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METALS
Alloy
A combination of two or more metals.
Sterling silver
A silver alloy containing 92.5% silver, often noted as 925.
Vermeil
A combination of sterling silver, gold, and other precious metals.
Filigree
A gold or silver wire that has been twisted into patterns.
CUTS
Cabochon
A stone with no facets and a rounded, domed surface.
Briolette
A faceted, tear-drop shaped stone. (If not faceted, just called a “drop.”)
Cushioz
A gemstone cut with a rectangular or square cross-section and rounded corners.
SETTINGS
Pavé
Stones set close together, with no metal showing between them. (Think “paved.”)
Bezel
A gemstone held in its mounting by a narrow band of metal surrounding the girdle (outside perimeter) of the stone.
Cluster
Small stones or pearls arranged a larger stone in a setting.
PEARLS
Freshwater pearls
Pearls cultivated in mollusks, not oysters, and found in fresh, warm water. Generally elongated in shape (though they can be a range of shapes), they have a milky, translucent appearance.
Cultured pearl
Human intervention is used to start the pearl's formation in an oyster or mussel.
Mother-of-pearl
The iridescent coating on the inside of oyster shells.
STYLES
Art Deco
The style of the 1920s and ’30s, noted by flat geometric shapes and bold color contrasts.
Retro
Characterized by wavy lines and large stones, often set in rose gold. A bold, solid look developed in the 1940s and ’50s.
Boho
A Bohemian, hippie look that's often nontraditional but artistic. An eclectic mix of styles with global influences.
Modern
Abstract, up-to-date, new takes on old classics.
Chic
Clean, classic style that keeps up with the trends.
Earthy
Elements of wood, stones, leather, and natural hues.
INDUSTRY
Carat
The unit of weight for a diamond or other gemstone and also for a pearl, equivalent to 200mg. Measured as a number out of 24 parts (so 14-carat equals a 14/24 gold alloy, while 24-carat is pure gold).
Facet
A flat cut or polished face on a gemstone.
Inlaid
When a cavity is routed into a metal and something else (like a gemstone) is fitted into it.
Lustre
A measure of the reflectivity of light on a mineral’s surface.
Opalescence
A milky whitish, blue-ish type of iridescence.
Patina
The natural effect of use and age on a surface. Rich patinas can enhance beauty and add value.
Enamel
A glass-like substance that is fired at a high temperature (up to 840° C) and used as decoration. May be transparent or opaque. (Some techniques date back to ancient China!)
Pendant
A hanging ornament, often from necklaces, pins, and earrings.
Chandelier earrings
Also known as shoulder dusters, they're reminiscent of mini chandeliers.
Bib necklace
A necklace with a heavy, thick part at the chest and a thinner strand around the neck, like a baby's bib (but way more chic).
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