Jewelry Lingo Glossary

Glossary of Jewelry Terms

To be a savvy jewelry shopper you should know the lingo.  We invite you to browse our glossary of jewelry terms to help you better understand the terminology of our industry.  Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

 

Jewelrylingo

 

 

Jewelry Lingo Definitions

 

Term Definition
4 C’s A universal grading system developed by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to evaluate the quality of a diamond. The 4Cs are Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut.
Accent Gemstones Gemstones within a jewelry design that are not the main focus, but instead accent or complement the center gemstone and side gemstones. Accent gemstones are typically comprised of melee gemstones.
Alloy A mixture of two or more metals to create more desirable characteristics and/or added strength.
Anneal A process used to bring metal alloys to a desired consistency, texture, or hardness by gradually heating and cooling.
Anniversary Band A ring of three or more diamonds or gemstones, typically set in a channel or prong setting. The stones partially encircle the ring.
Anticlastic A form that is curved in two directions opposite one another (saddle-shaped).
Antique Jewelry Jewelry that is 100 years old or more.
Art Deco A decorative style of the 1920’s and 1930’s that features bolc geometric shapes, linear patterns, and diverse colors.
Art Nouveau a decorative style from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s characterized by free-flowing lines and stylized natural forms such as flowers, leavs, and feminine form.
Assay The process used when determining the proportions of precious metal contained in a piece of gold, silver, or other alloys.
Attribute A characteristic of a product that can include a color, design, style form, shape, or feature.
Azured A mounting that leaves a gemstone’s pavilion facets uncovered so that light can enter.
Baby / Youth Describes small items in scale to be worn by babies, toddlers, and teens. Earring posts are usually shorter and are often threaded or have some sort of safety clasp. Rings are usually sizes 0 – 3. Bracelets are usually 5 – 5 1/2 ” long. Necklaces are usually 15″ – 16″ long.
Bail An arched (often oval), teardrop, or d-shaped) metal component used to hang a pendant from a chain or cord. It is meant to slide onto the chain rather than being soldered to it so that the pendant moves independently from the chain and is not a permanent part of the chain or cord.
Basse Taille An enameling technique in which a low-relief pattern is created in metal by engraving or chasing, then the entire pattern is filled with translucent enamel (similar to French “low height” champleve).
Band A ring, usually uniform in width, with no distinguishable “top”; may be set with gemstones.
Bangle Bracelet A closed, rigid bracelet – with or without hinge and clasp – that slides over the hand.
Bar Set A setting technique where the gemstone is secured between two parallel bars, while the sides fo the gem remain open. A decorative style from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s characterized by free-flowing lines and stylized natural forms such as flowers, leaves and feminine form.
Baroque An irregular-shaped stone or pearl. Also an art style characterized by ornate detail.
Base metal A term informally referring to non-precious metals (such as copper, zinc, tin, nickel, lead, or iron), which are commonly used in costume jewelry.
Basket Setting A type of prong setting with open sides similar to a basket weave, that allows the lower portion of the gemstone to be visible.
Bead A small, usually spherical component made from a variety of materials, which may be partially drilled or fully drilled. A full drilled bead will have one or more holes through it, allowing it to be strung singularly or with others in a sequence. Beads in shapes other than round are sometimes described as “fancy”.
Bead Set A method for securing a gemstone where a small bur of metal is raised with a graver and pushed over the edge of the gemstone.
Belcher A ring mounting in which the prongs for the setting are formed from the shank of the ring so that the gemstone does not extend above the circumference of the shank.
Bezel Set A method for securing a gemstone in which a band of metal encircles the girdle of the gemstone and is folded over the gem to hold it in place.
Birthstone A precious or semi-precious gemstone popularly associated with the month of birth. January – Garnet, February – Amethyst, March – Aquamarine, April – Diamond, May – Emerald, June – Pearl, July – Ruby, August – Peridot, September – Sapphire, October – Opal, November – Citrine, December – Topaz.
Body Jewelry Jewelry that was manufactured specifically for use in body piercing.
Bracelet Slide A bead-type adornment designed with two sets of holes to allow it to be strung onto a bracelet, constructed of two rows of chain.
Bridal Set A matching set of rings that includes an engagement ring and a wedding band, which are worn stacked together.
Bridge The structural portion of a mounting that connects one side of the shank to the other.
Bridge Accent A design element located beneath the center stone that can be seen when looking at the ring in the through finger view.
Bright-cut A metal engraving technique created by chiseling the metal with a polished tool creating a highly reflective surface.
Brillance Pertaining to diamonds, this term has two components; brightness and contrast. Brightness refers to the amount of light returned from the diamond’s surroundings and back to the observer. To be brilliant, a diamond also needs contrast, intensity of the white light from the crown of a polished diamond or other gemstone.
Brooch A piece of jewelry that may be fastened to clothing, usually with a mechanism that consists of a straight, sharp pin finding, a hinge, and a catch.
Bulk Chain Chain that does not include a clasp assembly. It has raw, cut ends and cannot be worn in its current state.
Buttercup Setting A setting usually consisting of six prongs connected to a scalloped-shaped base that resembles a buttercup flower.
Bypass A ring mounting design in which the two sides of the band do not meet in a straight line, but overlap or crisscross each other.
Cabochon A polished convex-cut unfaceted gemstone.
CAD/CAM Computer-aided design and manufacturing.
Cameo A design cut in relief, usually into a hard gemstone or shell.
Carat A unit of weight for precious and semi-precious gemstones, equal to 200 milligrams.
Cathedral Setting A style of mounting in which the sides of the ring arch above the band on either side of the stone.
Center Gemstones The main gemstone in the design which is usually the focal point of the jewelry.
Chain A series of connected metal links or loops with an attached clasp assembly.
Chain End The hoop located on one end of a chain, through which the other end can be looped.
Chain Tag A flat metal piece with a hole in each end where the quality mark or trademark can be stamped.
Chandelier Earring One of a pair of long ornate earrings that dangle from the earlobes, usually dropping more than one level.
Channel Set A setting style in which a series of gemstones are set close together into grooves in two parallel walls.
Champleve An enameling technique of decoration in which the design is made by lines or cells cut into a metal base. Similar to cloisonné, but the partitions are part of the base.
Charm A miniature object that may depict symbols, figures, letter, etc. usually attached to a bracelet using a spring-type clasp or a jump ring. A Dangle Charm has a jump ring or bail-type clasp allowing it to swing to and fro. A Bead charm is a large, fancy bead with large holes allowing it to be strung onto a bracelet
Charm Bracelet A bracelet to which charms may be or have been attached.
Chevron or V-Prong A prong in the shape of a V usually found on gemstone shapes with sharp corners.
Choker A non-rigid necklace that fits snugly around the throat, usually 14″ – 15″ in length.
Clarity A term used to describe the absence or presence of internal or external flaws in a gemstone.
Clasp A mechanism used to attach objects or parts together, such as both ends of a chain.
Clasp Assembly The mechanism used to secure a chain and typically consists of a chain end and clasp.
Claw (Prong) A wire used to fasten and hold a gemstone in a setting.
Cloissone An ancient enameling technique in which a design is outlined on a metal base with bent wire of metal strips (typically soldered to the base) forming individual sections or compartments that are filled in with colored enamel (French “cloison”= cell or partition).
Cluster Multiple gemstones grouped together in a setting, which may or may not overlap each other.
Cobalt A corrosion and wear-resistant contemporary metal alloy consisting of cobalt and chromium.
Collar A rigid choker-style necklace that fits snugly around the neck.
Color Grade As it pertains to diamonds, color is one of the characteristics used to define the quality of a diamond. The GIA color scale ranges from D to Z, D being considered colorless and higher in value.
Comfort Fit Describes the convex interior of a ring or band.
Contemporary Designs that are up-to-date with current trends in the industry with a modern flair.
Contemporary Metal Metal alloys and industrial metals that are not part of the traditional “precious metal” group. These low-cost alternatives include, but are not limited to, titanium, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, and cobalt chrome.
Cord A long, thin, flexible strand that can be used instead of chain for necklaces and bracelets. Cord can be made from satin, leather, rubber, and other alternative materials.
Costume Jewelry Jewelry made with inexpensive materials or imitation gems.
Crown As it refers to a cut gemstone, the faceted area of a gemstone located above the girdle, but below the table.
Cuff Bracelet A rigid bracelet designed with an opening for easily slipping the bracelet onto the wrist.
Cuff Link A decorative fastener – similar to a button – which is used to secure the ends of a shirt cuff. It may consist of two buttons or button-like parts connected with a chain or peg that passes through two slits in the cuff.
Culet Refers to the base point of a diamond.
Cut As it refers to a round diamond, cut is the factor that determines the diamond’s brilliance. Cut qualifies the brilliance, fire , and scintillation of a round, brilliant cut diamond by analyzing the diamond’s symmetry, proportions, and polish.
CZ Short for Cubic Zirconia, a man-made gemstone created to simulate a diamond. Approximately 64% heavier than a diamond.
Danish Modern A design style using elements from the period of the 1960s. The designs are of the “form follows function” genre and are minimalist in presentation.
Dangle Earring An earring that extends below the earlobe and is designed to swing to and fro.
Depth In reference to a gemstone, it is the length from table to culet.
Design Element An attribute type used to describe features of a jewelry item
Diameter In reference to a gemstone, it is th overall width.
Diamond Cut Chain Sharp edges cut onto the surface of a chain so that the links flash and catch the light.
Die Struck A process for manufacturing heads in which the item is tamped under extreme pressure, resulting in a work-hardened rigid part. See Anneal.
Disperson The power of a diamond when breaking up its light into its constituent colors.
Drop Earrings An earring that extends below the earlobe and is stationary.
DWT Abbreviation for pennyweight. There are 30 pennyweights in an ounce (troy). See Pennyweight.
Ear Trim An earring designed to follow the contour of the ear.
Ear Wire A wire used for pierced earrings. Popular styles include French hooks, lever back, and kidney.
Earring Jacket An adornment for the ear that is an accessory to an earring, designed to be secured to the lobe with a stud.
Earring A piece of jewelry worn on the lobe or edge of the ear. Popular earring types are chandelier, cluster, dangle, drop, earring jacket, ear trim, huggie, hinged, hoop, lever back, and stud.
Earring Back A disc or bead with a hole, through which an earring post is threaded for the purpose of securing the earring to the earlobe. Examples include, nut, screw, tension, omega, and clutch.
Earring Clutch A type of earring back that attaches to an earring post after it passes through a hole in the earlobe. The earring clutch is used to secure an earring in place.
Earring Post A pin-like or wire finding attached to the back of an earring that passes through a pierced earlobe. Examples include screw posts and friction posts.
Edwardian Characteristically containing lace-like fine filigree work with milgrain settings. Popular from 1900-1914, it was usually produced in platinum for strength. Intricate and airy, and feminine.
Enamel An opaque-or semitransparent glass or substance applied to a metal surfface for protection or ornamental purposes.
Engagement Ring Traditionally worn only by women (expecially in Western Cultures), an engagement ring is a ring idicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married.
Engraving The process or art of cutting or carving a design into a hard surface.
Enhancer An enhancer attaches to an existing jewelry item to create a new look. Some examples of enhancers include ring enhancers, pearl enhancers, and pendant enhancers.
Eternity Band A band set with one or more continuous rows of gemstones that completely encircle the band.
Facet The flat, polished surface of a gemstone that affects a gemstone’s brilliance & sparkle.
Family Jewelry A jewelry item created with personal significance to the family, usually using birthstiones to represent each member of the family.
Fancy Jewelry Describes any jewelry that incorporates whimsy, fun, and innovation it its design. It is trendy and stylish and may not become a classic or be considered a basic item. It makes a great fashion statement or conversation starter.
Fancy Wedding Band A wedding band with more decorative styling than a simple, traditional band.
Fashion Ring A type of ring worn to express style or a current trend.
Filigree Lace-like ornamental work formed from thin wires of intricately-arranged intertwined precious metal. May be plain, twisted, or plaited.
Finding A component or part used in the making of a piece of jewelry.
Finish A decorative texture applied to the surface to enhance its appearance.
Fire Dispersed light that appears as flashes of spectral colors (rainbow) on a diamond.
Fishtail Setting A setting technique consisting of four prominent triangular corners cut from the existing shank that hold the gemstone in place. When reviewed from the through finger view it looks like the tail of a fish.
Flush Set A setting technique in which the gemstone is embedded within the band and the metal from the band is used to secure the gemstone, leaving only the top of the gem visible.
Fluted An ornamental groove in a surface which created visual interest.
Freeform An asymmetrical, flowing shape or design.
French Hook An earwire shaped like a hook used for pierced drop earrings.
Gallery The negative space located on a head/setting.
Gallery Rail / Bearing The metal rim located on a head/setting, below the girdle or a gemstone.
Gemstone A mineral or organic material with sufficient beauty, rarity, and durability to be set into jewelry.
Gemstone Shape Referring to the potential options of shape and size that a gemstone can be cut. The outline form of a gemstone , not to be confused with the faceting pattern.
Genuine Stone A gemstone that is produced by nature without interference from man, other than cutting or fashioning. Do not confuse “natural” with untreated gemstones.
Girdle The narrow band or edge separating the upper and lower faceted portions of a gem.
Gold A precious, yellow, metallic element, highly malleable and ductile and not subject to oxidation or corrosion.
Gram A gram is a metric system unit of mass/weight. One ounce (troy) is equivalent to 3.10 grams.
Granulation A surface adornment technique in which minute grains or tiny balls of precious metal are applied to a surface in patterns to create visual interest.
Graver A tool used to cut designs into metal and for precision gemstone setting that is made of highly-polished steel.
Guiloche An enameling technique in whice precise, intricate, symmetrical patterns are mechanically engraved into a metal base: sometimes referred to as an “engine tuning”. It was named after a French engineer who invented a machine to replicate these precise patterns that were previously done by hand.
Half Bezel Set A method for securing a gemstone in which a band of metal partially encircles the girdle of the gemstone and is folded over the gem to hold it in place.
Hallmark A quality mark indicating precious metal content (10kt, 14kt, 18kt, platinum, etc.) Typically stamped on jewelry item in an inconspicuous location (back, inside ring shank, etc.) FTC requires the manufacturer or distributor of said product to disclose their identity by accompanying the quality mark with a trademark or company name.
Halo A jewelry style featuring a central gemstone surrounded by a border of smaller gemstones.
Head The part of a jewelry item that secures the gemstone. This is sometimes referred to as the setting.
Hidden Bail A bail located inconspicuously on the reverse side of a pendant, so that the pendant appears to float on the chain or cord.
Hinge A pin that fits through pieces of metal tubing that allow an item to articulate. Hinges are commonly found on lockets and boxes.
Hoop Earring A (usually) circular, ring-like earring that may be a complete circle or may only go part of the way around.
Huggie Earring A small hoop earring that fits closely around the ear lobe. It is thicker than a standard hoop so that it appears to be “hugging” the ear lobe. It is designed with a hinge at the base of the hoop, facing the shoulder, and a groove in the post enables it to snap into place to close securely.
Hypo-Allergenic A term used to describe items (in this case jewelry) that cause or are claimed to cause fewer allergic reactions. Depending on the allergen of the subject, these may include metals such as stainless steel, titanium, gold, etc.
Illusion Setting A setting technique patterned by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933 (Mystery Setting) in which a diamond is placed in a collet of reflective, highly-polished metal so that it appears to be part of the gemstone in order to enhance the perceived size of the diamond.
Inlay The insertion of pieces of gemstones, wood, ivory, etc. into slots created on a surface for embellishment.
Invisible Set A setting technique with no visible prongs or supports. The gemstones are grooved so that a thin wire framework holds the gemstones in place.
Jump Ring A wire ring of any size, usually round or oval in shape, used for attaching jewelry parts.
Karat A unit of measure of the purity of gold. Pure gold equals 24 karats.
Kinetic Jewelry designed to move, rotate, or revolve. Moving parts are trapped and cannot usually be removed from the man jewelry object.
Lapel Pin A small piece of jewelry with a post-type pin affixed to it with a clutch mechanism to secure it. May also be assembled with a small brooch-type, hinged pin assembly. It is usually smaller than an inch.
Lariat Necklace A long cord-like necklace without a clasp, usually looped into a knot, thus allowing the ends to hang down in the front.
Leverback A spring-loaded closure on the back of some earrings. When in the closed position, it secures the earring to the earlobe.
Line Bracelet A flexible bracelet that can be unclasped and laid out to form a “line”. The links are usually joined by hinge pins. A tennis bracelet is a type of line bracelet.
Link Bracelet A bracelet made from connecting or linking various, sometimes similar, components together. The links are usually interlocking, eliminating the need for hinge pins.
Locket A small, decorative case with one or more spaces to hold a picture or momento, designed to be suspended from a chain. May also be incorporated into the design of a ring or bracelet.
Looking Down / Top View A way to describe looking at a ring from the top down or bird’s eye view.
Medical ID Jewelry Designed with a medically identifiable emblem and engraved to inform others of medical issues such as drug and food allergies and other medical conditions.
Melee Classification used in the sorting of diamonds weighing less than .17 carats or 17 points each.
Micro Pave A highly precise setting technique similar to pave but using extremely small gemstones.
Miligrain Having the edge shaped into fine beading.
Minimalist A term used to describe a movement in design and architecture around the 1960’s and 1970’s, where the subject is reduced as much as possible to only its necessary elements.
Moissanite A rare material discovered by Henri Moissan , later synthesized in the laboratory and used as a high-quality diamond substitute.
Money Clip A folded clip used to keep folded cash and / or credit cards in lieu of a wallet.
Mounting A jewelry item that has stone settings, but in which no stones have been set. It requires no further assemble work; the exception being an unset semi-mount mounting which requires a head to be attached.
Neckware A piece of jewelry that nay be a string of gemstones, beads, jewels, etc., or a netal chain worn around the neck.
Niobium A silver-gray contemporary metal.
Nugget Ring Jewelry designed to mimic and exaggerate the look of a native lump of precious metal, usually yellow gold.
Omega Clip A wire attached and hinged on the back of an earring and used as a mechanism to hold the earring in place.
Organic A design style using free-flowing curves and surfaces similar to those from nature such as in leaves, vines, etc.
Patina Discoloration that forms naturally over time on metals such as silver and bronze. Patinas may also be introduced artificially through certain chemicals for aesthetic value.
Pave A field of bead-set gemstones closely set, usually in rows, whereby the entire surface of the jewelry is covered or paved.
Pavilion The lower part of a cut gemstone below the girdle.
Pearl Enhancer A pendant with a hinged, clasp-type bail that allows it to be attached to a pearl or bead necklace, or any necklace that doesn’t allow a pendant to be slid onto it.
Peg Head A setting with a peg attached to it that can be easily attached to a jewelry item by inserting the peg into a drilled hole. Peg heads are commonly used in semi-mount engagement rings.
Pendant An endornment designed to be suspended from a necklace.
Pendant Enhancer An adornment designed so that another pendant, usually a solitaire, can be suspended inside of it.
Pennyweight Pennyweight is a common weight unit of measure used in the valuation and measurement of precious metals. One pennyweight equals 1/20 of an ounce (troy). See DWT.
Pierced In jewelry it refers to perforated or openwork desings with regular patterns of openings and holes.
Pin Assembly Jewelry findings used to secure a pin to the wearer. This assembly is comprised of pin-stem and pin-catch.
Platinum A heavy, non-corrosive white metal with high tensile strength which dulls as it is worn but holds its detail for many years, giving it heirloom characteristics.
Plique-a-jour An enameling technique by which the design is outlined with metal and filled in with colored enamels, but with no backing so that the effect is similar to a stained glass window.
Precious Gemstone The group of gemstones consisting of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Precious Metals Metals that are rare and have high economic value. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
Primary Metal The metal alloy that, when describing a two-tone item, makes up the majority of the weight of the jewelry item.
Profile A cross sectional view. Flat inside round comfort-fit, inside round, flat, knife-edge, etxc. Are examples of this.
Promise Ring A ring worn to show commitment to a monogamous relationship, usually set with one or more diamond melee.
Prong Set A setting technique in which a gemstone is held in place by metal projections or tines, called prongs.
Prototype An example of a piece of jewelry created from inexpensive non-precious materials.
Puzzle Ring Several rings that fit together to create a single ring.
Remount The act of removing gems from one jewelry item and setting them into a new jewelry item. The term remount is sometimes used interchangeably with “semi-mount”, when referring to jewelry designed for this purpose.
Ring Guard A ring designed with two shanks assembled so that a solitaire ring may be inserted into it.
Riveria A necklace style comprised of flexible gemstone links which are typically tapered in size.
Rolling Ring A ring usually consisting of three or more bands. As the ring is slid on and off the finger, the bands roll over one another.
Roundel / Roundelle A doughnut-shaped or flattened, disk-shaped bead that is used as a spacer or an accent between other beads.
Safety Clasp A secondary closure added to some bracelets and necklaces for extra security.
Scalloped Set A technique for setting gemstones in which the prongs are created from the shank. Fishtail is one example of a scalloped setting.
Scintillation The intense sparkles and flashes of light visible when either the person viewing the diamond or the lighting moves.
Secondary Metal When describing a two-tone item, the metal alloy that makes up the minority of the weight of the jewelry item.
Semi-Precious Gemstones A gemstone that is not a diamond, emerald, sapphire or ruby – historically thought to be less valuable than a precious gemstone ie, amethysist, peridot, aquamarine, etc…
Shadow Band A wedding band designed and contoured to be worn with a specific engagement ring. The design is such that it would not usually be worn on its own.
Shank A ring designed for, but stocked without a center head and that is not complete without such head. The part of a ring that encircles the finger.
Shoulder The upper part of a ring shank.
Side Stones Gemstones that complement and place emphasis on the center gemstone. Side gemstones are typically larger than accent gemstones.
Side View A way to describe looking at a ring from the side.
Signet Ring A ring with letters (usually one’s initials), or a design carved into it. A college ring is an example of a signet ring.
Silver A precious metal that is commonly alloyed to create the more durable alloy known as sterling silver.
Simulant An imitation or simulant can be any type of gem material, natural or artificial, sold as a look-alike for another gem.
Sizing Area The area at the bottom of a ring shank where metal can be inserted or removed to reduce or increase the finger size of the ring.
Slide Pendant A bail-less pendant. May incorporate holes into the design to allow passage of a chain or cord.
Stainless Steel A contemporary metal (a form of steel containing chromium and/or nickel) resistant to tarnishing and rust.
Station Necklace A necklace with repeating elements.
Sterling Silver A precious metal alloy of 92.5% silver and copper, or another material.
Strip Setting A metal strip jewelry finding that is usually comprised of repeating patterns in which gemstones can be set.
Stud Earrings Jewelry attached to the ear with an earring post through a piercing and secured with an earring back.
Synclastic A surface or a portion of a surface that is curved towards the same side in all directions.
Table Referring to the top, flat part of the cut of a gemstone.
Tension Set A setting that holds the gemstone in place entirely with compression/tension and not prongs.
Three Stone Ring A ring consisting mainly of three larger stones.
Through Finger view A way to describe looking at a ring through the finger hole.
Tie Tac / Tie Clip A piece of jewelry used to hold a necktie in place.
Titanium A strong, low-density, highly corrosion-resistant and lustrous white element that occurs widely in igneous rocks and is mainly used to alloy aircraft metals, it is also a popular choice for piercing jewelry.
Trellis Setting A structure of open latticework especially used as a gallery support for gemstones.
Trim A decorative finding that can be added to another jewelry component to create a finished jewelry item.
Troy Ounce A unit of troy weight, used for weighing precious metals. The ounce contains 20 pennyweights (dwt) each of 25 grains. One troy ounce is equivalent to 31.10 grams.
Tungsten A contemporary metal containing equal parts of tungsten and carbon atoms.
Two-tone A jewelry item comprised of two different metals or alloys of different color.
Unset Semi-Mount A ring mounting designed to hold side stones or melee, but in which no stones have been set and the head for the center stone is NOT in place. May also be referred to as a shank.
Vermeil Gold-plated or gilded silver. The FTC allows a product to be described as “vermeil” if it consists of a base of sterling silver coated or plated on all significant surfaces with gold or gold alloy of not less than 10 karat fineness, that is of substantial thickness and a minimum thickness throughout equivalent to 2 1/2 microns of fine gold.
White gold A white-colored alloy of gold with nickel, platinum, or another metal.
Work-Hardened The change in hardness of metal due to repeated cold flexing or stress. The annealing process can be used to relieve the stress.

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