Terms and Definitions

Abrasion: Lines or scratches that appear on the surface of a precious or semi-precious stone, typically caused by age or excessive use.

Accent Diamond: A row of tiny diamonds used to frame, complement and enhance the beauty of a larger and more prominent diamond or gemstone.

Alloy: The mix of two or more metals. Metals like gold and silver, which are too soft in their pure form, are often mixed with copper or nickel for durability, practicality and cost.

Amulet: Made from metal and precious or semi-precious stones, it is most commonly worn as a pendant but can be carried as a talisman anywhere close to the body to protect it from harm.

Amethyst: Said to encourage calmness, this gemstone ranges in hues from light to dark purple. Its color has long been associated with royalty and amethyst gemstones appear in crown jewels ranging from ancient to modern times. Because of its purple color, the ancient Greeks associated this gemstone with Dionysus, the God of wine. It was believed that amethyst could prevent drunkenness. The word amethystos meant “not drunk” in ancient Greek and it is credited for giving amethyst gemstones their name. Diverse cultures associate the amethyst gemstone with courage, royalty, and peace. Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, and ranges in color from light to deep purple. Mohs scale of hardness: 7

Anniversary Ring: When a marriage or relationship reaches a milestone, anniversary rings or bands are exchanged between partners to celebrate the event. Popular milestones include crossing the five and ten-year mark, as well as silver, golden and platinum anniversaries.

Antique (Jewelry): Any piece of jewelry was crafted over 100 years ago. This is very distinct from vintage or estate jewelry, which are much newer.

Aquamarine: Aquamarine, from Latin “aqua marina” or “water of the sea” and was used by sailors as a defense against ocean dangers. Apart from just protection, this stone was said to provide safe travel by boat and aid in good luck for catching fish. The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin word for seawater. Also said to reduce stress and give peace of mind, in some stories the aquamarine gemstone was a treasure protected by mermaids. In the U.S., Aquamarine can be found in central Colorado and Wyoming. Mohs scale of hardness: 7.5 - 8

Art Deco: A style of jewelry made popular in the 1920s and 1930s, art deco used abstract and linear designs that were more geometric and lesser fussy. White gold and platinum were typically used along with vintage cuts like Cushion cuts or Asscher cut.

Art Nouveau: An Avant-Garde European style of jewelry making, art nouveau marked the transition from the Victorian to the modern era with free-flowing and asymmetrical designs, surface embellishments, a three-dimensional quality, and the use of nature motifs like flora, fauna, and insects. It also used unusual materials like ivory and glass juxtaposed with precious metals and stones.

Asscher Cut: Also known as the ‘square emerald cut’, Asscher cuts come with large step facets (50-58 in number) and a high crown for a ‘hall of mirrors’ effect. Although they look square, the corners are cut as well for light to enter the diamond, making it an octagon. Diamonds cut this way are octagonal (a cut-corner square) with 74 facets, a small table and a high crown. Named after the diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, who developed the style in 1902.

Baguette: French for “rod.” A step-cut used for narrow, rectangular faceted stones, mainly those of a small size.

Bail (at times misspelled as Bale): The loop on a pendant through which the cord or a chain passes.

Bangle: A rigid, circular or oval bracelet, often hinged.

Bar Necklace: This understated piece of jewelry refers to a horizontal bar, which comes attached on either side to a chain made of gold or silver. The bar can be engraved or plain, made from metal or encrusted with stones.

Baroque: A stylish South Sea or Japanese pearl with an asymmetrical shape that can range from teardrop to ovoid to even lumpy, as opposed to a spherical pearl which is prized for its perfect roundness. Baroque pearls can be natural or cultured in fresh or salt water. The most valuable cultured baroque pearls are created in Western Australia and Tahiti and are prized for their individual character and whimsy.

Beaded: A circular bauble with holes on either side, which can be strung on a bracelet or neckpiece. Any piece of jewelry that uses beads is called beaded jewelry, which is also one of the oldest forms of jewelry.

Beveled: Used in reference to corners or edges, especially with rings. It means a flat edge set at an angle of 45 degrees to the top surface. This gives a ring a contemporary, crisp and engineered look.

Bezel / Bezel Setting: One of the most secure settings for a gemstone. Rather than prongs, a collar or a rim of metal is used to securely hold the gemstone snugly in place and enclose it fully.

Birthstone: Stones that correspond to the period when a person is born. Typically, there is one gemstone for each month, but some cultures follow zodiac signs to determine their birthstones.

Blemish: A flaw, spot or scratch that is externally on the surface of a gemstone.

Blue Topaz: Topaz comes in a multitude of colors. Blue topaz is portrayed as a gemstone with an abundance of peacefulness, calming to the emotions, and ideal for meditation and connecting with spiritual beings. It flaunts a light blue shade reminiscent of a refreshing December sky. This December birthstone represents eternal love, faithfulness, and loyalty. It is a natural magnifier of psychic abilities, assisting those who wish to attune to inner guidance, as well as those who serve others through readings or spiritual healing. Mohs scale of hardness: 8

Brilliant Cut: A circular gemstone cut, especially for diamonds or other transparent stones, with 57 or 58 facets. This cut returns the greatest amount of brilliancy, fire, and white light to the eye, making it an immensely popular cut. Also known as the Modern Brilliant Cut, the American Brilliant Cut, or the Ideal Cut.

Bypass Ring / Bypass Setting: A ring or setting where the ends do not meet but diverge and pass each other, wrapping the center stone up and down, respectively.

Cabochon: A gemstone with a polished dome top and a flat or slightly domed bottom, as opposed to a gemstone which has been cut with facets. The decision to cut gemstones as cabochons or with facets is made in order to optimize a stone’s natural beauty. Gemstones such as star sapphires, star rubies, and cats-eyes are always cut as cabochons in order to show their optical phenomena. Opaque gemstones such as turquoise are typically cut as cabochons as are other gemstones such as opals and moonstones, whereas diamonds are always faceted to maximize brilliance and light.

Carat: Carat measures physical weight, not size. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat is subdivided in 100 points, allowing for measurement tot he hundredth decimal place. Carat weight can be measured to the thousandth decimal place for rounding purposes.

Center / Center Stone: A gemstone that is the focal point of a jewelry piece. Pendants, rings and brooches typically feature a large centrally-located stone, around which smaller accent stones may or may not be set.

Channel Setting: A setting where rectangular or square stones of the same size and shape are held in place by a strip of metal at the top and bottom.

Charm: A trinket usually crafted from metal and worn on a bracelet or chain.

Chevron (Ring): Also known as the wishbone ring for its delightfully unique shape, the ring has an inverted V shape that slides onto a finger. Necklaces and pendants can also feature the chevron in various ways.

Chocker: A kind of necklace that fits snugly around the neck, the choker gives the appearance of ‘choking’, which is where it gets its name from.

Citrine: According to ancient Chinese legend, the citrine gemstone was reserved for generous people only and it was named “The Stone of Success.” The stone’s yellow/orange color is associated with cheerfulness and lightheartedness. During the Middle Ages, this birthstone was known as “the merchant’s stone” and was believed to bring prosperity and wealth to those who wore it. For hundreds of years, citrine has been credited with the ability to remove negative energy. Carrying the power of the sun, it is warm and comforting, energizing and life giving. It stimulates the chakras like the sunlight of spring, clearing the mind and stirring the soul to action. Mohs scale of hardness: 7

Crown: The topmost facets of a gemstone.

Cuban Link: When thick round or oval rings interlock with one another to form a harmonious pattern for a necklace or a bracelet.

Cuff: Synonymous with the ends of a full-sleeved shirt or blouse, the cuff is an open bracelet that wraps itself around the wrist. A narrow opening allows you to slide it on easily from the slide, so you can opt for a fitted look.

Cuff Bracelet: A rigid, open bracelet, usually wide with rounded ends.

Cufflink: Links that help secure the ends or cuffs of a shirt together instead of using an ordinary button.

Cultured Pearl: A man-made pearl. The pearls are produced by inserting an irritant into a mollusk.

Cushion Cut: A square or rectangular cut stone with rounded corners. Also called Antique Cut.

Diamond: The diamond is the hardest and considered the most brilliant of all gemstones. This gemstone’s name comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning unconquerable and indestructible. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that diamonds were the tears that were cried by the gods. The diamond has evolved from representing faithfulness and purity to its modern representation as the stone of marriage and commitment. Diamonds are credited with the power to grant their owners enduring love, strength, and success. In addition, many ancient cultures believed that diamonds held such power of protection that some kings wore diamonds with their armor as they entered battle. Mohs scale of hardness: 10

Diamond Cut: The number of facets or surfaces that have been cut into it, as well as their dimensions and reflective qualities, to create a brilliant sparkle.

Double Halo: Two layers of accent diamonds that encased the center stone which also add sparkle and protection to the center stone.

Ear Climber: An elongated stud earring that climbs up an earth gives the appearance of multiple earrings without actually piercing an ear multiple times.

Ear Cuff: A piece of jewelry that doesn’t require ear-piercing. The cuff slips over one’s ear with a wire behind the ear.

Emerald: Emeralds can range in color from light to dark green. It is said that Cleopatra loved her emerald jewelry the best and it is easy to see why. During medieval times, people believed that you could put an emerald under your tongue and the gemstone would give you the ability to see the future. Emerald’s lush green color is said to symbolize fertility and life. In ancient Rome and Greece, the emerald was said to represent the goddess of hope and love, Venus. Emeralds from Columbia are generally considered the most valuable. Mohs scale of hardness: 7.5 - 8

Emerald Cut: A stone that has long parallel step cuts with corners that have been clipped to form an octagon-like shape. They do not have multiple facets and are also cheaper than most other cuts.

Engrave: Words or or images that have been etched or embedded into the metal of a piece of jewelry.

Estate Jewelry: Any piece of jewelry that has been previously owned. It can come from a variety of sources, including private sales, pawn shops, antique stores, estate auctions or family heirlooms.

Eternity Band / Ring : A band with a row of glittering gemstones, which seemingly go on and on across a circular band, and typicality gifted as a symbol of lasting affection.

European Cut: A method of cutting stones which differs from the Brilliant Cut in that proportions are determined according to how light falls from directly above the crown.

Facet: Flat, plane cut polished surface of a stone. The amount of light that will reflect through the stone is determined by the positioning and angling of the facets.

Fancy Diamond Cut: Any gem shape other than a brilliant round-cut diamond. This could refer to anything from oval or heart-shaped to pear or marquise cut.

Filigree: From the Latin word for thread. In jewelry-making, filigree is an “intricate, delicate and fanciful design” typically made from very fine strands of silver, platinum or gold. Filigree work is most often seen in the lace-like mounting surrounding the central stone or stones in a ring or brooch and while it has been in use worldwide since 3000 B.C.E. it was especially popular in fine jewelry making during first half of the 20th century.

Foliate: A leaf or plant design.

Free Form: A gemstones presented in its natural shape, designed to be irregular and emphasize the stone’s features.

Four Cs: A term used to describe the important characteristics which determine a diamond’s value: clarity, color, carat, and cut

Gallery: The area beneath a large stone, which joins the base and provides a setting for the stone.

Garnet: Signifying trust, lifelong friendship, loyalty, and passion, this January birthstone is most commonly seen in a dark red but is also available in a variety of hues including pink, green, orange, and yellow. The garnet is so resistant that it is seen throughout history. The Egyptians referred to this gem as the symbol of life. Some ancient cultures used to place the garnet directly into wounds to activate its alleged healing powers. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word Garanatus which means “seedlike.” This is a reference to the garnet’s likeness to the pomegranate. Garnet is mostly mined in Southeast Asia, Brazil, and Africa. Occurring in every color except blue, the garnet is a versatile stone, appropriate for a multitude of applications and occasions. Mohs scale of hardness: 6.5 - 7.5

Gemstone: A precious or semi-precious stone used in jewelry is called a gemstone. These could be minerals such as quartz, stones such as opals, and organic materials like ambers and pearls.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America): A highly-coveted non-profit organization, based in California, committed to research and education on gemology and all facets of jewelry making. A GIA authentication certificate is the most valued accreditation for diamonds worldwide.

Girdle: The widest part of a stone, the part usually grasped by the setting

Graduated: Arranged in ascending or descending order of size.

Gypsy Setting: A type of setting in which the stone mounting is placed into the metal so that the table or uppermost part of the stone is level with the metal surface. Also called a Star Setting when lines are engraved around the stone.

Hallmark: The tiny letters, numbers and/or very specific symbols stamped on silver, gold or platinum jewelry and objects indicating the purity of the material (for example, the marks 18K or 750 for 18K gold) as well as the signature, name, initials or emblem of the maker, the country of origin, and/ or the date of manufacture . The dictionary of hallmarks is many volumes, long and complex, varies by country and goes back centuries. It is a veritable treasure trove of the history of fine craftsmanship right up to the present day.

Halo Setting: A setting of small accent stones, typically diamonds, which encircle a larger center stone.

Hidden Halo: A row of accent stones that circle the base of the center stone, which can at times appear hidden.

Hoops: Circular or semi-circular earrings that can be opened to pass through an ear piercing.

Huggie: Earrings small enough to sit close to an earlobe that give a hugging impression.

Inclusion: Small imperfections trapped within a gemstone’s structure created by heat and pressure when a stone is formed and cannot be fixed.

Inlay: When polished gemstones are set inside metal to be flush with the surface of the metal. Mother of pearl is often used in this setting.

Invisible Setting: A type of channel setting using specially cut square or rectangular colored gemstones (usually rubies or sapphires) which slide into metal tracks and fit closely together in rows with no metal visible from the front of the piece.

Jewelry/Jewellry: The one “l” indicates the American spelling; the double “l” indicates the British and Australian spelling.

J-Hoops: Similar to classic semi-circular hoop earrings but slightly more elongated to form the shape of a J.

Karat: Karat with a K is the measurement by which the purity of gold is expressed. Pure, unalloyed gold is called 24 karats, but when other metals such as nickel or copper are added to pure gold in order to increase its strength or resilience, or to affect color, such as to make yellow gold into rose ( achieved by the addition of copper) the pure gold content decreases proportionally. For example, 24k gold is pure gold. 18k is 18/24ths pure gold (3/4) which means 75% pure gold and 25% other metal. 14k gold is 14/24ths pure gold, so it is comprised of a little more than half pure gold and a little less than half of another metal. The international hallmark for 18k gold is understandably, 750, representing its 75% pure gold content. The international mark for 14k gold is slightly more complicated: 585, representing a gold content of just over 50%.

Leverback: A curved earring wire clasp that fastens and holds it in place securely, which also adds a layer of safety.

Line Bracelet: As it sounds, a narrow, flexible , straight line of diamonds or other gemstones, that may be of identical or graduated sizes. If graduated, the largest stones are in the center, tapering from larger to smaller at the ends.

Link: A series of metallic wires are looped together to form a piece of jewelry such as a chain or a bracelet.

Locket: A pendant or brooch with a hinge and cover which can contain a photograph or a lock of hair.

Mabe Pearl: A pearl with a flat mother-of-pearl bottom and a rounded top.

Marquise Cut: An oval or elliptical gemstone cut which has pointed ends. Also called a Navette shape.

Matte: Refers to a dull, non-reflective rather than polished metal finish.

Melee: A small diamond, usually under 0.20 carats.

Milgrain / Millegrain: An antique technique used in jewelry making by incorporating tiny dots or beads along the edges of the piece to create borders.

Mixed metal: The layering of different metals of varying colors in jewelry piece such as silver, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum or other metals.

Mother of Pearl: The nacre or the layer that coats a pearl. The oyster begins secreting nacre before the pearl takes shape, forming a sheeny, luminescent layer that adheres to the inner area.

Necklace Lengths: Choker – 15 inches; Princess – 18 inches; Matinee – 22 inches; Opera – 30 inches; Rope – 60 inches long.

Negligee: A pendant or necklace with two drops suspended unevenly.

Old European Cut: Gemstones cut in this style have a smaller table than the round brilliant and the overall depth is greater. This style of cutting was popular in the 19th Century and is the direct predecessor to the modern round Brilliant Cut. Similar to the Old Mine Cut.

Old Mine Cut: An 18th, 19th and early 20th century diamond shape , typically cushion or asymmetrical, marked by a small table , a high crown and a large culet . Culets are the small flat facet s at the bottom of a stone which appear to the untrained eye as a hole in the middle of the stone. B efore the advent of modern machinery which allows for the precise faceting we see today, old mine cut diamonds were polished into shape, rather than cut.

Omega Backs: Earring backs shaped similarly to the Greek letter omega. Often found in clip back earrings but sometimes also combined with a post.

Opal: Nearly all of the world's Opal is from Australia. Opals are truly loved because each stone features such a variety of colors. They are considered otherworldly because they have also been found on Mars. According to Middle Eastern folklore, the array of colors present in the stone are said to be born from lightning. The ancient Greeks believed that opals provided them the gift of prophecy. Strangely enough, this gem was also thought to preserve the color and life of blonde hair. Opals fluctuate in color and are often multi-colored. The most valuable is black. Mohs scale of hardness: 5.5 - 6.5

Oval-cut: Diamonds or other gemstones in the shape of an oval, which are symmetrical and elongated and provide all the brilliance of the round-cut diamond with the added benefit of looking larger.

Pave Setting: A style of setting in which the stones are set as close together as possible to cover the entire field of the setting for a cobblestone or “paved” effect where the setting does not show.

Pear / Pear Shaped: Also known as the teardrop or pendeloque cut gemstone, and blends the pointed end of the marquise with the slightly rounded end of the oval.

Pearl: The pearl differs from all the other gemstones we have talked about thus far because though the pearl is a gem, it is not a stone. Born from freshwater or saltwater, the pearl has always been associated with the moon and water. From those associations, they began to symbolize purity and love. Pearls can take a multitude of different shapes and it takes six months to many years for a pearl to form. Pearl qualities include the smoothness of the surface, luster, color and shape. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but there are many shapes of pearl. Mohs scale of hardness: 2.5 - 4.5

Peridot: The Egyptians referred to the peridot as the “Gem of the Sun.” A plethora of peridot gemstones can be found near volcanoes, and it is because of this that peridot is thought to represent the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes in Hawaii. There are also extremely rare types of peridots that have been found in meteorites. It is also believed that some of Cleopatra’s distinguished emeralds were in reality peridots. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color, an olive green. The most valued color is a dark olive-green. Mohs scale of hardness: 6.5 - 7

Pendant: An ornament suspended from a necklace, chain or cord.

Plating: The method of coating jewelry with another metal. A classic example is white gold, which is coated with the more precious rhodium to give it a pure white shade without any yellow tints.

Platinum: A rare, heavy silver/white metallic element that is usually alloyed with other metals for use in making fine pieces of jewelry. Because of its weight, color, shine and rarity it is a popular metal in jewelry. Especially popular in Edwardian jewelry.

Polish: The process of smoothening the surface of the jewelry, which leaves behind an even surface.

Prong / Prong Setting: A metal ‘claw’ that comes upward to the base of the gemstone and connects over the top of the stone to secure it in place. Three, four or six prongs are the most common in jewelry.

Princess Cut: When viewed from the top, these cut gemstones looks like a square or rectangle, but from the side, they resemble an inverted pyramid. It is the second most popular type of diamond cut for an engagement ring, following the round cut.

Remounting: Taking an existing gemstone and transforming it by putting it into another setting.

Retro: Retro Jewelry was created roughly between 1935 and 1950. Multi-colored gold was often used, and pieces from this period were large in scale and often asymmetric. Popular motifs included ribbons, patriotic color schemes (sapphires, rubies and diamonds for red, white and blue), and military or weaponry-inspired design.

Rhodium: A white metallic element that is part of the platinum group. Because of its hard, reflective finish, it is often used as a plating for jewelry. Similar in look to both white gold and platinum.

Ring Enhancer: As the name suggests, these improve your ring’s appearance. They are ring wraps or curved rings that wrap above, below, or behind your existing ring to add extra layers and dimensions but seamlessly.

Rose Cut: Rose cut diamonds enjoyed their greatest prominence in the 15th-18th centuries, long before modern diamond cutters had the machinery which enabled them to cut diamonds with multiple facets to capture maximum brilliance and light. Rose cuts appear almost crystal-like and typically have flat, versus pointed, bottoms, and large flat surface facets which create a charming, soft effect. Vintage rose cuts are in short supply as most were recut with extra facets over the centuries as brilliance and light became popular attributes. Rose cuts are enjoying a modern resurgence as collectors appreciate their hand-cut craftsmanship and old world feel.

Rose gold: Gold of a pinkish color that has been alloyed with copper.

Round Cut: This is the most popular diamond shape, recognized for its symmetry. A round-cut diamond has around 58 facets, which adds to its brilliance.

Ruby: The ruby is one of the four precious gemstones that is found in many different shades of red. Tin Latin, ruby means “red.” In the past, the glowing red color prompted the belief that a fire burned within its heart. A book written during the 1300s said “Fine ruby is the lord of all stones. It is the gem of gems and surpasses all precious stones in virtue.” Medieval Europeans believed the ruby could guarantee a successful love life, wealth, and wisdom. The ruby is extremely hard, and second only to the diamond in hardness. The ruby is one of the four precious stones, along with sapphire, emerald, and diamond. Mohs scale of hardness: 9

Sapphire: Prized for its durability, the sapphire is one of the four precious gemstones. Considered a stone of truth, the sapphire is connected to royalty throughout history. Kings and queens used to wear sapphires to provide protection from treachery. Sapphire is from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning blue stone. Although blue is the most well-known color for sapphires, sapphires are made up of any color of corundum except for red, which are rubies. Mohs scale of hardness: 9

Scarab: An Egyptian symbol of immortality which is usually carved or molded in stone, clay or glass.

Scallop: A decorative edge consisting of a series of circular projections, the scallop is reminiscent of the edge of a shell. Alternately, a scalloped setting is when prongs are created from the shank and hold the center stone in place.

Scrollwork: Akin to the unfurling of a paper scroll, this jewelry style features spirals and incomplete circle motifs as if caught in ‘mid-unrolling’.

Semi-Precious Gems: All gemstones used in jewelry other than diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds.

Shank: The part of a ring or band that encircles the wearer’s finger.

Slide: A movable element of a long chain which adjusts its opening. Collections of slides were later strung together and made into bracelets.

Solitaire: A piece of jewelry set with one single gemstone.

Split Shank: As the band or shank reaches the center stone, it splits instead of meeting at the stone. This also highlights the stone, making it look bigger.

Stackable: Multiple rings, bangles or bracelets ‘stacked’ one on top of another.

Stacking: Stacking is the art of layering pieces of jewelry, mainly rings, pendants or bangles, over one another.

Station: When a thin metal chain is dotted with gemstones or other adornments that are ‘stationed’ at various points across it, it is called a station necklace.

Sterling Silver: Sterling silver, which is an alloy made up of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent of another metal (usually copper), is stronger than pure silver. But it’s still pretty soft compared to other ring metals. Silver tarnishes, as well, so it needs to be cleaned frequently, or else it can also be coated with rhodium metal for a long-lasting sheen.

Studs: This versatile earring can be minimalist or OTT. It mainly consists of one point attached to a post that passes through the earlobe and is fastened using a backing.

Synthetic: A man-made material with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as the natural.

Table: The uppermost plane surface of a cut gemstone.

Tanzanite: Tanzanite is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. This precious trichroic gemstone, which showcases vivid violet-blue-reddish colors, belongs to the zoisite family and is found exclusively at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania, where it gets its name. The supply of tanzanite is limited, and hence, owning a piece makes every customer a custodian of this rare gem. The name reflects the gem’s limited geographic origin. Mohs scale of hardness: 6.5 - 7

Tassels: Typically used in earrings or pendants, tassels comprise a series of wires or cords that gather at one end and are free-flowing at the other.

Tapering / Taper / Tapered: A piece that doesn’t have a uniform width but instead tapers from narrow to broad or vice versa is called tapered or tapering jewelry.

Teardrop / Drop: Teardrop or drop earrings hang from the ear vertically with a loop. The pointed end goes upwards in a teardrop shape, while the broader rounded edge goes down.

Tennis Bracelet: When a row of diamonds or other gemstones goes around a bracelet, it is called a tennis bracelet. Fun fact - until tennis player Chris Evert popularized this term in the mid-1970s, it was actually known as an eternity bracelet.

Tiffany Setting: A classic setting made famous, and exclusively, by Tiffany & Co. that typically features a round solitaire diamond, set with four or six prongs, the simple verticals extending from a slight knife edge band with the intention of maximizing brilliance and light.

Trinket: A small ornament, such as a little pendant or a charm, which tends to be inexpensive and affordable.

Twisted Shank: When the shank or band of your ring doesn’t form a perfect geometric circle but is twisted for a free-flowing effect, it is referred to as a twisted shank. Multiple twisted shanks are often used in the same ring to create an overlapping, layered effect.

Vermeil Jewelry: Vermeil jewelry is high-quality silver jewelry (pure or sterling) that is coated with a fine layer of gold. These days, both metals are even bound together through electroplating and then cast into jewelry pieces.

Vintage-Inspired: Don’t we all love new jewelry that is created to reflect the styles and aesthetics of a few decades ago? Vintage-inspired refers to jewelry pieces that emulate older designs.

White Gold: An alloy of gold with nickel, zinc, palladium or platinum which produces a silver-white color to imitate the more rare platinum.

Yellow Gold: Pure gold or an alloy with silver and copper. Yellow gold is the most common color of gold.

Y-Knot Necklace: When this is worn, it resembles a perfect Y. The Y-knot necklace features a chain with a single long strand dropping down, forming a lariat.