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A glassy plastic used in making both fine and affordable jewelry because of its ability to be opaque or transparent for its use in making synthetic crystals. Acrylic is primarily characterized by its greater density, weight and an overall smoother finish than regular plastic.

A fusion comprised of two or more metals to increase the hardness and/or luster of the product.

A semi-precious gemstone of the quartz family that is mostly recognized by its wide range of purples, but is also characterized by its green and red varieties. Known traditionally as the February birthstone.                        

A ring given, usually for anniversaries, that features gemstones all or partway around the band. Also called an Eternity band.

Jewelry 100 years old and older.

Jewelry that has intentionally been made to look aged; including having a tarnished or darkened appearance. This look is a staple of boho-chic jewelry trends.

A popular style originating in Paris, France in the 1910’s. Art Deco jewelry is characterized by its geometric shapes, zigzag or angular lines, bold colors, as well as sleek oblong or elongated animals such as greyhounds or felines.  Stones featured in this style are more opaque such as onyx, jade and coral set in metal.                                                           

A popular style of jewelry encompassing the “Victorian” or “Edwardian” era styles that emerged around the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s. Art Nouveau is characterized by fluid and sinuous curves, natural colors, floral and other natural themes. A common motif associated with this style is a woman’s head with long flowing hair.        

A square, step-cut stone with cut corners forming a total of eight edges and thus enhancing the sparkle of the stone. The Asscher cut originated during the Art Deco Era as a reflection of the popularity of geometric shapes and angular lines.

A gemstone cut in a narrow rectangular shape reminiscent of a loaf of French bread, from which it draws it name. Small diamonds cut this way are often used as accents or borders for certain bling jewelry pieces.

A bracelet that is usually rigid that slips over the hand without any hinges or clasps.

A bezel setting has a metal rim that encircles the sides of a gemstone and extends slightly above it. The rim, or collar, can stretch around the gem's entire circumference or around only a portion of it. A bezel setting holds a gemstone securely, and the low, protective profile it creates makes a bezel setting a good choice for people with active lifestyles.

Birthstones are a particular gemstone associated with a month, originating in ancient astrology. There have been various lists throughout the years, but the most common was the one established by the U.S. jewelry industry in the 1950’s.

• January – Garnet
• February – Amethyst
• March – Aquamarine
• April – Diamond
• May – Emerald
• June – Pearl or Moonstone
• July - Ruby
• August - Peridot
• September – Sapphire
• October - Opal
• November – Citrine or Topaz
• December – Turquoise or Zircon

A chain composed of square metal links that forms a smooth, even chain. Often used for men’s jewelry.

A metal alloy of copper and zinc.  Often the proportions of copper to zinc vary producing a wide range of yellow to orange colors.

All the jewelry for the bridal party that the bride selects, including wedding rings for the bride and groom, earrings, necklaces, tiaras, etc. for the bride and bridesmaids and any matching jewelry for the occasion worn by the groom or best man. Usually all of the jewelry is in some way matching, whether by color or theme.

A round cut stone with a total of 56-58 facets to maximize the volume of light that is reflected from the inside and thus producing the greatest brilliance. See Round Cut.

A metal alloy typically consisting of copper and tin, known for its brownish coloring. Bronze is generally not used in costume jewelry trends because it is very dense and therefore very heavy.

An often large decorative pin (of any variety of designs and materials) that is worn on clothing by either men or women or in the hair by women.

The term cabochon comes from the French word “caboche” meaning “knob or “small dome.” Cabochons are stones with a rounded surface instead of facets, with the smooth finish highlighting the natural gloss of the stones. Commonly found with opaque or translucent gems such as moonstone, jade, opal, amethyst, or garnet. 

A type of jewelry typically made of shell or hard stone such as agate, or onyx, often with intricate designs with excess material cut away leaving the design in relief.

Grandiose dangle earrings featuring gems and/or metal detailing.

A channel set is a style of setting that often has a number of gems all uniformly sized and shaped (often in a princess or baguette cut) set inside and held together by two bands of metal and tension between the stones.

Typically a charm bracelet is a chain link bracelet or necklace featuring one or more small charms (it isn’t a charm necklace/bracelet unless it has at least one charm). Often charms are chosen for their symbolic or personal meaning.

A short, close-fitting necklace worn tight around the neck like a collar.

Clip-on (earrings): Earrings for non-pierced ears; consisting of a hinged ring with padding (called a “comfort back”) that secure the decorative end of the earring to the ear.

A large ring featuring oversized stones and/or elaborate detailing.  The term cocktail ring applies to any ring elegant, sophisticated, or dramatic enough to be worn to a cocktail party.

Coral is formed when small sea creatures secrete a type of calcium carbonate into long chains. Coral comes in a variety of colors from vibrant oranges, reds, pinks, and whites. Coral is usually fashioned into beads but can also be left in its natural form and polished.

All jewelry that it made of faux gems and materials instead of precious or semi-precious gems and metals. A great alternative to expensive evening jewelry.

Crystal, invented in the 17^th century, is a very high-quality glass that includes approximately 10% lead oxide. The lead is attributed to providing the glass with exceptional brilliance and light refraction.

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic, often clear, hard stone that is usually mass-produced and cut to resemble diamonds as a staple for costume bling jewelry.  CZ can also come in a full range of colors when used in fashion jewelry.

A bracelet which does not form a continuous circle, leaving a narrow opening on one side. Meant to slip on the side of the wrist instead of over the hand; two ends generally do not link together or touch in any way.

A square or rectangular stone that has rounded edges and is also cut multi-faceted to ensure the highest possible light refraction. A classic cut that is often seen in vintage jewelry.

The term Deco style is derived from the known 20^th century style called “Art Deco” that is characterized by geometric shapes, bold lines, and colors. This term is applied to jewelry that exemplifies this style. 

In the context of gemstones, a diamond cut is a style or design guide used when shaping diamonds for polishing such as the Brilliant cut. In the context of diamond cut objects, particularly metal, it means that part of the object has been cut into a diamond shape.  In metal, often small cuts will be made to give the metal appearance of inlaid diamonds.

A wider type of “choker” style necklace worn flush against the neck above the collarbone. Brought into fashion during the Edwardian era.

Any earring that hangs (or drops) below the earlobe.  Also, see chandelier earrings.

Electroplating is a process of applying a thin layer (usually of gold) to a base metal by using a plating solution and an electric current so as to make the metal more durable and shiny.

The emerald cut is also known as a step cut because it features a square or rectangular stone with cut corners and stepped facets. This cut is also used for precious stones other than emeralds.

Enamel is produced by fusing a colored powdered glass to metal, pottery, or glass to produce a vitreous or glass-like, decorative surface.

The practice of incising a design onto a hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves by either a stamp or drill.

A ring with gemstones set continuously around the band.

A style of backing for pierced-earrings that is characterized by a curved wire that passes through the earlobe and clasps shut.

Facets are the small flat surfaces of a polished gemstone. The number, shape and placement of a facet determine the cut of the stone as well as has the ability to enhance the stone’s ability to sparkle and reflect light.

A style of fashion jewelry consisting of amulets, pendants, or charms that intentionally represent an animal or person, believed to have magical power to protect the wearer.

A delicate metal design characterized by thin, intricate, interlaced rosettes, spirals, or vines made out of silver or gold.

Any of the variety of construction components used in fashion jewelry making such as clasps, pins, hooks, et cetera.

A Florentine finish is a surface finish pattern consisting of cross-hatched engraved lines resembling brush marks. This finish reduces a given metals reflectivity.

A freshwater pearl is produced by a freshwater mollusk, such as found in a lake or river, and is usually shaped unevenly like a grain of rice.

The use of the term “genuine” means that a piece of jewelry contains precious or semi-precious stones and or metals. In a description of more affordable jewelry, without the term genuine, the names of amethyst, garnet, etc. often imply a color rather than a material.

A yellow, precious metal, valued for its beauty and purity because it does not oxidize or tarnish like most other metals. Because of its softness and malleability, gold is commonly alloyed with other metals for added strength in fashion jewelry.

Jewelry finished with a gold color with almost no appreciable measurement of weight in actual gold.

A piece of metal jewelry with a very thin coating of gold leaf applied mechanically or by electroplating.

In the context of jewelry, this refers to how stones are sized progressively larger or smaller as they continue in a successive order on a piece of jewelry.

A “fancy cut” diamond or a stone in the shape of a heart often used for Promise rings and fashion jewelry for young women.

Earrings made from any of a variety of materials such as metal wire, tubing, or other combinations of materials that have been shaped into a complete or partial circle. Hoop earrings are one of the most timeless jewelry trends.

The specific color classification given to an object, such as metal or stone, based on the seven primary colors found in the spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, or violet. For example: Rose gold has a pink hue.

A hinged earring that fits close to the ear.  Often designed to be worn with either side facing forward.

A ring which features the infinity symbol (a figure 8 turned on its side). The Infinity ring stands for love and friendship for all infinity, with no beginning, or end.

Is a way of setting stones into a channel or outline space so they can lay with the surface of the metal

A cord worn as a necklace with the ends of the cord dangling like a necktie. File this style under romantic jewelry trends.

Necklaces with multiple, varied lengths and chains.

Metal that is alloyed without the use of lead.

An attaching of an earring to a pierced ear with a hook that goes through the ear and is then secured by a hinged lever attached to the back of the piece.

The lobster clasp is an oval spring clasp that opens using a very small internal spring. Used primarily for lightweight necklaces and bracelets.

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

A strong, clear, moldable plastic material. Lucite is often used in fashion jewelry as an affordable alternative to precious gems and stones.

A gray, metallic like gemstone that looks like antiqued silver.

A stone cut in an oval shape, with pointed ends.

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

An iridescent material derived from the lining of a seashell

Metal that is alloyed without using nickel

Clip on earrings; magnetic earrings or earrings for the non- pierced ear.

Substance that has the qualities of not being transparent or translucent; i.e. light does not pass through it.

Open-work in fine and fashion jewelry is the see-through, open areas of metal work, similar to filigree.

The traditional opera length for a strand of pearls, or a layered necklace measures approximately 30 to 35 inches.

The oval cut is cut similar to a brilliant cut stone, but in the shape of an oval

Traditionally an anniversary gift, with three stones symbolizing the past, present, and future.

A finish or film on the surface of metal, generally caused by oxidation. This usually refers to the greenish hue that brass will take on as it ages, but for fine and fashion jewelry, the term refers to the tone of any metal surface.

A method of setting often small stones very close together across a metal surface so that it appears “paved” with gems, giving the metal a rich, textured look and feel. Most commonly seen with diamonds, but can be done with a variety of gemstones and cubic zirconia.

A fancy shape of gem cutting, similar to a Brilliant cut stone but with one rounded end and one pointed end. Often, pear cut stones are seen in drop earrings because their facets reflect light and draw the stone to a focal point.

An organic gemstone grown within an oyster and other mollusks as a reaction to irritants along the inside lining of the shell, usually caused by grains of sand, called natural, but can purposefully be created by beads placed inside the mollusk called “cultured.”

A pendant is an ornament such as a charm or piece of jewelry that hangs from a cord or chain necklace, bracelet, or earrings.

Any jewelry that is characteristic or exemplifies a given historical period, for example: Deco style, Art Nouveau, etc. You will often see nods to other fashion eras in celebrity jewelry.

Platinum is the highest quality precious metal used to create jewelry. Platinum, though the rarest, is extremely strong, almost never causes allergic reactions and is resistant to tarnish. Because it has a higher melting point, it is difficult to alloy with and thus itself has a silvery white hue.

When in reference to women’s fashion jewelry, this term is applied to ring sizes 9 and above, bracelets 8 inches or longer, and necklaces that are 18 inches or longer.

Metals valued for their color, malleability, and rarity. There are only three precious metals (in order of value): Platinum, Gold, and Silver.

A relatively popular new fancy cut for stones that features a multifaceted square cut designed to refract the maximum amount of light. Looks completely square from the top.

Usually a strand of pearls, or a layered necklace that measures approximately 18 inches.

A promise ring is often a pre-engagement ring which symbolizes a promise of everlasting love.  Usually, promise rings look similar to engagement rings, but tend to be smaller and are sometimes in different colors. Promise rings can symbolize a variety of different promises between people or for oneself.

Stones set with individual prongs to hold them in place.

The term retro refers to any style or fashion that was popular in the past and brought back into current fashion.

A Rhinestone is a gem made of glass with a foil backing so as to help reflect light. Though most rhinestones are glued in place, many can be placed in a traditional stone setting. Rhinestones are an essential element of fashion jewelry as they are an inexpensive alternative to diamonds and/or crystals.

A metal that is of the Platinum family, valued for its silvery-white color. In its natural, raw state it is a liquid, therefore making it suitable to be alloyed with other metals such as silver or gold through electroplating.

A thin layer of rhodium applied over either sterling or other alloy in order to give a bright, shiny, long lasting silver-colored finish to a piece.

Often, a rope length in a strand of pearls, or a layered necklace, measures 40 inches.

A round cut stone with a total of 56-58 facets to maximize the volume of light that is reflected from the inside and thus producing the greatest brilliance. See Brilliant Cut.

A dull or matte finish to a metal, usually achieved by sanding or brushing the jewelry. This look is a staple of contemporary jewelry trends.

The part of the ring that encircles the finger, excluding the actual setting.

Having silver color, silver plated or coated, but not sterling silver.

Unlike traditional metal chains which are a series of linked rings, a snake chain is made up of round wavy metal rings joined side by side to create a flexible jewelry tube with a smooth scaly texture like snake skin.

A pendant or ring with a single gemstone.

The most common type of clasp characterized by a round shaped clasp that opens using a very small internal spring, used on lightweight necklaces and bracelets.

Also known as an emerald cut featuring a square or rectangular stone with cut corners and stepped facets, traditionally parallel to the girdle. This cut is also used for precious stones other than emeralds.

Jewelry that contains 92.5% or 925 parts silver, leaving the remaining 7.5 or 75 parts to be alloyed with a stronger metal such as copper or nickel. Sterling silver jewelry is stamped “925” to indicate the purity of the metal. 800 parts silver or less is not considered sterling silver.

A simple style of earrings primarily for pierced ears that typically has a single stone (such as a diamond or pearl) on a straight post with no dangling parts.

A thin symmetrical bracelet made up of individually set stones, typically in a single row of uniform size and color linked together like a chain so it is relatively flexible.

Traditionally an anniversary gift, with three stones symbolizing the past, present, and future.

Generally a round, solitaire setting, with high, four to six slender prongs that flare out from the base. Introduced by Tiffany & Co. in 1886 for diamond solitaires.

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

A substantial amount of real gold bonded to sterling silver.