- A -

ACRYLIC: (Ah-crill-ick) A clear plastic material that can be molded into jewelry.

ALLOY: A fusion of two or more elements, where at least one component must be a metal. Most often used to describe the composition of the metal in a piece of jewelry.

ANTIQUE JEWELRY: Authentic jewelry from past decades, and/or jewelry styled to represent fashions of the past such as ART DECO or VICTORIAN. See also VINTAGE JEWELRY.

ARCADE SETTING: An arcade setting (also called coronet or claw setting) is one in which the stone is held in by many metal claws around a metal ring.
ART DECO: Originally a French jewelry style in the 1910s and 1920s, exemplified by distinct geometric lines and angles.

ART NOUVEAU: (new-voh) Turn-of-the century jewelry style featuring curved pieces and enamel accents.

ANNIVERSARY BAND: A ring which features gems going partially or completely around the circumference. A traditional anniversary gift, it usually matches the wedding ring set. ETERNITY BANDS are often used as anniversary bands. See also WEDDING RING SET.
ASSAY: An assay is a test of the purity of an alloy. A tiny piece of metal is scraped from the piece and the percentage of gold or silver is determined. Official assay offices determine whether a piece qualifies for an appropriate hallmark.

ASSCHER CUT: (Ash-err) A STEP CUT stone with cut corners that form 8 total edges. Made popular by recent celebrities, this cut adds a distinctive and classy touch to jewelry.

TOP

- B -

BAGUETTE: (Bag-ette) A small, rectangular stone that is often used as an accent or border on ENGAGEMENT RINGS. Similar to an EMERALD CUT but smaller and usually more narrow.
BAIL: A bail is a triangular finding that attaches a pendant to a necklace.
BAND: A band is a ring that is made from a thin, flat, ribbon-like strip of material (usually metal). The band can be unadorned or decorated. Wedding rings are often bands.

BANGLE: A bracelet that forms a continuous circle with no clasps or openings. Usually stiff, this bracelet must slide over the hand to be worn.
BAROQUE: Baroque is a term that refers to irregularly-shaped stones or pearls.
BAR PIN: A bar pin (also called a bar brooch) is a long pin that is worn horizontally.
BARRETTE: A barrette is an ornament worn clipped into the hair.
BATON: A baton is a stone that is cut in a long, thin rectangular shape. A baton is larger than a baguette.
BEADS: Beads are small objects, each with a hole through it for stringing. Beads are made of glass, stones, wood, plastics, seeds, and ceramics.

BEZEL SETTING: (Behz-uhle) Stones are set inside a tube of metal, which holds them secure without inserting metal between them. Since the metal edges fold over the stones to hold them in place, it can make stones look slightly smaller.
BIB NECKLACE: A bib necklace (also known as a collarette) is a short necklace with flowing ornaments in the front.
BIRTHSTONE: In the 1930's, the British and U.S. jewelry industries assigned stones to the months of the year as follows: January ? Garnet, February ? Amethyst, March ? Aquamarine, April ? Diamond, May ? Emerald, June - Pearl or Moonstone, July ? Ruby, August ? Peridot, September ? Sapphire, October ? Opal, November - Topaz or Citrine, December - Turquoise or Zircon.

BLING: An expression popularized by the hip-hop culture, used to describe sparkly jewelry, accessories and/or gemstones.

BOHEMIAN: A style of jewelry and clothing exemplified by flowing lines, natural materials, and funky details. Bright colors, layers, and casual pieces are hallmarks of the Boho style.
BOLT RING: A bolt ring (also known as a spring ring) is a hollow circular metal fastening ring with a spring opening. It is used to attach two other rings or links of a necklace or bracelet. The bolt ring was invented early in the 1900's

BOX CHAIN: Square metal links are connected to form a smooth, even chain. Often used for men's jewelry.

BRACELET: A bracelet is an ornament worn wrapped around the wrist. Types of bracelets include solid and hinged bangles, expansion, cuff, beaded, charm bracelets, Yurman-style and, and link bracelets.

BRILLIANT CUT: A round cut stone with 58 total facets, this is the traditional cut for diamond SOLITAIRE pendants and rings.

BRIOLETTE:(Bree-o-let) A cut of stone featuring triangular facets in a teardrop shape.

BROOCH: A large decorative pin that is worn on clothing or in the hair.
BRUSHED FINISH: A brushed finish on a metal's surface is made by rubbing a stiff metal brush across the surface of jewelry, slightly reducing the metal's reflectivity.

TOP

- C -

The 4 Cs: Standardized form of grading diamonds, based on the qualities of Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut.

CABOCHON: (Cab-ah-shon)A stone that is polished and has no facets on the top. This smooth finish highlights stones that have a natural gloss without the need for light reflecting facets.

CAMEO: A cameo is a relief carving (a carving that comes up above the surface) on a shell or stone. In multi-colored cameos, a layered substrate is used (with two different colors), and when part of the upper layer is carved away, the second color emerges as the background. Cameos are frequently portraits of women. Many imitation cameos are made from pressed glass or plastic; some of these use two different colors, like the imitation cameo pictured above.

CARAT: A unit of weight used for gemstones. Diamond carats are determined by weight, whereas cubic zirconia (CZ) carat weights are actually based on dimensions. A 5 carat CZ, for example, is the same width and length as a 5 carat diamond, but weighs much more. One of the 4 Cs used to grade diamonds.
CATHEDRAL SETTING: A cathedral ring setting is a simple band that arches when seen from the side (like the arches of a cathedral).
CFW: CFW is an abbreviation for cultured freshwater pearls.

CHANDELIER EARRINGS:Grandiose dangle earrings that feature tiers of gemstones and/or detailing, for a glamorous evening look.

CHANNEL SETTING: Stones are TENSION SET between two bands of metal, with no prongs or dividers. Sometimes the metal bands will have slight grooves on the inside, which the stones fit into for extra security.

CHARM BRACELET/ CHARM NECKLACE: Jewelry featuring small dangling charms, which sometimes have symbolic or personal meaning. The charms can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks.

CHATON SETTING: A chaton setting (also called coronet or arcade setting) is one in which the stone is held in by many metal claws around a metal ring.

CHOKER: A choker is a type of necklace that fits tightly around the neck. Chokers are from 14" to 16" in length.

CLARITY: An evaluation of the imperfections (or lack thereof) visible in a stone. Traditionally used to grade diamonds, this term also refers to the brilliance of any stone. One of the 4 Cs used to grade diamonds.

CLASP: A clasp is a fastener that can open and close, attaching two things together (for example, the two ends of a necklace, or a pin to a garment). The clasp on a piece of jewelry can tell you a lot about the piece, including giving an indication of its age (by determining when that particular type of clasp was invented and looling at the wear on the clasp), its quality (better quality pieces generally have better-quality clasps), and its composition and manufacturer (the clasp is often where the maker's stamps are). For example, the spring ring clasp was invented early in the 1900's; jewelry made prior to 1900 or so will not have a spring ring clasp. Some other common clasps include the lobster claw clasp, the box clasp, the barrel clasp, the fold-over clasp, the hook-and-eye clasp, and the bar and ring toggle clasp.

CLAW SETTING: A claw setting is one in which a series of metal prongs (called claws) holds a stone securely in a setting (the claws grips the stone just above the girdle of the stone), with no metal directly under the stone (it is an open setting). This setting lets light in under the stone, so this type of setting is usually used for transparent, faceted stones. The modern-day claw setting became popular in the 1800's.

CLIP-ONS: Earrings for non-pierced ears.
CLOSED SETTING: A closed setting is one in which the back of the stone is not exposed (the metal is not cut away behind the stone).
CLUSTER SETTING: A cluster setting is one in which small stones or pearls are set around a larger stone

COCKTAIL RING: A large ring that often features high CARAT stones and/or elaborate detailing. Applies to any ring that is elegant and dramatic enough to be worn to a cocktail party.

COSTUME JEWELRY: Any jewelry made from faux gemstones instead of precious or semi-precious stones, and/or from materials other than gold, silver, or platinum.

CROWN: The crown is the upper part of a gemstone.

CRYSTAL: A fine, high quality glass component that includes approximately 10% lead. The hallmark of crystal is its exceptional brilliance and light refraction.

CUBIC ZIRCONIA (CZ): An inexpensive, man made stone that is generally cut to resemble diamonds. They can be colored to resemble other precious and semi-precious stones, and are a staple of high quality COSTUME JEWELRY.

CUFF: A type of bracelet which does not form a continuous circle - usually the two ends do not close completely. Made to be slipped on the side of the wrist instead of over the hand.

CULTURED PEARL: Cultured pearls are pearls produced by oysters that have been surgically injected (nucleated) with bits of mussel shell. After 5-7 years, the oysters are retrieved and the pearls are harvested. This method of "manufacturing" pearls was invented in 1893 by Kokichi Mikimoto.

CUSHION CUT: A SQUARE CUT or EMERALD CUT stone with rounded edges. This classic cut is often found in ANTIQUE and VINTAGE JEWELRY.

TOP

- D -

DIADEM: A diadem is a tiara, a circular or semi-circular piece of jewelry worn on the head.

DIAMOND CUT: Small bright cuts made in metal, to give it the appearance of having diamonds set in the metal.

DIAMOND GRADE: An evaluation of a diamond's value, determined using the standardized system developed by the GIA. The grade is established by using the 4 Cs.

DIFFUSION TREATED: Diffusion treated stones are color-enhanced (not naturally colored) stones. The diffusion process only colors the outer surface of the stone, so chipping or repolishing will result in a loss of color. Diffusion-treated stones are already-cut stones that are heated in the presence of other compounds (like iron oxide, chromium oxide, titanium dioxide, etc.) that will infuse the extreme outer surface stone with color. Under a microscope, you can see the loss of color within each tiny scratch. Diffusion treatment can also change the stone's refractive index. Also, if the stone is faceted, the color will appear stronger where the facets meet.

DOUBLET: A doublet (also dublette) is a gem made from two layers in order to save expenses; the lower part of the composite stone is glass or a non-precious stone, the top is the more valuable stone. Many different types of doublets have been manufactured (including opal doublets). One common doublet contains a layer of real garnet and a layer of glass. A thin, red garnet top is glued to a colored glass bottom. A green glass bottom with a red garnet top layer produces an emerald-like stone. A diamond is enlarged by cementing it to a crystal base.

DROP CUT: A drop cut (or briolette) is a pear-shaped cut gemstone with triangular facets on top. This type of stone makes a nice pendant.

TOP

- E -

ELECTROPLATING: The process of applying a thin metal layer atop another metal, using a plating solution and electric current. This method is most often used to make jewelry more durable and shiny.

EMERALD CUT: Also known as a STEP CUT, this cut features a rectangular stone with cut corners. This classic cut is often found in ENGAGEMENT RINGS and WEDDING BANDS.

ENAMEL: Glass or colored material fused to the surface of metal for a decorative design.

ENGAGEMENT RING: The iconic piece of jewelry traditionally used when one proposes marriage to another. These rings usually feature a diamond SOLITAIRE, and are made to compliment the WEDDING BAND that is worn later.

ESTATE JEWELRY: Usually referring to antique jewelry, this term encompasses any jewelry that is being re-sold.

ETCHED FINISH: An etched finish on a metal's surface reduces the metal's reflectivity. It is done by using harsh chemicals to eat into the surface or by cutting into the surface using a sharp tool.

ETERNITY RING: A ring with stones that extend all the way around the band. This style represents the concept of eternal love, with no beginning or end.

EUROPEAN CUT: The European cut (also known as the old European cut) is an old, round diamond cut that is similar to but less bright than the newer brilliant cut. The European cut has a very small table and heavy crown.

TOP

- F-

FACETS: (Rhymes with "assets") The small, flat polished surfaces on a gemstone. The number, shape, and placement of facets are what determine a stone's CUT.

FANCY DIAMOND: Fancy diamonds are rare diamonds that are red, blue, green, or purple; these diamonds are quite valuable. Diamonds are precious, lustrous gemstones made of highly-compressed
carbon; they are one of the hardest materials known

FANCY CUT: Fancy cut stones are cut in unusual ways. Some fancy cuts include the heart, fan, rivoli, trapezium, cathedral window, half-moon (lunette), kite, and triangle.

FASHION JEWELRY: Fashion jewelry is another name for costume jewelry.

FAUX: (Rhymes with 'glow') A synthetic or fake version of something. When used in reference to jewelry, it generally means a RHINESTONE or CZ version of a gemstone.

FEDE RING: A fede ring is one that depicts two hands clasped together

FETISH: A fetish is a charm, amulet, pendant or other decoration associated with magical properties; it often represents an animal or person.

FILIGREE: (Fill-a-gree) A delicate metal design that looks like lace, and is used to accentuate jewelry.

FINDINGS: Findings are the parts that jewelers use in making jewelry. For example, clasps, hooks, pin backs, jump rings, and earring backs are findings.

FINENESS: Fineness is the proportion of silver or gold in a metal alloy. Fineness is usually expressed in parts per thousand. For example, the fineness of sterling silver is 925.

FLEUR DE LIS: (Flur-dah-lee) A stylized design of an iris flower. Originally used for European coat of arms, the fleur de lis has now become a symbol of Louisiana State and France.

FLOATER NECKLACE: A floater (or invisible) necklace looks as though the beads are simply floating on the skin; the beads or pearls are strung far apart from one another on an almost invisible string (like clear fishing line).

FLORENTINE FINISH: A Florentine finish on a metal's surface reduces the metal's reflectivity. It is accomplished by engraving parallel lines into the surface using a sharp tool, and then making more lines or curves at right angles (cross-hatching).

FOB: A fob is a short chain or ribbon that attaches to a pocketwatch; it frequently had a decorative medallion or other ornament attached to one end. Fobs were worn hanging from a pocket. Fob is also the word for the small pocket in trousers that held a pocket watch. The word fob is also commonly used for the fob charm itself.

FRESHWATER PEARL: A freshwater pearl is a pearl that was harvested from a freshwater mussel (a mollusk). These pearls are frequently shaped like crisped rice cereal, and are less valuable than oyster pearls. Biwa pearls are very good quality freshwater pearls.

FULL CUT: A full cut stone is a gemstone with 58 facets

TOP

- G -

GIMMEL RING: A gimmel ring is a double ring that was designed during the Renaissance. It consists of two or more interlocking rings. A gimmel ring symbolizes the union of two people

GIPSY SETTING: The gipsy setting is a recessed setting in which the stone is sunk into the metal. There are often engraved designs around the stone (especially star patterns). This type of setting was developed in the late 1800's and was often used for rings. The gipsy setting is also known as the "star setting."

GIRANDOLE: A girandole is a kind of earring or brooch in which three pearls, stones or pendants hang from a large stone. The central drop is usually larger than the other pendants.

GOLD:A metal frequently used to create jewelry, and measured according to carats. Also a HUE.

GOLD FILLED: Gold filled (abbreviated G.F. or written as "doubl? d'or") jewelry is made of a thin outer layer of gold atop a base metal. For example, jewelry marked 1/20 G.F. 12 Kt. is at least 1/20th gold and is layered with 12 karat gold. To be classified as gold-filled, a piece must be at least 1/20 gold by weight.

GOLD PLATED: A layer of gold, usually applied with ELECTROPLATING, that is placed over a base metal. This gives the jewelry the appearance and shine of gold, but at a lower price than jewelry that is completely gold.

GRADUATED: For jewelry, this refers to stones which get progressively larger and/or smaller as they continue along the length of the bracelet or necklace.
GRAIN: A grain is a unit of weight used for diamonds and natural pearls. Four grains are equal to one carat.

GUARD BAND: Generally part of a WEDDING RING SET, this is a band which is worn in front of another ring (often the ENGAGEMENT RING) to keep it in place.

TOP

H -

HALLMARK: A hallmark is an official mark (or a series of marks) made in metal that indicates the fineness of the metal and the manufacturer's mark. For example, a hallmark of 925 indicates 925 parts of gold per 1000 weight. Other hallmarks indicate the maker of the piece and sometimes the year of manufacture. In many countries (like Britain) it is illegal to hallmark metal incorrectly; some countries are notoriously lax in their enforcement of hallmark honesty.

HARDNESS: A substance's hardness is how resistant it is to being scratched. Hardness is measured using the Mohs Scale of Hardness. In the Mohs scale, one substance is harder than another if it can scratch it. For example, a diamond will scratch garnet, but not the other way around, so a diamond in harder than garnet.

HEART CUT: A stone cut in the shape of a heart, often used for PROMISE RINGS and jewelry for young women.

HEAT TREATMENT: Heat treatment is the heating of stones to a high temperature in order to enhance the color or clarity. For example, blue-green aquamarine becomes blue with heat treatment and brown zircon becomes blue or clear. chromium .02%, and zinc .02%; the remaining 0.16 percent is sulfur, chlorine, and water.

HOOP EARRINGS: Earrings with metal formed into hoop shapes, which may form complete circles or extend only partially around.

HUE: The prominent color or colors within a stone or metal. For instance, ROSE GOLD has a pinkish hue, and canary gemstones have a yellow hue.

TOP

- I -

INLAY: A method of setting stones into a grooved channel or outlined space, so that they lay flush with the surface of the metal.

INVISIBLE NECKLACE: An invisible (or floater) necklace looks as though the beads are simply floating on the skin; the beads or pearls are strung far apart from one another on an almost invisible string (like clear fishing line).

TOP

- J -

JOURNEY JEWELRY:Traditionally a necklace or bracelet which features a strand of graduated real or faux diamonds, which represent love growing with every step of the journey of life.

JUMP RING: A jump ring is a circular metal ring with an opening. It is used to attach two other rings or links, and is then soldered or pressed shut

TOP

- K -

KARAT: Karat (abbreviated Kt) is a measure of the fineness of gold. 24 karat gold is pure gold. 18 karat gold is 18/24 gold (about 75% gold - three quarters gold). 14 karat gold is 14/24 gold (about 58% gold - a little over half gold). 12 karat gold is exactly half gold. 10 karat gold is 10/24 gold (only about 43.5% gold - less than half gold)

KEEPER RING: A keeper ring is a ring which is used alongside another, more valuable ring to keep it securely on the finger

KING CUT: The king cut is a modification of the brilliant cut which is used for large diamonds. This cut has 86 facets

TOP

- L -

LARIAT: (Lair-e-ette) A necklace which features two open ends that are worn in the front. One end of the chain generally has a hoop or open charm through which the other end of the chain can be looped.

LAVALIERE: (Lav-ah-leer) A pendant on a necklace, usually with a 24 inch or longer chain.

LAYERED NECKLACES: Necklaces with multiple, varied length chains.
LENTIL CUT: A lentil cut stone is a cabochon cut in which the upper and lower portions of the stone are identical.

LEVERBACK: A type of earring backing with a thin lever that is snapped into place. These are one of the most secure types of earring backings, and are good for heavy and/or dangling earrings.

LOCKET: A charm or pendant which opens on a hinge, and can hold pictures or tiny mementos.

LOBSTER CLAW: A version of the SPRING RING clasp, this clasp features a sturdier and more oblong ring, which opens using a small internal spring.

LUCITE: (Loo-site) A strong, clear, moldable plastic material that was frequently used in jewelry from the 1940s.

LUSTER: The shine or finish of a stone.

TOP

- M -

MAGNETIC EARRINGS: Earrings which are attached to small magnets, and come with magnet backings to secure them on the ear. These are a popular option for non-pierced ears.
MALTESE CROSS: Maltese cross is a cross whose four equal-length arms get larger the farther they get from the center. The Maltese cross brooch above is by Weiss; it has red paste stones and a Japanned finish.


MARQUASITE (MARCASITE): (Mark-uh-site) A gray, metallic like gemstone that looks like antiqued silver. Often found in ESTATE JEWELRY and VINTAGE JEWELRY.

MARQUIS CUT: (Mark-key) A stone cut in an oval shape, with pointed ends.

MATINEE LENGTH: A strand of pearls, or a layered necklace, that measures approximately 22 inches long.

MELEE: A melee is a small diamond, under .20 carat.

MILLEGRAIN: A millegrain (or millegrain setting) is a setting in which the stone is secured by tiny beads [grains] of metal or a band of metal that is decorated with tiny beads of metal

MOTHER OF PEARL: An iridescent material derived from the lining of a seashell.

MOURNING JEWELRY: Mourning jewelry is a type of jewelry worn when one is mourning the loss of a loved one. It is often black, subdued jewelry (often made of jet or black glass and metal with a Japanned finish) or jewelry that commemorates the dead (like hair jewelry or cameos). After England's Queen Victoria's beloved husband (and cousin) Albert died (in 1861), she went into an extended period of mourning. During these years, she wore black clothing and mourning jewelry. English fashion was greatly influenced by this, and mourning jewelry, especially jet, became quite fashionable.

TOP

- N -

NECKLACE: Necessaire is another word for etui, a tiny, decorative, cylindrical-shaped case that was often carried on a chatelaine. The necessaire/etui was used to carry small "necessary" items like pencils and scissors. The etui was first used in the 1720's.

NICKLE-FREE: Gold or sterling silver that is ALLOYED without using nickel, because some people have allergic reactions and/or skin irritation when wearing the metal.

NOBLE METALS: The noble metals are gold, platinum, and silver. These are metals that are relatively impervious to chemical action.

TOP

- O -

OILING: Oiling is a process of applying mineral oil to a stone in order to enhance it and mask inclusions, make them more transparent, and darken their color. Emeralds are frequently oiled to mask their many inclusions.

OPEN-ENDED NECKLACE: An open-ended necklace has no clasp; it is worn by tying the ends together around the neck. Open-ended necklaces usually have ornaments, like beads or tassels, at the ends

OPERA LENGTH: A strand of pearls, or a layered necklace, which measures approximately 30 to 35 inches.

OVAL CUT: A stone that is cut similar to a BRILLIANT CUT stone, but in the shape of an oval.

TOP

- P -

PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE RING: See THREE STONE RING.

PATINA: (Pa-tee-na) A finish or film on the surface of metal, generally caused by oxidation. This usually refers to the greenish hue that brass will take on as it ages, but for jewelry, the term refers to the tone of any metal surface.

PAVE: (Pa-vay) A method of setting stones close to each other across an entire metal surface, so that it appears to be "paved" with gems. This popular setting gives a rich, textured look to jewelry.

PEAR CUT: A stone that is cut similarly to a BRILLIANT CUT stone, but with one rounded end and one pointed end. Often used in dangle drop earrings because they catch light and draw it to a focal point.

PERIOD JEWELRY: Any jewelry that exemplifies the style of a certain historic period, e.g., ART DECO jewelry or VICTORIAN jewelry.

PLATINUM: A precious metal used to create jewelry. Usually the highest quality metal available for jewelry, platinum is extremely strong and has a white HUE.

PLUS SIZE: When used in reference to women's jewelry, this term represents rings that are sizes 9 and above, bracelets that are 8 inches or longer, and necklaces that are 18 inches or longer.

PRECIOUS METALS: A group of metals that includes platinum, gold, and silver.

PRINCESS CUT: A stone that is cut in a popular style which features a multi-faceted square cut. This cut is designed to refract the maximum amount of light, and looks square when viewed from the top.

PRINCESS LENGTH: A strand of pearls, or a layered necklace, which measures approximately 18 inches.

PROMISE RING: A pre-ENGAGEMENT RING which symbolizes the promise of ever lasting love. These rings look similar to engagement rings, but are usually on a smaller scale. A favorite among high school and college students!

TOP

- Q -

QUADRILLION CUT: A Quadrillion cut is a square-cut stone. This fancy cut is relatively new and is also known as a Princess or Squarillion cut.

TOP

- R -

RADIANT CUT: The radiant cut is a method of cutting rectangular stones so that they have the sparkle of brilliant cut round stones. The shape is a rectangle with the corners clipped off - the length:width ratio is usually from 1.5:1 to 1.75:1. This cut has from 58-70 facets; it was invented in the 1970's. The top of the stone is emerald cut (with about 25 facets above the girdle), but the bottom of the stone has brilliant cut facets (with about 36 facets below the girdle).

RETRO: Refers to a style or fashion that was popular in the past.

RHINESTONE: A "gem"made of glass with a foil backing to reflect the light. They are usually glued in place, but can also be set like traditional stones. Rhinestones are a staple of COSTUME JEWELRY and inexpensive pieces.

RHODIUM: (Row-dee-um) A member of the platinum group of metals, rhodium is often used to give a platinum type finish and durability to silver or gold. This metal top layer is usually applied using ELECTROPLATING.

RIGHT HAND RING: Similar to an ENGAGEMENT RING, but usually in more creative shapes and/or higher CARAT weights. These rings are designed to be worn on the right hand ring finger, as a symbol of a woman's independence.

ROPE CHAIN: Two twisted metal chains are looped together, to create a chain that resembles a length of rope.

ROPE LENGTH: A strand of pearls, or a layered necklace, which measures approximately 40 inches.

ROSE CUT: A stone cut which features a flat base and raised triangular FACETS, this cut has been in use since the 16-th century.

ROSE GOLD: A gold ALLOY that is made by combining yellow gold with copper, to achieve a rosy pink hue.

ROUND CUT: See BRILLIANT CUT

TOP

- S -

SATIN FINISH: A matte or dull finish to a metal, usually achieved by sanding or brushing the jewelry.

SHANK: The portion of a ring that wraps around your finger, upon which the gemstones are set.

SINGAPORE CHAIN: Twisted oval links are intertwined to create a chain with texture and sparkle. Also see TRIPLE SINGAPORE CHAIN.

SNAKE CHAIN: Round, wavy metal links are lined up side by side to create a jewelry chain that resembles a serpent.

SOLITAIRE: A pendant or ring with a single gemstone.

SPRING RING: The ring shaped clasp which opens using a small internal spring. This is the most common form of clasp used on lightweight necklaces and bracelets. When the ring is sturdier and oblong, it is considered a LOBSTER CLAW.

STACKABLES: ETERNITY BANDS, rings without stones, or BANGLE BRACELETS that can be worn in pairs or "stacks" for a variety of looks.

STEP CUT: Also known as an EMERALD CUT, this cut features a rectangular stone with cut corners. This classic cut is often found in engagement and wedding bands.

STERLING SILVER: An alloy of 92.5% pure silver, which is ALLOYED with other metals for strength and rigidity. The remaining 7.5% of the alloy is usually comprised of copper or nickel. Sterling silver items are stamped ".925" to indicate the purity of the metal.

STUD EARRINGS (STUDS): Earrings which feature a post backing adhered to a small gemstone or metal decoration.

SWAROVSKI: (Swar-off-ski) Swarovski is an Austrian company that makes high-quality rhinestones, beautiful cut crystals, costume jewelry, and other glass-related items. The company was founded by Daniel Swarovski (1862-1956), the son of a glass faceter. In 1892, Daniel developed a new mechanized technique for faceting glass crystals, creating a sparkling, diamond-like "chaton." He then started a factory (and company) in Wattens, Austria (in the Tyrolean Alps) in 1895. In the 1970's, the company expanded to the Providence, Rhode Island, USA - they later moved to Cranston, Rhode Island. In 1955, Swarovski and Christian Dior developed the iridescent aurora borealis stone. The company began a line of rhinestone costume jewelry in 1977. Since 1988, the Swarovski logo has been a swan (before 1988, the logo was an edelweiss flower).

TOP

- T -

TENNIS BRACELET: A thin, symmetrical bracelet which traditionally features one or more rows of real or FAUX diamonds.

TENSION SET: A method of stone setting in which stones are held in place using the tension formed when they are tightly wedged between two or more bands of metal.

THREE STONE RING: A traditional anniversary gift, the three stones in this style of ring represent the past, present, and future.

TIFFANY CHAIN: A delicate, traditional style of chain used for lightweight pendants.

TIFFANY SETTING: A SOLITAIRE stone with a four or six prong setting.

TOGGLE: A necklace or bracelet closure that features a metal bar that fits sideways into a metal circle.

TOTAL CARAT WEIGHT (TCW): The sum of the carat weights for all of the individual stones in a piece of jewelry.

TRILLION CUT: A stone that is cut in a triangle shape with rounded edges.

TRIPLE SINGAPORE CHAIN: Three SINGAPORE CHAINS that are interwoven to create a thicker, textured chain. This chain style is ideal for bold or heavy pendants that may look incomplete when centered on a thin or delicate chain.

TRIPLET: A triplet is a manufactured stone that is made by sandwiching three thin layers of stones together. For example, an opal triplet had a top, protective layer of clear quartz, a thin middle layer of opal, and a base layer of dark, color-enhancing matrix (usually black onyx or ironstone).

TOP

- U -


- V -

VERMEIL: (Ver-may) A piece of sterling silver jewelry that has been PLATED in 14 carat gold.

VICTORIAN: Jewelry that exemplifies the ornate, richly textured styles of the Victorian era.

VINTAGE JEWELRY: ANTIQUE, ESTATE, or RETRO JEWELRY that exemplifies styles from past decades.

TOP

- W -

WEDDING BAND: Often styled like an ETERNITY RING, this band is used for the exchanging of rings in a wedding ceremony. A men's wedding band is traditionally made of sterling silver, gold, or platinum, and usually doesn't contain any stones. A women's wedding band is made to match her ENGAGEMENT RING, and often has rows of stones that extend partially or all the way around.

WEDDING RING SET: A matching set of women's rings, which includes the engagement ring and wedding band. The WEDDING BAND is often styled with an indentation, so that it will fit flush against the ENGAGEMENT RING when they are worn together. See also GUARD BAND.

WHITE GOLD: A gold ALLOY that is made by combining yellow gold with nickel, zinc,or palladium.

TOP

- X -


- Y -

YELLOW GOLD: Gold which retains its original yellow hue, and a classic metal choice for jewelry.


- Z -