Jewellery Glossary

Amulet

An amulet is a piece of jewellery that is believed to have protective powers, often worn as a necklace or bracelet.

Assay

An assay is a test that is conducted to determine the purity of a precious metal, such as gold or silver.

Baguette

A baguette is a type of diamond or gemstone cut that is long and rectangular in shape.

Baguette shaped rings

Bail

A bail is the loop on a pendant that attaches it to a chain or cord.

Baroque pearl

A baroque pearl is a pearl that is irregularly shaped, often with a surface that is not smooth or round.

Base metal

Base metal refers to any metal that is not a precious metal, such as copper, brass, or nickel.

Beaded jewellery or beadwork

Beaded jewellery or beadwork refers to jewellery that is made by stringing beads together.

Bezel setting

A bezel setting is a type of setting that surrounds a gemstone with a metal rim to hold it in place.

Birthstones

Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with each month of the year and are often used in jewellery as a personal and meaningful touch.

Bolt clasp or bolt ring

A bolt clasp or bolt ring is a type of clasp that has a spring-loaded mechanism to secure it in place.

Blood diamonds or conflict diamonds

Blood diamonds or conflict diamonds are diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments.

Brass

Brass is a type of alloy made from copper and zinc that is often [13:19] Ivan Kokuti used in jewellery making because of its durability and affordability.

Brilliant cut

A brilliant-cut is a type of diamond or gemstone cut that is designed to maximize its brilliance and sparkle.

Briolette

A briolette is a type of faceted bead that is teardrop-shaped and often used in earrings or necklaces.

Cabochon gemstone

A cabochon gemstone is a type of gemstone that has been polished into a smooth, rounded shape without facets.

Cameo

A cameo is a type of jewellery that features a raised image, often in the form of a portrait or scene, carved into a gemstone or shell.

Carats

Carats is a unit of weight used for gemstones, with one carat equal to 0.2 grams.

Carats: gemstones

Carats can also refer to the purity of gold, with 24 carat gold being pure gold.

Chain necklace

A chain necklace is a type of necklace made up of interlocking links of metal.

Chandelier jewellery

Chandelier jewellery is a type of earring or necklace that features multiple dangling components, often resembling a chandelier.

Channel setting

A channel setting is a type of setting that holds multiple gemstones in place between two metal walls.

Charm bracelet

A charm bracelet is a type of bracelet that features small, decorative charms that can be added or removed as desired.

Choker

A choker is a type of necklace that sits closely around the neck.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions or blemishes in a diamond or gemstone, affecting its overall appearance and value.

Cloisonn and eacute

Cloisonn and eacute is a decorative technique that involves filling in enamel between metal wires.

Claw or prong setting

A claw or prong setting is a type of setting that uses small metal prongs to hold a gemstone in place.

Cluster setting

A cluster setting is a type of setting that groups multiple small gemstones together to create the appearance of a larger gemstone.

Cocktail ring

A cocktail ring is a large, statement ring often featuring a large gemstone or cluster of gemstones.

Copper

Copper is a type of metal often used in jewellery making for its reddish-brown colour and affordability.

Costume jewellery or fashion jewellery

Costume jewellery or fashion jewellery is jewellery made from cheaper materials, such as base metals or plastic, often designed to be worn with specific outfits or for short periods of time.

Crimp bead

A crimp bead is a small metal bead used to secure the end of a beaded jewellery piece or to create a loop for attaching a clasp.

Cultured pearls

Cultured pearls are pearls that have been grown in oysters or mussels in a controlled environment, often resulting in a rounder and more consistently sized pearl than those found in the wild.

Dangle earrings

Dangle earrings are earrings that hang below the earlobe, often featuring a decorative component that dangles or moves.

Drop earrings

Drop earrings are earrings that hang down from the earlobe, often featuring a single gemstone or decorative component.

Earring back, scroll or nut

An earring back, scroll or nut is a small piece of metal used to secure an earring to the earlobe.

Earwire

An ear wire is part of an earring that goes through the earlobe, often featuring a decorative component at the front.

Emerald cut

An emerald cut is a type of diamond or gemstone cut that is rectangular with cut corners, often used for emeralds but also for other gemstones.

Enamelled jewellery

Enamelled jewellery

Enamelled jewellery is jewellery that features a coating of glass or ceramic enamel, often used to add colour or decorative detail to a piece.

Engraving

Engraving is a decorative technique that involves cutting or carving a design into metal or other materials, often used to add personalization to jewellery.

Etching

Etching is a decorative technique that involves using acid or other chemicals to create a design on metal or other materials, often used to create intricate patterns or designs on jewellery.

Facets

Facets are flat, polished surfaces on a diamond or gemstone that reflect light and create sparkle and brilliance in a stone.

Facetted gemstone

A facetted gemstone is a gemstone that has been cut with multiple facets to create sparkle and brilliance.

Filigree

Filigree is a decorative technique that involves twisting and shaping thin metal wires to create intricate patterns and designs.

Findings

Findings are the metal components used to assemble jewellery, such as clasps, jump rings, and earring backs.

Fine Jewellery

Fine jewellery refers to jewellery made from high-quality materials, such as precious metals and gemstones, often with a higher price point and intended to be worn for special occasions or as heirloom pieces.

Fine silver

Fine silver is silver that is 99.9% pure, often used in jewellery making for its malleability and resistance to tarnishing.

Flush setting

A flush setting is a type of setting that sets a gemstone into a hole in the metal so that it sits flush with the surface, often used to create a smooth, streamlined look.

Freshwater pearls

Freshwater pearls are pearls that are grown in freshwater mussels, often with irregular shapes and a range of colours.

Fretwork

Fretwork is a decorative design made by interlacing thin pieces of wood or metal.

Gemstone

A gemstone is a mineral or organic material that is cut and polished for use in jewelry or other decorative items.

Gilding

Gilding is the process of applying a thin layer of gold, silver, or other metal to a surface to give it a decorative appearance.

Gold

Gold is a highly valued precious metal that is used in jewelry and other decorative items. It is known for its luster and resistance to tarnishing.

Gold filled or rolled gold

Gold filled, also known as rolled gold, is a type of jewelry made by bonding a layer of gold to a base metal. It is more durable than gold plating and less expensive than solid gold.

Hallmarks or purity stamps

Hallmarks, also known as purity stamps, are marks or symbols stamped on jewelry to indicate the metal content, purity, and origin of the piece.

Inclusions

Inclusions are natural imperfections or flaws inside a gemstone. They can affect the stone's clarity, color, and value.

Hoop earrings

Hoop earrings are circular or semi-circular earrings that are worn through pierced earlobes.

Jump ring

A jump ring is a small metal ring that is used to connect different parts of jewelry, such as a pendant to a chain.

Karats: gold

Karats are a measure of the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, while 18 karat gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals.

Lab grown gemstones

Lab grown gemstones are synthetic gemstones that are created in a laboratory using the same chemical and physical properties as natural gemstones.

Lapidary

Lapidary is the art of cutting, shaping, and polishing gemstones for use in jewelry and other decorative items.

Lariat necklace or lasso necklace

A lariat or lasso necklace is a long necklace without a clasp that can be tied or draped in various ways around the neck.

Layering necklace

A layering necklace is a necklace designed to be worn with other necklaces, usually of varying lengths, to create a layered look.

Lobster clasp

A lobster clasp is a type of fastener used on necklaces and bracelets that has a spring-loaded mechanism to secure the jewelry in place.

Locket

A locket is a small, hinged pendant that opens to reveal a space for holding a photograph or other small item.

Marquise

Marquise is a diamond or gemstone cut that is pointed at both ends and has a curved, boat-like shape.

Matinee length

Matinee length is a style of necklace that is 20-24 inches long and typically falls just above the bust line.

Mohs scale

The Mohs scale is a measure of the hardness of minerals, including gemstones. It is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest mineral.

Mother of pearl

Mother of pearl is a smooth, iridescent material that forms the inner layer of some shells. It is often used in jewelry and decorative items.

Nacre

Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is a smooth, iridescent material that forms the inner layer of some shells. It is often used in jewelry and decorative items.

Nickel silver or German silver

Nickel silver or German silver is a silvery-white metal alloy that is often used in jewelry making because of its durability and resistance to tarnishing.

Opera length

Opera length is a style of necklace that is 28-34 inches long and typically falls below the bust line.

Oxidised or blackened silver

Oxidized or blackened silver is silver that has been intentionally darkened through a chemical process to give it an antique or distressed appearance.

Paste jewelry

Paste jewelry is a type of jewelry that is made with imitation gemstones, such as glass or plastic, that are cut and polished to resemble real gemstones.

Patination

Patination is the process of creating a colored or antique finish on metal through the use of chemicals or heat.

Pear cut

Pear cut is a diamond or gemstone cut that is teardrop-shaped and has a point on one end and a rounded end on the other.

Pendant necklace

A pendant necklace is a necklace that features a hanging ornament, or pendant, that is suspended from a chain or cord.

Plating

Plating is the process of applying a thin layer of metal, such as gold or silver, to the surface of another metal to improve its appearance or durability.

Platinum

Platinum is a rare and valuable precious metal that is known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing. It is often used in high-end jewelry.

Plique-à-jour

Plique-à-jour is a technique of enameling that creates a stained-glass effect by allowing light to pass through the enamel.

Precious gemstones

Precious gemstones are rare and valuable gemstones, such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies.

Princess cut

Princess cut is a diamond or gemstone cut that is square or rectangular in shape and has pointed corners.

Princess or standard length

Princess or standard length is a style of necklace that is 17-19 inches long and typically falls at the collarbone.

Refining

Refining is the process of purifying and improving the quality of precious metals, such as gold and silver, through chemical or physical methods.

Ring shank or band

A ring shank or band is the part of a ring that encircles the finger and supports the setting or stone.

Ring size

Ring size is a measure of the circumference of the finger, typically expressed as a numerical value, that is used to determine the size of a ring.

Rondelle

A rondelle is a small, cylindrical bead with faceted edges that is often used as a spacer between larger beads in jewelry making.

Rope length

Rope length is a style of necklace that is 45-50 inches long and can be worn in a variety of ways, such as doubled or tripled around the neck.

Rose cut gemstone

Rose cut is a diamond or gemstone cut that has a flat bottom and a faceted, domed top with triangular facets that resemble the petals of a rose.

Rose gold

Rose gold is a type of gold that has a pink or reddish hue, which is achieved by adding copper to the gold alloy.

Seed beads

Seed beads are small, cylindrical beads that are often used in beadwork and embroidery to add texture and color to a design.

Semi-precious gemstones

Semi-precious gemstones are gemstones that are considered to be less rare and valuable than precious gemstones, such as amethyst, turquoise, and garnet.

Simulated gemstone

A simulated gemstone is a man-made stone that is made to look like a natural gemstone, but is not actually a mineral.

Silver

Silver is a precious metal that is used in jewelry making for its luster and durability. It is often alloyed with other metals, such as copper, to increase its strength.

Solitaire

A solitaire is a type of jewelry, usually a ring, that features a single diamond or gemstone as the centerpiece.

Soldering

Soldering is the process of joining two pieces of metal together using a metal alloy, called solder, that has a lower melting point than the metal being joined.

Stacking rings

Stacking rings are a set of rings that are designed to be worn together on the same finger, either all at once or in different combinations.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a type of metal alloy that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion and tarnishing

Stamping

Stamping is the process of creating designs or patterns on metal using a stamp or die that is struck with a hammer or press.

Statement jewellery

Statement jewelry is bold, eye-catching jewelry that is designed to make a statement and complement an outfit.

Sterling silver or 925 silver

Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is a type of silver alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, such as copper, to increase its strength and durability.

Stud earrings or post earrings

Stud earrings, also known as post earrings, are earrings that feature a small, decorative element that is attached to a post that goes through the ear piercing and is secured with a backing.

Tarnish or oxidization

Tarnish or oxidization is a natural process that occurs when metals, such as silver and copper, react with oxygen in the air or with other chemicals, resulting in a darkening or discoloration of the metal surface.

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight, strong, and durable metal that is often used in jewelry making for its hypoallergenic properties and resistance to corrosion and tarnishing.

Toggle clasp

A toggle clasp is a type of fastener used on necklaces and bracelets that consists of a bar that is inserted into a loop to secure the jewelry in place.

Tumbling

Tumbling is the process of polishing and smoothing metal or gemstones by placing them in a rotating barrel with abrasive materials and water or other polishing compounds.

Ultrasonic cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is a method of cleaning jewelry using high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of the jewelry.

Vermeil or gold vermeil

Vermeil or gold vermeil is a type of jewelry that features a layer of gold that is plated over a base metal, usually sterling silver.

White gold

White gold is an alloy of gold and one or more white metals, such as nickel, palladium, or silver. The white metals are added to gold in order to give it a white or silver color, which is similar to platinum or silver. White gold is commonly used in jewelry-making and is a popular alternative to traditional yellow gold. It is often plated with rhodium, a shiny and durable metal, to enhance its color and durability. The purity of white gold is typically measured in karats, with 14K and 18K being the most common purities used in jewelry-making.