Jewellery Glossary
Our comprehensive guide to jewellery terminology
A
A Jour
An open setting that leaves the pavilion facets open to the light
AGS
American Gem Society: a professional organisation formed in 1934 by several independent jewellers and the founder of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Abalone
A deposit formed inside a seashell
Abraded Culet
A chipped or scratched culet
Abrasion
A bruise or scratch on the surface of a stone
Accent
A jewellery piece or design element intended to draw attention to a different focal point
Agate
A variety of chalcedony found in many colours
Aigrette
A hair ornament consisting of a feather plume or spray of glitter, often enhanced by a jewel or buckle
Alexandrite
A variety of chrysoberyl with the unique ability to change colour in natural or artificial light
Alloy
A combination of metals fused together
Aluminium
A silver-white metal that is lightweight and malleable
Amazonite
An opaque form of feldspar
Amber
Fossilised resin of prehistoric pine trees, ranging in colour from golden to orange-red
American Gem Trade Association
An organisation responsible for maintaining ethical standards within the gemstone industry
Amethyst
A clear purple, blue, or violet variety of crystallised quartz
Amulet
A pendant or charm worn for its protective or magical properties
Anneal
The process of hardening glass, pottery, or metal by alternately heating and cooling it
Anniversary Band
A ring—often an eternity band—given to commemorate an anniversary
Anodised
A process in which a metal object is placed in an acid bath and an electrical current is passed through it
Antique
Any object created at least 100 years ago
Antiquing
The process of darkening the recessed areas of gold or silver jewellery to enhance engraved details and give an aged appearance
Antwerp
One of the most notable and versatile diamond-cutting centres in the world
Appraisal
A monetary valuation, usually carried out for insurance purposes by a certified gemmologist
Aquamarine
A transparent blue, blue-green, or green variety of beryl, often considered a semi-precious gemstone used in jewellery
Arabesque
Flowing scrollwork characterised by curved decorative patterns in low relief
Art Deco
A style characterised by angular geometric shapes, zigzags, bold colours, moulded or faceted Czech glass beads, plastics (such as celluloid or Bakelite), and chrome
Art Nouveau
A style known for its flowing forms, sinuous curves, and naturalistic motifs
Articulated
Jewellery constructed with hinges or moving parts to allow flexibility
Arts and Crafts
A design movement from the late 1800s reacting against mass-produced, machine-made designs of the late Victorian era
Assay
The process of determining the purity of gold, silver, and other alloys
Asscher Cut
An octagonal diamond cut
Aurora Borealis
The Latin term for the Northern Lights
B
Baguette Cut
A rectangular diamond cut with four corners forming a four-sided shape
Bail
The connector at the top of a pendant that allows it to hang from a chain or jump ring
Bakelite
A synthetic material patented in 1909, widely used in jewellery during the U.S. Great Depression of the 1930s
Bandeau
A narrow band worn low around the forehead as a head ornament
Bangle
A traditionally rigid, non-flexible bracelet
Baroque
A general term for bold, ornate, and heavily decorated ornamentation
Basse-taille
A technique of applying glass enamel to a metal surface
Bearding
Small, feather-like cracks along the girdle of a diamond
Belle Époque
Another term for the Edwardian period
Berlin Iron
Cast iron jewellery worked into delicate openwork patterns, made in Berlin during the first half of the nineteenth century
Beryl
A hard mineral composed of beryllium aluminium silicate, occurring in colourless hexagonal crystals when pure and in colours such as green, blue, yellow, or pink when impure
Bezel
A setting for a stone using a metal collar rather than prongs to secure it
Bijouterie
The art of working with gold and enamel
Birthstone
A gemstone symbolically associated with a person's birth month
Biwa Pearl
A freshwater cultured pearl from Japan
Black Antique
A jewellery piece coated with a long-lasting black finish
Black Star of Queensland
A 733-carat black sapphire, once thought to be the world’s largest gem-quality star sapphire
Blemish
A flaw, spot, or scratch on the surface of a gemstone
Bling
A general term for flashy jewellery, often worn to indicate wealth or status
Blister Pearl
An irregularly shaped, hollow pearl cut from the shell of an oyster
Blue Topaz
Topaz that is light brown or colourless when mined but turns vivid blue after heat treatment
Bog Oak
Wood preserved over thousands of years in Irish bogs, hard enough to be carved and worn as jewellery
Bolt Ring
A fastening that is partially hollow and spring-loaded, used to connect jewellery components
Book Chain
A Victorian-style chain made of folded rectangular links resembling small books, usually in gold or sterling silver
Borax
A flux used in soldering
Box Setting
A stone set within a box-shaped metal frame with edges pressed down to secure it
Bracelet
An ornamental band or chain worn around the wrist
Braided
A jewellery design in which multiple strands appear woven together
Brass
An alloy of approximately equal parts copper and zinc, with a yellow colour
Brilliance
The intensity and quantity of light reflected from within a diamond or gemstone
Brilliant Cut
The standard diamond cut consisting of 58 facets, including the table, crown, girdle, and pavilion facets
Briolette
A pear-shaped faceted stone
Bronze
A dense alloy typically made of 60% copper and 40% tin
Brooch
A decorative pin or ornamental jewellery piece with a clasp for attaching to clothing
Brushed Finish
A metal texturing technique creating fine parallel lines using a wire brush or polishing tool
Buff Top Cabochon
A gemstone cut with a domed top and a faceted pavilion
Bulla
Two concave plates forming a hollow container
C
CAD
An acronym for computer-aided design
Cable
A wire, often made of a precious or semi-precious metal, used in jewellery making
Cabochon
A dome-shaped stone without facets
Calibre Cut
Small stones faceted and cut into squares, rectangles, or oblongs, set closely together
Caliper
An instrument used to measure the thickness or diameter of a gemstone
Cameo Habillé
A depiction, usually of a female figure, carved wearing jewellery such as a pendant, earrings, or crown
Cameo
A carved layered stone, often made from banded agate or shell, typically depicting a profile or scene
Canary Diamond
A vivid yellow variety of diamond
Cannetille
A decorative technique using coiled and twisted gold wire to create delicate scrollwork
Carat
A unit of weight for diamonds and other gemstones
Carbide
A compound of carbon with a more electropositive element
Carbon Fibre
A strong, lightweight synthetic fibre produced by carbonising materials at high temperatures
Carbuncle
A garnet cut en cabochon
Carmen Lucia Ruby
A 23.10-carat ruby, one of the largest faceted rubies in the National Gem Collection
Carnelian
A translucent red or orange variety of chalcedony, sometimes banded
Cartouche
A symmetrical, scroll-like decorative frame or motif
Casting
A method of shaping metal by melting and pouring it into a mould
Catalin
A trade name for an early phenol plastic
Catch
The most common means of securing a brooch before safety catches were invented
Cathedral Setting
A setting designed to elevate and highlight the centre stone
Celluloid
A thin, highly flammable plastic containing camphor
Celtic
Designs inspired by ancient Irish, Gaelic, British, Scottish, and Welsh symbols
Centre Stone
The main gemstone in a piece, typically the focal point
Chalcedony
A greyish-blue form of quartz
Champlevé
An enamelling technique where recessed areas are filled with enamel
Channel Setting
A method of setting stones of uniform size into a continuous channel
Channel
A mounting style where stones are set between two metal rails
Charm
A small pendant or ornament worn for decoration or symbolic purposes
Chasing
A technique of decorating metal by creating indentations with tools
Chatelaine
A decorative clasp worn at the waist with chains attached
Chaton Cut
A round stone shape with facets on the back
Choker
A short necklace, typically under 35 cm (14 inches)
Chrome
A hard, corrosion-resistant, greyish-white metal
Chrysoberyl
A semi-precious gemstone ranging from yellow to green hues
Cire-perdue
Another term for casting (lost wax process)
Citrine
A yellow to orange variety of quartz
Clarity
The degree to which a gemstone is free from inclusions or blemishes
Classic
A jewellery style that remains popular over time
Cloisonné
An enamelling technique using metal partitions to hold enamel
Cloud
A cluster of tiny inclusions in a diamond
Cluster
Jewellery featuring multiple stones set closely together
Collet
A metal band encircling a gemstone to secure it
Collier
A wide necklace that sits high on the neck
Colour Diamond
A diamond with a noticeable hue other than white
Colour
A measure of a diamond’s hue and saturation
Comfort Fit
A ring with rounded inner edges for increased comfort
Contemporary
Jewellery reflecting current design trends
Contrasting Finish
A piece featuring multiple surface finishes
Copper
A reddish-brown metallic element
Coral
A material formed from calcium carbonate produced by marine organisms
Corundum
A hard mineral forming gemstones such as ruby and sapphire
Creole Earrings
Hoop earrings wider at the bottom than the top
Crest
An emblem or symbol, often historical
Criss-cross
A ring design with intersecting bands
Cross Facet
Small triangular facets on a brilliant-cut stone
Cross
A structure with intersecting vertical and horizontal elements
Crown
The upper portion of a gemstone above the girdle
Crystal
A solid material with a repeating atomic structure
Cubic Zirconia
A man-made gemstone resembling diamond
Cufflink
A fastening for shirt cuffs made of two connected decorative pieces
Culet
The small or pointed facet at the bottom of a gemstone
Cullinan Diamond
A 3,106.75-carat diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905
Cultured Pearl
A pearl formed under controlled conditions
Cushion Cut
A square or rectangular cut with rounded corners
Custom Cut Gemstone
A gemstone shaped by a professional lapidary
Custom
A one-of-a-kind jewellery design
Cut Steel
Faceted and polished steel used decoratively
Cut
The proportions and finish that affect how a gemstone reflects light
D
Dainty
Delicate and refined in appearance
Damascene
A decorative metalwork style, often associated with Spain
Damascus Steel
Steel with distinctive wavy patterns
Danglers
Earrings designed to hang and move below the earlobe
Demi-parure
A partial matching jewellery set
Depth Percentage
The depth of a gemstone relative to its diameter
Depth
The distance from a gemstone’s table to its culet
Diadem
A decorative headband, often jewelled
Diamond Cut
A term sometimes used for brilliant-cut stones
Diamond
A crystalline form of carbon known for its hardness
Dog Collar
A close-fitting necklace, often made of multiple rows
Domed
A rounded gemstone surface
Double Prong
A setting where each prong is doubled
Dresden Green Diamond
A 41-carat natural green diamond believed to originate from India
Drop
Earrings that hang below the earlobe
Duette
Two clips that can be worn together or separately
Déposé
A French term indicating a registered design or patent
E
Earrings
Ornaments worn on the ears
East-West
A gemstone set horizontally rather than vertically
Eco-friendly
Jewellery produced with minimal environmental impact
Edwardian
A style from the early 20th century characterised by elegance and lightness
Electroplating
The process of coating metal using an electric current
Elegant
Graceful and refined in quality or style
Emerald Cut
A rectangular cut with stepped facets and clipped corners
Emerald
A green variety of beryl
Empire Earrings
Hoop-style earrings inspired by ancient Roman designs
En tremblant
A setting that creates a trembling effect through movement
Enamel
Glass fused onto metal through heating
Engagement Ring
A ring given as a symbol of betrothal
Engagement
The period between proposal and marriage
Engraving
The process of cutting designs into metal
Enhancer
A hinged attachment used to add a pendant to a chain
Estate Jewellery
Jewellery previously owned, often from an inheritance
Etching
A decorative technique using acid to remove metal
Eternity Band
A ring with a continuous line of gemstones
Euro-shank
A ring with a flat or squared bottom
European Cut
An early style of diamond cut popular from the late 19th to early 20th century
Extinction
Dark areas in a gemstone where light is not returned
Eye-clean
A gemstone with no visible flaws to the naked eye
F
Facet
A flat, polished surface on a gemstone
Faience
Glazed ceramic ware
Fancy Cut
Any diamond cut other than the round brilliant
Fashion Ring
A decorative ring without symbolic meaning
Faux
Imitation or artificial
Feather
An internal inclusion resembling a feather
Fede Ring
A ring featuring two clasped hands
Ferronnière
A narrow headband with a central jewel
Festoon
A decorative motif of garlands or draped elements
Fibula
An archaeological term for a brooch
Filigree
Fine metal wires twisted into intricate patterns
Findings
Components used in jewellery making such as clasps and hooks
Finish
The surface texture or polish of metal
Fire
Flashes of colour seen in gemstones due to light dispersion
Flat Band
A ring with a flat outer surface
Flawless
A gemstone with no visible imperfections under 10x magnification
Flaw
An internal or external imperfection in a gemstone
Fleur-de-lis
A stylised lily used as a decorative motif
Floral
Designs inspired by flowers and plant forms
Florentine Finish
A cross-hatched surface texture
Florentine
Jewellery styled after Florence, Italy
Fluorescence
Light emitted by a gemstone under ultraviolet light
Flush Setting
A setting where the stone sits level with the metal surface
Flux
A substance used to assist soldering
Fob
A decorative chain or ornament attached to a pocket watch
Foil
A reflective backing used to enhance gemstone brilliance
Fracture
A crack or break within a gemstone
French Cut
A square or rectangular faceted cut
French Ivory
A plastic imitation of ivory
French Jet
Black glass used to imitate jet
French Wire
A curved earring hook
Freshwater Pearls
Pearls formed in freshwater molluscs
Full Lead Crystal
High-quality crystal with high lead content
Full-cut Brilliant
A brilliant cut with 58 facets
G
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
Garnet
A group of minerals found in various colours
Gemmologist
A specialist trained in identifying and valuing gemstones
Gemology
The study of gemstones
Gemstone Certificate
An official document verifying a gemstone’s qualities
Gemstones
Minerals or materials used as decorative stones
Gerlots
Small elongated pendant beads
Gilding
Applying a thin layer of gold to a surface
Gilt
Gold or gold-like finish
Gimmel Ring
A ring made of interlocking bands
Girandole
A design with three hanging elements from a central motif
Girdle
The outer edge of a gemstone
Gold Washed
A very thin layer of gold applied to metal
Gold-filled
A base metal bonded with a thick layer of gold
Gold-plated
A base metal coated with a thin layer of gold
Golden Jubilee Diamond
A 545.67-carat brown diamond
Gold
A naturally occurring yellow precious metal
Grading
Evaluation of gemstone quality
Granulation
Decoration using tiny metal spheres
Graver Tool
A tool used for engraving metal
Green Gold
Gold alloyed with silver for a green tint
Grey Gold
Gold alloyed with iron
Grill
Decorative jewellery worn over teeth
Grisaille
Monochrome enamel technique
Guilloché Enamel
Enamel applied over engraved patterns
Gypsy Setting
A flush setting where the stone is set into the metal
H
Half Moon Cut
A gemstone cut shaped like a half circle
Hallmark
A stamp indicating metal purity
Halo
A setting with smaller stones surrounding a centre stone
Hammered Finish
A textured finish created by hammering
Hand Engraving
Decorative engraving done manually
Hardness
Resistance to scratching
Head
The part of jewellery that holds the stone
Heart Cut
A heart-shaped gemstone cut
Heirloom
Jewellery passed down through generations
Hematite
An iron ore mineral
Hoop
A circular earring
Hope Diamond
A famous 45.52-carat blue diamond
Horn
A natural material used in jewellery
I
IGI
International Gemological Institute
Ideal Cut
A diamond cut designed for maximum brilliance
Igneous
Rock formed from cooled magma
Imperfection
Any flaw in a gemstone
Inclusion
Internal flaw within a gemstone
Ingot
A bar of metal cast into shape
Initials
Letters representing a name
Inlaid
Decorated with material set into a surface
Inlay
A technique of embedding material into a surface
Intaglio
A design carved into a surface
Interlocking
Jewellery pieces designed to fit together
Intertwined
Designs where bands overlap
Invisible Setting
Stones set with no visible metal between them
Iridescent
Displaying rainbow-like colours
Iridium
A dense metal used in alloys
Irradiation
Treatment to enhance gemstone colour
Ivory
Material from tusks, historically used in jewellery
J
Jabot Pin
A decorative pin worn on clothing
Jadeite
A rare form of jade
Jade
A semi-precious green gemstone
Jasper
An opaque variety of quartz
Jet
Fossilised coal used in jewellery
Jewellers of America
A jewellery trade organisation
Jump Ring
A small ring used to connect components
K
Karat
A measure of gold purity
Knife Edge
A ring with a pointed band
Knot
A decorative interwoven design
L
Lab Diamond
A diamond created in a laboratory
Lab Gemstone
A synthetic gemstone
Lapidary
The art of cutting and polishing stones
Laser Drilling
A method to improve gemstone clarity
Laser Engraving
Engraving using a laser
Lavalier
A necklace with a central pendant
Leakage
Loss of light through a gemstone
Lever Back
An earring clasp
Liquid Silver
Strands of small silver beads
Living Jewellery
Jewellery made from organic materials
Locket
A hinged pendant containing keepsakes
Logan Sapphire
A large blue sapphire
London Blue Topaz
A dark blue variety of topaz
Lost Wax Casting
A casting process using wax models
Loupe
A small magnifying lens
Low-profile
A setting close to the surface
Lucite
A clear plastic material
Lustre
The way light reflects off a surface
Luxury
High-end, premium jewellery
M
Mabé Pearl
A half-spherical cultured pearl
Maltese Cross
A cross with equal arms
Marcasite
A mineral used in jewellery
Marquise Cut
An elongated pointed gemstone cut
Master Stones
Reference stones for grading
Matching
Jewellery designed to coordinate
Matte
A non-reflective finish
Melee
Small diamonds under one carat
Memento Mori
Jewellery symbolising mortality
Memorial Jewellery
Jewellery commemorating a person
Metamorphic
Rock altered by heat and pressure
Meteorite
Space material used in jewellery
Micro Mosaic
Tiny mosaic designs
Micro-pavé
Very small stones set closely together
Milanese Chain
A woven metal chain
Milgrain
Tiny decorative beads of metal
Millefiori
Decorative glass technique
Minaudière
A small decorative case
Mine Cut
An antique diamond cut
Minimalist
Simple design style
Mississippi River Pearls
Freshwater pearls from the Mississippi
Mizpah Ring
A ring engraved with a blessing
Mohs Scale
A scale of mineral hardness
Moissanite
A gemstone made of silicon carbide
Mokumé Gane
A layered metal technique
Money Clip
A holder for notes and cards
Montana Sapphire
A sapphire from Montana
Moonstone
A feldspar with a glowing sheen
Morganite
A pink variety of beryl
Mosaic
A design made of small pieces
Mother-of-pearl
Shell lining material
Mounting
The structure holding a gemstone
Mount
To set a gemstone
Mourning Jewellery
Jewellery worn in remembrance
Moval
A hybrid oval-marquise cut
Multi-band
A ring with multiple bands
Mélange
Mixed sizes of diamonds
N
Nacre
The iridescent substance secreted by molluscs that forms pearls
Nacre
The substance forming pearls
Natural Diamond
A diamond formed naturally
Natural Diamond
A diamond formed naturally within the Earth
Navette
A marquise-shaped ring design
Navette
A marquise-shaped ring set with multiple stones
Necklace
An ornament worn around the neck
Necklace
Jewellery worn around the neck
Negligee
A necklace with asymmetrical hanging elements
Negligee
A necklace with uneven drops
Nickel Silver
A metal alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel containing no silver
Nickel Silver
A metal alloy without silver
Niello
A black decorative inlay technique
Niello
A black inlay technique using metal sulphides
O
Oiling
A treatment used to enhance gemstone clarity or colour
Old Euro Cut
An antique round diamond cut with a small table and large culet
Old European Cut
An antique diamond cut with rounded girdle and chunky facets
Old Mine Cut
An antique cushion-shaped diamond cut
Onyx
A black or white semi-precious stone
Opalescent
Showing milky, rainbow-like reflections
Opal
A gemstone known for its iridescent play of colour
Opaque
Not allowing light to pass through
Open Back Setting
A setting where the back of the stone is exposed
Oppenheimer Diamond
A 253.7-carat yellow diamond
Ore
A mineral from which metal can be extracted
Organic
Jewellery derived from living organisms or natural forms
Oriental Pearl
A naturally formed pearl
Orient
The lustrous sheen of pearls
Oval Cut
An elongated rounded gemstone cut
Oxidation
A chemical reaction causing metal to tarnish
Oxide
A compound containing oxygen
Oxidise
To combine with oxygen
P
Padparadscha Sapphire
A rare peach-coloured sapphire
Paillons
Small pieces of foil used in enamelling
Palladium
A precious metal related to platinum
Pampilles
Hanging gemstone decorations resembling drops
Parure
A matching set of jewellery
Passementerie
Jewellery inspired by textile trimmings
Paste
Glass used to imitate gemstones
Patina
Surface discolouration on metal
Pattern
A repeated decorative design
Pavilion
The lower portion of a gemstone
Pavé
A surface set with closely packed small stones
Pear Cut
A teardrop-shaped gemstone cut
Pearl
An organic gem formed in molluscs
Peek-a-boo Diamond
A hidden gemstone visible from certain angles
Pendant
A hanging ornament worn on a chain
Pendeloque
A pear-shaped faceted pendant stone
Peridot
A green gemstone from the olivine family
Petite
Small and delicate
Pewter
An alloy primarily of tin
Pietra Dura
Inlaid stonework forming decorative patterns
Pinchbeck
A gold imitation alloy of copper and zinc
Piqué
Inlaid tortoiseshell or horn
Pit
A small surface indentation in a gemstone
Planishing
Hammering metal to smooth its surface
Platinum
A dense, white precious metal
Plique-à-jour
Enamel without backing creating a translucent effect
Plot
A diagram of gemstone inclusions
Point
One hundredth of a carat
Polished
Smooth and shiny finish
Pomander
A container for scented materials
Popigai Crater
A Siberian crater with large diamond deposits
Poseidon
The Greek god of the sea
Posy Ring
A ring engraved with a phrase
Pot Metal
A base metal alloy without precious metals
Precious Gemstone
A rare and valuable gemstone
Precious Metal
Valuable metals such as gold, silver, and platinum
Princess Cut
A square brilliant-cut gemstone
Prong Setting
A setting using metal claws to hold a stone
Proportion
The relationship between a gemstone’s dimensions
Proposal
An offer of marriage
Q
Quartz
A common mineral composed of silicon dioxide
R
Radiant Cut
A rectangular cut combining brilliance and step facets
Rails
Metal edges supporting stones in a setting
Refinishing
Restoring a jewellery surface
Refraction
Bending of light through a material
Regard
Jewellery spelling a word using gemstone initials
Relief
Raised decorative design
Repoussé
Metal shaped from the reverse to create relief
Restoration
Repairing jewellery to its original condition
Rhinestone
A glass imitation gemstone
Rhodium
A reflective platinum-family metal used for plating
Rhodolite
A pink or purple garnet
Ring Size
Measurement of a ring’s circumference or diameter
Ring
A circular band worn on the finger
Riveting
Joining metal pieces with rivets
Rivière
A necklace of evenly set gemstones
Rock Crystal
Clear quartz
Rolled Gold
A layered gold plating technique
Rondelle
A disc-shaped bead
Rosary
Beads used for prayer
Rose Cut
A faceted dome-shaped gemstone cut
Rose Finish
A finish resembling rose gold
Rose Gold
Gold alloyed with copper
Rose Quartz
A pink variety of quartz
Rosser Reeves Ruby
A large star ruby
Round Cut
The most common gemstone cut
Rubellite
A red or pink tourmaline
Ruby
A red corundum gemstone
Rutilated Quartz
Quartz containing needle-like inclusions
S
Safety Catch
A locking brooch fastener
Salt-and-Pepper Diamond
A diamond with visible inclusions
Sand Casting
A casting method using sand moulds
Sandblasted
A roughened surface finish
Sapphire
A corundum gemstone in various colours
Sardonyx
Banded onyx with contrasting layers
Satin Finish
A soft, brushed surface texture
Sautoir
A long necklace worn below the waist
Scarab
An Egyptian beetle motif symbolising rebirth
Scatter Pin
A small decorative pin worn in groups
Sceptre
A ceremonial staff symbolising authority
Screw Back
An earring fastening for non-pierced ears
Seal
An engraved stamp for impressions
Sedimentary
Rock formed from deposited material
Seed Bead
Tiny uniform beads
Seed Pearl
Very small pearls
Semi-precious Gemstone
A gemstone of lesser rarity than precious stones
Setting
The method of securing a gemstone
Shagreen
Textured shark or ray skin
Shamrock
A three-leaf symbol associated with Ireland
Shank
The band of a ring
Shared Prong
A prong holding two stones
Shield
A decorative armour motif
Shoulder
The area beside the centre stone
Signet
A ring with an engraved seal
Silver Tone
A silver-coloured finish
Simulated Stone
An imitation gemstone
Single-cut Diamond
A diamond with fewer facets
Slide
A movable jewellery fastening
Smoky Quartz
Brown to dark quartz
Snake Chain
A flexible, smooth chain
Soldering
Joining metals with melted alloy
Solder
Metal used to join components
Solitaire
Jewellery with a single stone
Sparkle
Reflected points of light
Spinel
A gemstone of various colours
Split Prong
A prong divided to hold stones
Split Ring
A small connecting ring
Split Shank
A band that divides near the setting
Spring Ring
A circular clasp with a spring mechanism
Square Band
A band with flat edges
Square Cut
A square-shaped gemstone cut
Stabilised Turquoise
Treated turquoise for durability
Stackable Rings
Rings designed to be worn together
Stainless Steel
A corrosion-resistant alloy
Stamping
Shaping metal with dies
Star 129
A diamond cut with 129 facets
Step Cut
A cut with rectangular facets
Sterling Silver
Silver alloy containing 92.5% silver
Stomacher
A large bodice ornament
Strap Necklace
A mesh-style chain with hanging elements
Strapwork
Interlaced band patterns
Stud
A small earring with a post
Super Fit Ring
A hinged adjustable ring
Swag
A draped decorative motif
Symmetry
Balance in gemstone cutting
Synthetic Gemstone
A laboratory-created gemstone
Sévigné
A bow-shaped jewellery ornament
T
Table Cut
A simple early gemstone cut
Table Percentage
Ratio of table size to diameter
Table
The top flat facet of a gemstone
Tahitian Pearl
A dark pearl from black-lipped oysters
Tanzanite
A violet-blue gemstone
Tapered Baguette
A trapezoidal baguette-cut stone
Tapered
Gradually narrowing
Tarnish
Surface dulling of metal
Tennis Bracelet
A flexible line bracelet of gemstones
Tension Setting
A setting held by pressure
Terminal
Decorative ends of jewellery
Textured
A non-smooth surface
Three Stone
A ring with three gemstones
Tiara
A decorative headpiece
Tin
A soft metallic element
Titanium
A strong lightweight metal
Toggle Clasp
A bar-and-ring fastening
Tolkowsky, Marcel
Mathematician who defined ideal diamond proportions
Topaz
A gemstone mineral
Torsade
A twisted multi-strand necklace
Tortoiseshell
A patterned shell material
Tourmaline
A multi-coloured gemstone
Tracer Band
A contoured ring fitting alongside another
Translucent
Partially transparent
Trapezoid Cut
A four-sided gemstone cut
Trellis Setting
Interwoven prongs holding a stone
Tremblant
Jewellery designed to tremble with movement
Trillion Cut
A triangular gemstone cut
Tsavorite
A green garnet
Tubogas
A flexible tubular chain
Tungsten
A dense metallic element
Turquoise
A blue-green gemstone
Tutti Frutti
Jewellery with carved multi-coloured stones
Twisted
Interwoven design
Two-tone
Jewellery made from two metals
U
Ultrasonic
A cleaning method using sound waves
Unique
One of a kind
Unisex
Suitable for all genders
V
Vermeil
Gold-plated sterling silver
Victorian
Jewellery from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
Vintage
Older jewellery valued for its age and style
W
Wedding Set
Matching engagement ring and wedding band
Wedding
A marriage ceremony
White Gold
Gold alloyed with white metals
White Metal
Non-precious white-coloured alloys
Wood
A natural fibrous material used in jewellery
Woven
Interlaced design
Wristwatch
A watch worn on the wrist
X
XRF
A particular type of X-ray testing used to measure the purity of gold
Y
Yellow Gold
Gold alloy retaining its natural yellow colour
Z
Zinc
A bluish-white metallic element
Zircon
A natural gemstone often used as a diamond alternative
Zoisite
A mineral occurring in various colours
Get in touch
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Email
contact@hattonjewels.com -
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