Do you ever feel out of your element when you come across jewelry jargon on the internet? Or are you unsure what a term you frequently encounter actually means? What exactly is vermeil? Or how about a lariat? Or even a bond? What is the distinction between semi-precious and valuable gemstones?
It's easy for designers to forget that not everyone is aware with the phrases we use, so we're here to help with our comprehensive Jewellery Glossary, which includes helpful definitions of major jewelry terms.
Keep in mind that information is power! When shopping for jewelry, especially online, we strongly advise you to know what you're getting.
We'll keep adding more, so save this page and come back to it later.
The alphabetical order of the list is as follows: You can use your browser's find function to look for a certain word. Please keep in mind that we're in Australia, thus we use standard English spelling instead of American spellings (so jewelry rather than jewelry, etc.).
Here is Part three.
MARQUISE
On its longest axis, a gemstone cut with an oval form and two pointed ends.
On the inside of oyster shells, an iridescent coating forms. Beads and pendants are made from it. Nacre is another name for nacre (see below).
OPERA LENGTH
A necklace that is quite long in length. It's normally 70-85cm (28-34") long and sits at the breastbone for most women.
SILVER THAT HAS BEEN OXIDIZED OR BLACKENED
As a decorative element, silver or sterling silver that has been treated with a chemical to blacken it. It is a type of patina (see below). The recessed pattern is usually dark, while the elevated areas are shining silver. The most common chemicals used in this process are sulfur liver or a hydrochloric acid solution. After creating the blackened look, the chemicals are completely washed from the metal. The blackening is a thin surface finish that may fade over time, especially in regions where it is exposed.
PEAR CUT
A gemstone that has been cut into the shape of a teardrop.
PENDANT NECKLACE
A necklace with a pendant is a piece of jewelry that has a hanging ornament suspended from it. The pendant is usually the focal point of the necklace. Pendants are most commonly strung from chains, but they can also be hung from a beaded necklace. Pendants are not included in every necklace design. Walsh, Simone Pendant necklaces are always included with jewelry pendants, but some merchants may sell pendants separately.
PLATING
A conductive surface that has a metal placed on it; in jewelry, this is usually another metal, such as gold plating applied to brass or silver plating applied to nickel. Plating comes in a range of thicknesses, which determines how long it will last. Vermeil plating is typically thicker than flash plating (because it is applied to sterling silver rather than a base metal) - read below for additional information on vermeil. Because all plating eventually wears out, such designs should be handled with caution.
PLATINUM
A naturally occurring white metal with a high melting point. It is non-corrosive in the same way that gold is. Because it is more difficult to work and more expensive than gold, it is rarely used in jewelry.
PRECIOUS GEMSTONES
Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are the only gemstones designated as "precious." These four jewels were once the most valuable and sought-after, but that is no longer the case. Although this is not a scientific definition and we believe it is a faulty method of distinguishing distinct gemstone varieties, the word is still widely used and you will come across it when shopping for jewelry. See the definition of "semi-precious stones" below for further information.
RING SHANK OR BAND
The band of a ring is the section of the ring that wraps around the finger.
ROSE CUT GEMSTONE
A gemstone cut with a flat bottom and a dome-shaped top, similar to a cabochon. The top of a rose cut gem, unlike a standard smooth cabochon, has a number of facets carved into it (anywhere from 3 to 24).
SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMSTONES
Semi-precious stones are any natural gemstones that do not fall into one of the four categories of "precious gemstones" (see above). This comprises gemstones that are more valuable in general than the four precious stones, as well as gemstones from the same families as the precious stones (eg. emerald is a type of beryl, as is aquamarine, but only emeralds are considered precious). These terms aren't scientific at all, but they're nevertheless widely used. They aren't our favorite!
SILVER
A precious metal that is found in nature and is soft, white, and glossy. It boasts the highest reflectivity of any metal and is commonly employed in the production of high-end jewelry and other decorative goods. It's commonly alloyed with copper, especially when producing jewelry, to make it stronger (sterling silver). Find out more about sterling silver.
STACKING RINGS
Stacking rings can be worn in a variety of ways on the same finger. A gemstone setting on a stacking ring will either be flush with the band or sit on top of the band, allowing other stacking rings to sit beneath the sides of the setting.
STATEMENT JEWELRY
Any piece of jewelry that makes a bold statement. These patterns are frequently huge and massive, but the important need is that they be dramatic and eye-catching. Although necklaces are most commonly linked with creating a statement in jewelry, earrings, bracelets, rings, and brooches also work well.
925 SILVER OR STERLING SILVER
An alloy of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper that produces a metal that is significantly stronger and more durable than pure silver. In the jewelry industry, sterling silver is widely utilised. Sterling silver has the disadvantage of tarnish, but the advantage is that it is easier to remove. When it comes to sterling silver, you may hear the word 925. This is the purity mark that indicates that a piece is 92.5 percent pure silver. Learn more about the differences between silver and sterling silver. Sterling silver is, after all, genuine silver!
STUDS OR POST EARRINGS
For pierced ears, stud and post earrings are available. They are made of a metal post that is inserted into the piercing and secured on the back of the ear with an earring back or scroll (see above). The main feature of stud earrings is usually small and sits directly on the post. Post earrings are similar to stud earrings in that they are fastened to the ear with the same method, but they may include a feature that is dropped or dangling from them.
VERMEIL OR GOLD VERMEIL
The findings and components of gold vermeil jewelry are constructed of real sterling silver that has been thickly plated in gold, such as yellow gold or rose gold. This combines the advantages of solid precious metal jewelry with the durability of hard plating without the exorbitant expense of solid gold. Sterling silver may be hallmarked on gold vermeil. Learn more about gold varieties, including gold vermeil.
