Jewellery Terms Explained
Glossary
A
Accent Stone: A smaller gemstone used to enhance the central stone in a piece of jewellery. Accent stones add sparkle, colour, or contrast, complementing the main gemstone.
Antique: Jewellery that is over 100 years old. Antique pieces are often valued for their historical significance, unique craftsmanship, and traditional designs.
Ametrine: A bicoloured gemstone combining amethyst and citrine, valued for its distinct purple and yellow hues. Ametrine is often used in vintage and contemporary jewellery.
B
Baguette Cut: A gemstone cut characterised by its rectangular or tapered shape with step-like facets. The baguette cut is prized for its sleek, elegant appearance and is commonly used as accent stones in jewellery.
Bezel Setting: A type of setting where a metal rim encircles the gemstone, securing it in place while offering protection. Bezel settings are known for their modern, streamlined look and durability.
Brocade: An ornate fabric pattern often replicated in jewellery designs, particularly in antique pieces. Brocade patterns are characterised by their intricate, textured designs.
C
Carat (ct): A unit of measurement for gemstones and diamonds, where one carat equals 0.2 grams. Carat weight affects the size and value of the gemstone. Note: The term “carat” for gemstones refers to their weight, not size. For instance, a 1-carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams, but its size may vary depending on the cut.
Clarity: A grading term that assesses the presence of internal or external flaws (inclusions and blemishes) in a gemstone. Higher clarity indicates fewer imperfections and a cleaner appearance.
Cut: Refers to the quality of a gemstone’s facets and overall shape. The cut impacts how light interacts with the gemstone, influencing its brilliance and sparkle.
Cameo: A technique where a raised design is carved from a contrasting layer of material, often shell or gemstone. Cameos are frequently used in antique jewellery and are valued for their intricate, detailed craftsmanship.
D
Diamond: A precious gemstone renowned for its brilliance and hardness. Diamonds are frequently used in engagement rings and high-end jewellery due to their enduring appeal and durability.
Demi-Parure: A partial set of matching jewellery items, such as a necklace, earrings, and bracelet. While not a complete set, demi-parure pieces are designed to coordinate elegantly.
Drop Earrings: Earrings that hang below the earlobe, often featuring a pendant or gemstone. Drop earrings can range from simple designs to elaborate statement pieces.
E
Eternity Ring: A ring featuring a continuous band of gemstones, often diamonds, symbolising eternal love and commitment. Eternity rings are commonly given on significant anniversaries or as engagement rings.
Emerald Cut: A gemstone cut with a rectangular shape and step-like facets, known for its sophisticated and classic look. The emerald cut highlights the gemstone’s clarity and depth.
Enamel: A decorative technique where powdered glass is fused to metal at high temperatures. Enamel adds vibrant colour and intricate designs to jewellery, often seen in antique pieces.
F
Filigree: An intricate metalwork technique involving delicate, lace-like patterns. Filigree is often used in vintage and antique jewellery to add ornate detail and elegance.
Four Cs: The four key factors in evaluating a diamond’s quality: Carat, Cut, Colour, and Clarity. Each of these attributes affects the diamond’s overall value and appearance.
Faceted: Refers to a gemstone that has been cut with multiple flat surfaces, or facets, to enhance its brilliance. Faceted stones are common in fine jewellery for their sparkle and light reflection.
G
Garnet: A group of minerals used as gemstones, available in a variety of colours, including red, green, and orange. Garnets are valued for their rich hues and versatility in jewellery.
Halo Setting: A design where a central gemstone is surrounded by a ring of smaller stones. This setting enhances the central stone’s brilliance and creates a striking visual effect.
Gold Leaf: Thin sheets of gold used in jewellery and decorative arts. Gold leaf adds a luxurious, shimmering effect to designs, often used in antique pieces.
H
Hallmark: A stamp or mark on precious metals indicating their purity, origin, and the maker’s mark. Hallmarks ensure that the metal content meets legal standards and provides authenticity.
High Jewellery: Exclusive, bespoke jewellery pieces crafted by renowned designers. High jewellery is characterised by its exceptional quality, intricate designs, and use of rare, valuable materials.
Hydrothermal Gemstones: Gemstones created in a laboratory using hydrothermal synthesis, mimicking the natural formation process. These stones are often used as ethical alternatives to natural gemstones.
I
Inlay: A technique where pieces of gemstones or other materials are set into a surface to create a pattern or design. Inlay work adds artistic detail and visual interest to jewellery.
Italian Jewellery: Jewellery crafted in Italy, renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and use of luxurious materials. Italian jewellery often features unique and elegant styles.
Imperial Topaz: A rare and valuable variety of topaz that ranges in colour from pink to orange. Imperial topaz is highly prized for its vibrant hues and is often used in high-end jewellery.
J
Jewel: A precious or semi-precious gemstone set into a piece of jewellery, such as rings, necklaces, or bracelets. Jewels are prized for their beauty, rarity, and value.
Jewellery Setting: The method used to secure a gemstone or diamond in a piece of jewellery. Common settings include prong, bezel, and channel settings, each offering different aesthetic and practical benefits.
Jasper: An opaque variety of chalcedony, often used as a gemstone in antique jewellery. Jasper comes in various colours and patterns and is valued for its unique, natural appearance.
K
Karat (K): A measure of gold purity. Pure gold is 24K, while lower karats indicate the presence of other metals mixed with gold to enhance durability and alter colour. Unlike “carat” used for gemstones, “karat” measures the proportion of gold in an alloy.
L
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Diamonds created in a controlled environment using advanced technology. Lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds and are often a more ethical and cost-effective option.
Lustre: The quality and intensity of light reflected off the surface of a gemstone or piece of jewellery. Lustre contributes to the overall shine and visual appeal of the piece.
Lavender Jade: A rare variety of jadeite with a soft lavender hue. Lavender jade is highly sought after for its unique colour and is often featured in high-end and antique jewellery.
M
Micropave: A setting style where tiny gemstones are set closely together in a metal surface, creating a continuous sparkle. Micropave is often used to embellish rings, bracelets, and other jewellery.
Melee: Small diamonds or gemstones used as accent stones in jewellery designs. Melee stones are typically used to add sparkle and enhance the overall design of a piece.
Marquise Cut: An elongated gemstone cut with pointed ends, resembling a boat shape. The marquise cut is known for its elegance and ability to make the gemstone appear larger.
N
Necklace: A piece of jewellery worn around the neck. Necklaces come in various styles, including chains, chokers, and pendants, each offering different looks and levels of formality.
Natural Gemstone: A gemstone that forms naturally in the Earth, as opposed to being synthetic or lab-created. Natural gemstones are valued for their authenticity and unique characteristics.
Navette Cut: A gemstone cut shaped like a boat or almond, with pointed ends. The navette cut is often used in antique and vintage jewellery for its distinctive, elegant appearance.
O
Ombre: A gradual transition of colour in gemstones or jewellery designs. Ombre effects create a stunning gradient, adding depth and visual interest to the piece.
Onyx: A black or dark-coloured chalcedony used in jewellery. Onyx is valued for its sleek, uniform colour and is often used in both modern and antique designs.
P
Pave Setting: A technique where small gemstones are set very closely together in metal, creating a surface of continuous sparkle. Pave settings are popular for adding brilliance to jewellery.
Platinum: A precious metal known for its durability, hypoallergenic properties, and silvery-white appearance. Platinum is often used in high-end jewellery for its strength and elegant finish.
Pearl: A smooth, lustrous gemstone formed within molluscs, often used in classic and antique jewellery. Pearls come in various colours and shapes, valued for their timeless beauty.
Q
Quality: Refers to the overall attributes of a piece of jewellery, including the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design. High-quality jewellery is characterised by its attention to detail and superior workmanship.
Quartz: A common and diverse group of minerals used as gemstones. Varieties include amethyst, citrine,
R
Radiant Cut: A gemstone cut combining elements of both the emerald and brilliant cuts. The radiant cut is known for its unique shape and ability to produce exceptional sparkle.
Rose Gold: A gold alloy with a pinkish hue, created by mixing gold with copper. Rose gold is popular for its warm, romantic tone and is frequently used in both modern and vintage jewellery.
Rhinestone: A man-made gemstone, often composed of glass or acrylic, designed to imitate diamonds or other precious stones. Rhinestones are commonly used in costume jewellery for their sparkling effect.
Rondelle: A disc-shaped bead or gemstone used in jewellery. Rondelles are often used as spacers between other beads or stones, adding texture and design to a piece.
Rubellite: A red to pink variety of tourmaline, valued for its vibrant colour. Rubellite is used in fine jewellery for its striking and rich hue.
S
Sapphire: A precious gemstone known for its deep blue colour, though it can also be found in a range of other colours. Sapphires are highly prized for their durability and brilliant lustre.
Setting: The method used to hold gemstones or diamonds in place within a piece of jewellery. Common settings include prong, bezel, channel, and pavé settings, each offering different aesthetic and functional benefits.
Silver: A precious metal often used in jewellery for its lustrous appearance and affordability compared to gold and platinum. Silver is typically alloyed with other metals, such as copper, to enhance its durability. There are different types of silver such as Sterling Silver (925), Fine Silver (999) & Britannia Silver (958).
Solitaire: A piece of jewellery featuring a single gemstone, typically set in a simple, elegant setting. Solitaire rings are particularly popular for engagement rings due to their classic and timeless design.
Synthetics: Lab-created gemstones that imitate the appearance and properties of natural stones. Synthetic gemstones are often used as ethical and cost-effective alternatives to natural gems.
T
Tanzanite: A rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, known for its deep blue to violet hues. Tanzanite is prized for its striking colour and is often used in high-end jewellery.
Three-Stone Ring: A ring design featuring three gemstones, symbolising the past, present, and future. Three-stone rings are popular for engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
Tourmaline: A versatile gemstone available in a wide range of colours, from pink to green to black. Tourmaline is valued for its variety and unique colour variations.
Tiffany Setting: A specific type of prong setting popularised by the Tiffany & Co. brand, where the gemstone is held above the band with six prongs. The Tiffany setting is renowned for its ability to maximise the stone’s brilliance.
Trilliant Cut: A triangular gemstone cut known for its brilliant sparkle and distinctive shape. The trilliant cut is often used in both centre stones and as accent stones in jewellery.
U
Under-gallery: The area beneath the setting of a ring or other jewellery piece. The under-gallery can be intricately designed to enhance the overall aesthetic and craftsmanship of the piece.
Unique: Refers to jewellery designs that are one-of-a-kind or customised. Unique pieces are often created to reflect personal style or commemorate special occasions.
Unheated: A term used to describe gemstones that have not been subjected to heat treatment to alter their colour or clarity. Unheated gemstones are valued for their natural characteristics.
V
Vintage: Jewellery that is at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old. Vintage pieces are often appreciated for their style, historical significance, and craftsmanship.
Vermeil: A type of gold plating over sterling silver, where the gold layer is thicker than standard gold-plated jewellery. Vermeil offers a luxurious appearance at a more affordable price point.
W
Welo Opal: A variety of opal discovered in Ethiopia, known for its vibrant play-of-colour and unique patterns. Welo opals are valued for their stunning visual effects and range of colours.
White Gold: A gold alloy mixed with other metals like palladium or nickel to give it a silvery-white appearance. White gold is a popular choice for modern and classic jewellery, offering a sophisticated alternative to platinum.
Wristwatch: A timepiece worn on the wrist, often designed with a combination of aesthetics and functionality. High-end wristwatches may feature precious metals, gemstones, and intricate designs.
X
Xenotime: A rare gemstone with a distinctive yellow to brown colour, sometimes used in fine jewellery. Xenotime is valued for its unique appearance and scarcity.
Xylopal: A rare and unusual form of opal that exhibits unique wood-like patterns. Xylopal is sought after for its distinctive appearance and is occasionally used in bespoke jewellery pieces.
Y
Yellow Gold: A gold alloy with a warm, yellow hue, created by mixing gold with other metals like copper and silver. Yellow gold is a traditional choice for many jewellery styles and is often associated with classic elegance.
YAG (Yttrium Aluminium Garnet): A synthetic gemstone used in jewellery to imitate natural gems. YAG is valued for its durability and ability to replicate the appearance of more expensive stones.
Z
Zircon: A natural gemstone that comes in a variety of colours, including blue, green, and colourless. Zircon is known for its brilliance and is often used as a diamond alternative in fine jewellery.
Zultanite: A rare and colour-changing gemstone found in Turkey, which shifts hues depending on the light source. Zultanite is valued for its unique optical properties and is used in high-end jewellery.
Zodiac Jewellery: Jewellery that incorporates astrological signs or symbols representing the twelve signs of the zodiac. Zodiac jewellery is often personalised and is thought to provide insights or benefits related to one’s astrological sign.
