a loop to attach to a chain or necklace. It makes a pendant out of a coin or medal; by using one of these a hole does not have to be drilled into the item to be worn. The jewelry field supplies a wide variety of bezels to contain the most popular diameter coin denominations (silver dollar, gold pieces and such). See mounting.
excerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON
Roger W. Burdette, Editor