We want every client to feel confident about purchasing jewelry. So if jewelry isn't your first language, use this glossary to be better informed about your jewelry purchase.
JEWELRY ENCYCLOPEDIA: A-Z
WE DON'T SELL, WE TEACH
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4 CS
A universal grading system developed by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to evaluate the quality of a diamond. The 4 Cs are Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
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.
Learn more about Gemstones>>
Alloy
A mixture of two or more metals to create more desirable characteristics and/or added strength.
Anniversary Band
A ring of three or more diamonds or gemstones, typically set in a channel or prong setting.
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Antique Jewelry
Jewelry that is 100 years old or more.
Shop our Estate Collection>>
Anticlastic
A form that is curved in two directions opposite one another (saddle-shaped).
A wonderful example of anticlastic jewelry can be see in our collection of Michael Good Jewelry >>
Art Deco
A decorative style of the 1920s and 1930s that features bold geometric shapes, linear patterns, and diverse colors.
Shop our collection of Art Deco Jewelry>>
Art Nouveau
A decorative style from the late 1800s to early 1900s characterized by free-flowing lines and stylized natural forms such as flowers, leaves, and feminine form.
Shop our Estate Collection>>
Assay
The process used when determining the proportions of precious metal contained in a piece of gold, silver or other alloys.
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.
Band
A ring, usually uniform in width, with no distinguishable “top”; may be set with gemstones.
Shop our collection of Wedding Bands >>
Bangle Bracelet
A closed, rigid bracelet – with or without hinge and clasp – that slides over the hand.
Shop our collection of Bangle Bracelets >>
Baroque
An irregular-shaped stone or pearl. Also an art style characterized by ornate detail.
Bar Set
A setting technique where the gemstone is secured between two parallel bars, while the sides of the gem remain open.
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.
Shop our collection of Bezel-Set Engagement Rings >>
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 and Tourmaline
November- Citrine
December- Topaz
Learn more about Gemstones>>
Bracelet
An ornamental band or circlet for the wrist, arm, or sometimes for the ankle.
Shop our collection of Bracelets >>
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. The resulting bracelet is known as a slide bracelet.
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.
Brilliance
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, the intensity of the white light from the crown of a polished diamond or other gemstone. Brilliance is affected by: hardness, refractive index, reflectivity, polish, luster, and proportions.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
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.
Shop our collection of Pins and Brooches >>
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 as seen in the top/looking down view.
Cabochon
A polished, convex-cut, unfaceted gemstone.
Cameo
A design cut in relief, usually into a hard gemstone or shell.
Shop our collection of Cameo Jewelry >>
Carat
A unit of weight for precious and semi-precious gemstones, equal to 200 milligrams. Abbreviated "ct"
Cathedral Setting
A style of mounting in which the sides of the ring arch above the band on either side of the stone as seen in the through finger view.
Chain
A series of connected metal links or loops with an attached clasp assembly.
Shop our collection of Chain Bracelets>>
Shop our collection of Chain Necklaces>>
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.
Charm
A miniature object that may depict symbols, figures, letters, etc., usually attached to a bracelet using a spring-type clasp or a jump ring.
Shop our collection of Charms >>
Charm Bracelet
A bracelet to which charms may be or have been attached.
Shop our collection of Charm Bracelets >>
Choker
A necklace that fits snugly around the throat, usually 14"–15" in length.
Claddagh
A traditional Irish ring design depicting two hands holding a crowned heart, representing friendship or love.
Clarity
A term used to describe the absence or presence of internal or external flaws in a gemstone. See 4 Cs.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
Clasp
A mechanism used to attach objects or parts together, such as both ends of a chain or bracelet.
Cluster
Multiple gemstones grouped together in a setting, which may or may not overlap each other.
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. See 4 Cs.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
Comfort-Fit
Describes the convex interior of a ring or band.
CONTOURED OR CURVED 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.
Shop our collection of Curved Wedding Bands >>
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.
Cuff Bracelet
A rigid bracelet designed with an opening for easily slipping the bracelet onto the wrist.
Shop our collection of Cuff Bracelets >>
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.
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Culet
Refers to the base point of a diamond.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
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. See 4 Cs.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
CZ
Short for Cubic Zirconia, a man-made gemstone created to simulate a diamond. Most of our settings are pictured with CZs.
Dangle Earring
An earring that extends below the earlobe and is designed to swing to and fro.
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Diamond-Cut Chain
Sharp edges cut onto the surface of a chain so that the links flash and catch the light.
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Drop Earring
An earring that extends below the earlobe and is stationary.
DWT
Abbreviation for pennyweight. There are 20 pennyweights in a ounce (troy). See Pennyweight.
Ear Climber
An earring designed to follow the contour of the ear.
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.
Shop our collection of Earrings >>
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 Post
A pin-like or wire finding attached to the back of an earring that passes through a pierced earlobe. Examples included screw posts and friction posts.
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.
Earwire
A wire used for pierced earrings. Popular styles include French hooks, lever back, and kidney
Edwardian
Characteristically containing lace-like, fine filigree work with milgrain settings. Popular from 1900-1914, it was usually produced in platinum for strength. Intricate, airy, and feminine. See Filigree and Milgrain.
Shop our Estate Collection>>
Enamel
An opaque or semi-transparent glass or substance applied to a metal surface for protection or ornamental purposes.
Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married.
Shop our collection of Engagement Rings >>
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.
Engraving
The process or art of cutting or carving a design into a hard surface.
Eternity Band
A band set with one or more continuous rows of gemstones that completely encircle the band. Because of the unique design of the ring, it often cannot be sized, and is usually custom made for your finger size (with the exception of our Estate rings).
Shop our collection of Eternity Bands >>
Facet
The flat, polished surface of a gemstone that affects a gemstone's brilliance and sparkle.
Fancy
Describes any jewelry that incorporates whimsy, fun, and innovation in 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.
Family Jewelry
Also known as a Mother’s Ring, this is a jewelry item created with personal significance to the family usually using birthstones to represent each member of the family.
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.v
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. Also known as Dispersion.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
Fishtail Setting
A setting technique consisting of four prominent triangular corners cut from the existing shank that holds the gemstone in place. When viewed 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 that creates visual interest.
Freeform
An asymmetrical, flowing shape or design.
French Hook
An earwire shaped like a hook used for pierced drop earrings. Also known as a Sheperd’s hook.
Gallery
The negative space located on a head/setting.
Gemstone
A mineral or organic material with sufficient beauty, rarity, and durability to be set into jewelry.
Learn more about Gemstones>>
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.
Gold
A precious, yellow, metallic element, highly malleable and ductile and not subject to oxidation or corrosion.
Shop our collection of Yellow Gold Jewelry >>
Shop our collection of Yellow Gold Engagement and Wedding Rings >>
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.
Gypsy-Set
Similar to 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.
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 (10k, 14k, 18k, etc). Typically stamped on a jewelry item in an inconspicuous location (back, inside ring shank, etc.).
Halo
A jewelry style featuring a central gemstone surrounded by a border of smaller gemstones.
Shop our collection of Halo Engagement Rings >>
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. See Bail.
Hinge
A pin that fits through pieces of metal tubing that allow an item to articulate. Hinges are commonly found on lockets, charms, 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.
Shop our collection of Hoop Earrings >>
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.
Shop our collection of Huggie Earrings >>
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-Set
A setting technique patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933 (MysterySetting) 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. Abbreviated as K.
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. A lapel pin is usually smaller than an inch in length.
Shop our collection of Pins & Brooches>>
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.
Shop our collection of Lariat Necklaces>>
Lever Back
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.
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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.
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Locket
A small, decorative case with one or more spaces to hold a picture or memento, designed to be suspended from a chain. May also be incorporated into the design of a ring or bracelet.
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Melee
Classification used in the sorting of diamonds weighing less than .17 carats or 17 points each.
Micro Pavé
A highly precise setting technique similar to pavé but using extremely small gemstones.
Milgrain
Having the edge shaped into fine beading.
Minimalist
A term used to describe a movement in design and architecture around the 1960s and 1970s, where the subject is reduced as much as possible to only its necessary elements.
Money Clip
A folded clip used to keep folded cash and/or credit cards in lieu of a wallet.
Necklace
A piece of jewelry that may be a string of gemstones, beads, jewels, etc., or a metal chain worn around the neck.
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Nugget Ring/Jewelry
Jewelry designed to mimic and exaggerate the look of a native lump of precious metal, usually yellow gold.
Omega Back
A wire attached and hinged on the back of an earring and used as a mechanism to hold the earring in place.
Openwork
In jewelry, it refers to perforated or openwork designs with regular patterns of openings and holes.
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.
Pavé
A field of bead-set gemstones closely set, usually in rows, whereby the entire surface of the jewelry is covered or "paved."
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.
Pendant
An adornment designed to be suspended from a necklace.
Pennyweight
Pennyweight is a common weight unit of measure used in the valuation and measurement of precious metals. One pennyweight equals 1⁄20 of a ounce (troy). See DWT.
Pierced
In jewelry, it refers to perforated or openwork designs with regular patterns of openings and holes.
Pin
Any type of jewelry that is fastened to clothing using a sharp, pointed post and a catch or clasp. May be a brooch, lapel pin, or tie tack.
Shop our collection of Pins and Brooches >>
Pin-Catch
The securing mechanism for a pin-stem.
Pin Stem
A sharply-pointed pin on a hinge that is suitable for piercing fabric or clothing. It is secured with a 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.
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Shop our collection of Platinum Engagement and Wedding >>
Precious Metals
Metals that are rare and have high economic value. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
Precious Gemstone
The group of gemstones consisting of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Learn more about Gemstones>>
Prong-Set
A setting technique in which a gemstone is held in place by metal projections or tines, called prongs.
Remount
The act of removing gems from one jewelry item and setting them into a new jewelry item.
Ring
A piece of jewelry worn on the finger.
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Riviera
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/Rondelle
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.
Scintillation
The intense sparkles and flashes of light visible when either the person viewing the diamond or the lighting moves.
Learn more about Diamonds >>
Semi-Precious Gemstone
A gemstone that is not a diamond, emerald, sapphire, or ruby – historically thought to be less valuable than a precious gemstone, i.e., amethyst, peridot, aquamarine, etc.
Setting
A ring mounting without the center stone, typically set with a CZ for show.
Shop our collection of Engagement Ring Settings >>
Shank
The part of a ring that encircles the finger.
Shepherds Hook
An earwire shaped like a hook used for pierced drop earrings. Also known as a French hook.
Shoulders
The upper part of a ring shank.
Silver
A precious metal that is commonly alloyed to create the more durable alloy known as sterling silver.
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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.
Slide Pendant
A bail-less pendant. May incorporate holes into the design to allow passage of a chain or cord.
Solitaire
A piece of jewelry containing or designed to hold a single diamond.
Shop our collection of Solitaire Engagement Rings >>
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.
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Stud Earring
Jewelry attached to the ear with an earring post through a piercing and secured with an earring back.
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Tennis Bracelet
A flexible bracelet featuring gemstones that can be unclasped and laid out to form a “line.” The links are usually joined by hinge pins. Also known as a Line Bracelet.
Shop our collection of Diamond Tennis Bracelets >>
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.
Shop our collection of Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Rings >>
Tie Tack/Tie Clip
A piece of jewelry used to hold a necktie in place.
Trellis Setting
A structure of open latticework especially used as a gallery support for gemstones.
Troy Ounce
A unit of troy weight, used for weighing precious metals. The ounce contains 20 pennyweights (dwt) each of 24 grains. One troy ounce is equivalent to 31.10 grams.
Two-Tone
A jewelry item comprised of two different metals or alloys of different color.
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Wedding Band
A ring, usually uniform in width, with no distinguishable “top”; may be set with gemstones.
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White Gold
A white-colored alloy of gold with nickel, platinum, or another metal.
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Shop our collection of White Gold Engagement and Wedding Rings >>
Rose Gold
A pink-colored alloy of gold with copper.
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Shop our collection of Rose Gold Engagement and Wedding Rings >>
Source: The Basics of Jewelry by Stuller
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