Accents are side stones with a small and simple cut that are used as a side decoration around a piece of jewelry’s center stone. Accent stones help increase the center stone’s overall brilliance and give the jewelry piece added beauty. They can also be used to make the center stone look larger. For example, halo engagement ring settings have shiny, small accent stones that surround the center stone, which optically extends its size and makes it look larger than it is.

Diamond Ring With Accent Stones Surrounding the Center Stone and Embellishing the Shank

Agate is a variety of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz in microcrystalline form. Agate can be either transparent or have vivid color patterns. When found in desirable qualities and colors, agate is considered a semi-precious stone. Opaque varieties of agate are sometimes referred to as jasper although they are not the same. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two semi-precious stones is to shine a light on the back of each stone. If it is translucent, you’re holding agate. If it’s not, you’re holding a jasper.

Agate Pendant

Made from the Akoya oyster, the Akoya pearl is a saltwater cultured pearl of high quality popularly used in jewelry. It is the most well-known and most abundant type of saltwater pearl. They are well known for their near-perfectly round shape, high luster and metallic-like reflection. The majority of Akoya pearls come from Japan, where they are a specialty of Japanese pearl farms, but they are also farmed by China and Vietnam.

Halo Pearl Stud Earring

Alexandrite is the color-change variety of the gem species chrysoberyl, which is well-known for its chatoyancy, also known as its ‘cat’s eye effect’. Often referred to as an ‘emerald by day and a ruby by night’, alexandrite displays one of the most extraordinary color changing qualities of all gemstones, turning green in sunlight and red in incandescent light. Along with the diamond, emerald, and ruby, high-quality alexandrite is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. Alexandrite is one of three June birthstones.

Alexandrite Halo Marquise Solitaire Ring

In jewelry, an alloy is a base metal that has had precious metal added to it to make it more malleable and improve its overall properties. Since precious metals, such as gold and silver, are too soft to work with, they are made stronger and more durable by adding a base metal. The resulting mix of metals is called an alloy. For example, to make sterling silver, copper is added to sterling silver to make a stronger metal, more suitable for jewelry making. 14 karat gold, on the other hand, is usually alloyed with nickel, copper or zinc.

While gold, silver and platinum are the most common metals used for jewelry, there is also a selection of metals that, while less common, still make beautiful jewelry. These metals are called alternative metals and they are especially popular for men’s jewelry. There are many types of alternative metals including titanium, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, and cobalt. Each of these metals have their own unique qualities as well as pros and cons for using them. For more information on alternative metals for him, we suggest you read “How to Choose the Right Wedding Ring Metal for Him.”

The amethyst is a violet variety of quartz, occurring in hues ranging from light lavender to deep purple. Amethyst is February’s birthstone and is the world’s most popular purple gemstones. It’s also one of the most popular crystals as it is believed to have powerful healing and protective qualities. It is a semi-precious stone and is formed inside volcanic rocks that are created by volcanic lava. The purple color that is most associated with amethyst is due to the presence of iron that has been irradiated.

Also called an ankle chain or ankle bracelet, an anklet is an ornament worn around the ankle. Precious metals, leather, beads, etc., are used to create anklets, and some have precious or semi-precious gemstones or charms. Ankles can be worn on either leg and stacked with other anklets. When worn, they create the impression of a longer and slimmer ankle. The word itself is a portmanteau of ‘ankle’ and ‘bracelet’.

When a piece of jewelry is anodized, a layer of natural oxide is added to its metal surface. The new layer is thicker than the layer that existed before it was anodized. In the anodization process, the metal’s surface is heated by introducing electricity to the metal, which results in a permanent change to the surface of the metal, creating a decorative and durable finish. Some metals, such as ferrous metals, cannot be anodized.

The term ‘antique’ is used for objects that have value because they have a historical significance, and are beautiful and rare. For an object to be considered antique, it must be at least 100 years old. Similarly, antique jewelry must be at least 100 years old, historically significant, rare and precious. Filigree, enameling, and Christian-themes and motifs are techniques commonly seen in antique jewelry. Antique jewelry should not be confused with vintage jewelry, which among other differences, is between 50-100 years old. Read our blog on antique and vintage jewelry to learn more about their differences. Note that antique-style jewelry is not the same as actual antique jewelry. Rather antique-style jewelry is a recreation of antique jewelry.

His And Hers Filigree Wedding Ring Set – Antique Style

An antique finish or patina in jewelry is the result of oxidation of the jewelry metal, which causes a slightly blackened, tarnished look that makes the jewelry piece look antique. Oxidation can be performed on a variety of metals including copper, sterling silver, brass, bronze and others. Antique finishes are usually applied to the entire piece of jewelry, which is then polished and finished to get the desired rustic, antique look. To learn more about different finishes, feel free to read our article on antique finishes and other jewelry finishes.

An appraisal is a written document showing an independent assessment of how much your property or asset is worth. Jewelry appraisals, also known as jewelry valuations, describe and document the jewelry piece and its value according to the assessment. The appraisal typically describes the jewelry’s weight, metals, gems, markings etc. People want appraisals for a variety of reasons, but the majority are needed for insurance purposes. Like any service, when seeking an appraisal, it’s best to have a little knowledge about the process and what to expect. For example, be aware of some of the common myths about jewelry appraisals before you take your jewelry to be appraised.

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family with a color range of greenish blue to blue. Its tone and saturation can also vary from very light and almost imperceptible to richer, deeper colors. Aquamarine is a fitting name for this stone because its appearance evokes the colors of the sea. Its value depends on the depth and purity of its color and clarity. Depending on the inclusions and cut, some aquamarines show chatoyancy or cat eyes. Aquamarine is also the birthstone for March.

Aquamarine Fashion Ring

The art deco design movement was inspired by the industrial and technological progress of the 1920. It is characterized by bold, geometric shapes and patterns, usage of a range of materials including glass, velvet, chrome and others, and vibrant colors. Art deco has been influential in architecture, cars, furniture, fashion, and of course jewelry. Art deco style jewelry is easily recognized by its eye-catching use of geometric patterns and abstract designs as well as its use of gemstones in contrasting colors.

Oval Teardrop Diamond Cocktail Ring

Named after and patented by renowned diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, the Asscher cut is similar to an emerald cut only it is square (actually octagonal because of its cut corners) rather than rectangular. Asscher cuts are are almost the personification of art deco, a design movement of the 1920s, so it is also a vintage cut. Asscher cuts are quite rare, with only 2% of diamonds cut into Asschers. They’re also quite costly because a lot of diamond material gets wasted in achieving the cut.

Emerald Asscher Halo Diamond Ring

Like the emerald and Asscher cut, the baguette cut is a rectangular-shaped, step-cut diamond with straight or tapered edges. It is one of the most popular cuts for diamond engagement rings. Emerald-cut and baguette-cut diamonds are sometimes confused, but they are quite different. Emerald-cut diamonds are cut with 50-58 facets, whereas baguette diamonds are cut with 14 facets. Because the baguette cut is very thin and complements most types of diamond shapes, it is often used for the side stones on either side of a center stone.

Three-Stone Ring With Baguette-Cut Gemstones

A bail (also spelled ‘bale’) is a jewelry part used to attach a pendant or stone to a chain. It is usually placed in the center of a necklace where the pendant or stone can be attached and hung. Bails are made in a variety of sizes and styles as well as from a variety of materials, although the most common materials are metals such as sterling silver, gold, and brass. Some bails are made so that the pendant or stone can be attached after the necklace has been produced.

9 Different Types of Bails Used in Jewelry

From contemporary to vintage to antique styles, bangles are a wrist ornament that can complement most jewelry collections. They can be made from a variety of metals including white, yellow, and rose gold, silver, and platinum. Some bangles include precious or semi-precious stones and all can be worn with both casual and elegant wear. Unlike bracelets which are more flexible, bangles are rigid and should be precisely fitted so they can be worn comfortably without being too tight or slipping off. Please see our FAQ to learn how to determine the correct size for a bangle.

Delicate corded bangle with rubies

Baroque is a style of architecture, art, clothing, dance and music that flourished in 17th and 18th century Europe. It is characterized by intricate, opulent ornamentation and extravagant, dramatic designs. Jewelry was also influenced by the Baroque style and is similarly bold and ornate. More recently, Baroque style pearl jewelry has become very popular, taking advantage of Baroque or irregularly-shaped pearls to create Baroque jewelry with a modern twist.

Eslimi Pendant With Pearl and Baroque Styling

In a basket setting, prongs are used to secure the gemstone. It is a popular setting because it allows for the optimal amount of light to pass through the stone. The basket setting gets its name because the prongs are featured in a way that resembles the shape of a basket. They are very good for securing larger gemstones and despite their open structure are one of the most secure settings.

Twist Basket Engagement Ring

A barrel clasp is a jewelry design element used to secure two ends together such as the ends of a necklace or a bracelet. The two halves of the clasp are identical and screw together. When fastened together, they are shaped and look like a barrel. Most barrel clasps can be tightened and loosened with screw action. They are available in just about all materials and platings and are most often used for necklaces and bracelets.

Beryl is a relatively rare mineral composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate. The most well-known varieties of beryl are deep green-colored emeralds, blue aquamarine, and pink morganite. Pure beryl is colorless, but impurities and inclusions cause its diverse colors. Other less well known forms of beryl include heliodor, goshenite, pezzottaite, golden beryl and red beryl, which is the rarest form of beryl. All beryl gemstones are durable enough to be worn as everyday jewelry. They also come in a variety of striking colors, which is another reason they are favored for jewelry.

With bead settings, the gemstone is set directly into the metal using gravers. A bead setting can be used for a single stone, but it is also used to create a pavé surface, which uses bead set stones in a close-set pattern to create a cobblestone, paved look. Bead settings are often used for round brilliant cut diamonds, especially when there is a large center stone surrounded by smaller, accent stones. The effect is a very elaborate and elegant look.

Wave style ring with elaborate bead settings

With a bezel setting, the gemstone is held in place by a custom-made thin metal band that surrounds the outside of the stone, exposing only its crown. Bezel settings are very secure and protect the stone well while still displaying its beauty. They are a popular setting choice for engagement rings and while they’re most commonly used for round gemstones, they can work for any shape. Our article on engagement ring settings can give you a closer look at the wide range of settings including bezel settings.

Round brilliant cut center stone in a bezel setting with accents in a pave setting

A birthstone is a gemstone that corresponds to a person’s birth month. The idea of birthstones goes back to biblical times, but modern birthstones were determined by a month’s astrological chart and matching characteristics of each stone. Traditionally, most months have only one birthstone, but some some months have two and even three birthstones. The American Gem Society endorses a list of birthstones that jewelers follow today.

Traditional birthstone chart

Box chains are chains made with square links rather than the round or oval links we usually see in necklaces or bracelets. The effect is a continuous, smooth chain that is also highly durable and not easily broken. The design originated in Venice, Italy, which is why box chains are also called Venetian chains. There are six types of box chains: standard, mirror, rounded, double, triple, and Greek. The versatile style is popularly worn by men and women.

Diamond Necklace With a Box Chain

A bracelet is an ornamental band or chain that is worn around the wrist. Unlike bangles, which are inflexible and don’t have clasps, bracelets are flexible and do have clasps, so they can be opened and placed on the wrist rather than slipped over the hand. Bracelets can be made from different materials and often have charms attached for added decoration. They can also be in different colors, customized, engraved, casual or elegant. See our FAQ for free bracelet sizer and to learn about the difference between bracelets and bangles.

Bracelet With Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

The bright cut is a decorative jewelry style where a series of sharp, shiny, angled cuts are made into the jewelry piece’s metal. The cuts create a reflective surface so they are usually set around a gemstone to further highlight the stone. This cut is most frequently used in silver and around a diamond to make the diamond look larger. Specialized tools such as gravers and polishers are used to create a bright cut.

As a jewelry term, brilliance refers to the amount and intensity of light reflecting in the interior of a diamond or gemstone, or its white light return. Along with “fire” and “luster”, “brilliance” is one of three jewelry terms that describe a stone’s appearance and how it reflects light. A stone’s brilliance is the foundation of its brightness and sparkle. Gemstones with the greatest brilliance include moissanite, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

The brilliant cut has many facets and exhibits extraordinary brilliance and dispersion of light. The brilliance results from the light that returns through the cone shape of the stone. The most popular brilliant cut is the round brilliant, but there are other brilliant cuts such as the pear cut brilliant and the oval cut brilliant. Many people like brilliant cuts because their large open facets make it difficult to hide imperfections, which means they can offer the most facet clarity and accuracy.

Pave Petal Flower Ring

A brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry that fastens to clothing with a pin or catch. A brooch is usually made of metal such as silver or gold and other materials, usually precious or semi-precious stones. Brooches date back to the Bronze Age and were originally functional as well as ornamental since they were used to secure pieces of clothing. Today, brooches are fashionable accessories that can be embellished with beautiful metals and gemstones.

Flower Style Brooch

A brushed finish is similar to a satin finish in that neither are shiny. The difference is that the brushed finish is textured whereas a satin finish is smooth to the touch. A brushed finish is made with a tiny brush and therefore leaves tiny brush-like marks on the finish, hence its name. Men’s tungsten wedding rings often feature a brushed finish. For more on finishes, feel free to read our blog about jewelry finishes and techniques.

Men’s Ring With Brushed Finish

A bust down is a slang term that refers to an expensive piece of jewelry with a lot of diamonds. It’s often used in reference to a watch with many diamonds. For example, a bust down watch is one that is fully covered with diamonds. In contrast, plain jane watches don’t have any diamonds, although they are still considered to be high-end, luxury watches. The term ‘bust down’ originated with rap artists.

Bypass rings are characterized by two bands that overlap and separate or pass over each other at the top. Bypass rings can be set with diamonds or other types of gemstones. Some styles have stones between the two intersecting shanks or on each side of the intersection. Bypass rings were popular during the Victorian era, but the curves and twists it features gives it a contemporary, elegant and sleek look, so it is still a popular style today.

Bypass Ring With Pave-Set Diamonds

Cable chains are used to form one of the most classic types of necklaces chains. They are made from symmetrical, round or oval links with each one connecting to the next, and each individual link is uniform in length and thickness. They are very durable and functional and can be made from a variety of metals including platinum, silver, and yellow, rose, or white gold. Men’s cable chains tend to be thicker than women’s cable chains.

A cabochon, or cab for short, is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished rather than faceted. They are usually convex-shaped with a flat bottom and a domed or tipped top. Before gemstone cutting was established, a gemstone would usually be prepared ‘en cabochon’. Cabochon gemstones are often softer, opaque and translucent stones so the en cabochon method works well to highlight their special properties and details inside the stone. Faceting for these types of stones tends to mask these attributes.

Elegant Ring With Cabochon Center and Diamond Accents

The traditional way of creating jewelry involves hand drawn sketches that were then hand-carved into wax block models of the design. Once the wax was burned away and left just a hollow wax model of the jewelry design, the model was then filled with the appropriate metal to create the jewelry piece. With computer-aided design (CAD), we use a program to create stunning, complex designs far beyond what is possible by hand. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) uses machinery to create and manufacture the 3D jewelry piece. This example can give you a better understanding of the CAD/CAM process from start to finish.

Cameo jewelry refers to jewelry with a raised relief on a rounded, usually metal base. The relief typically depicts a face or a Greed god or goddess or a mythical scene. The intricacy of the cameo design can vary with some designs being very detailed and complex. Cameos are not the same as intaglio which has a negative relief rather than a raised relief. Most cameo jewelry today is vintage or vintage style.

A carat is a unit of weight for precious stones. A metric ‘carat’ is 200 milligrams so for example a diamond weighing 100 milligrams would be .5 carats and a diamond weighing 200 milligrams would be 1.0 carats . All precious stones are priced per carat. Each carat is divided into 100 points with each point equivalent to one one-hundredth of a carat. This subdivision allows gemologists to be more precise when weighing gemstones. Carat weight is one of the 4Cs of a diamond: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Feel free to use our handy chart on diamond carat size.

Carmeltazite was first discovered on Earth in 2019 in the Haifa District of Northern Israel. It is a rare aluminum-oxide mineral found in corundum. Carmeltazite takes its name from the location it was found (Mt. Carmel) and the major elements it contains: titanium, aluminum, and zirconium. Shortly after it was discovered, the International Mineralogical Association recognized it as a new, distinct mineral. Our blog post on Carmeltazite explains more about this rare and breathtaking mineral.

Jewelry casting is the next step in the jewelry production process after the design stage. The casting process creates a wax pattern that is made into a jewelry mold which is filled with a molten metal to create the jewelry piece. This process is also known as lost wax casting because the wax is “lost” during the process of making the jewelry. 3D jewelry design augments this process because jewelry designers no longer have to hand-carve the original pattern in wax. Instead, it can be 3D printed.

Classic and elegant, the cathedral band has a raised profile featuring a center stone, typically held in place with a prong, bezel or tension setting, between two graceful arches. The setting gets its name because it resembles the architecture used for old cathedral buildings. Diamonds are often used as the center stone for this setting, but any gemstone will look beautiful. Some rings also have intricate design elements incorporated into the arches, shoulders, and shank.

Elevated Claw Peghead Diamond Engagement Ring With a Cathedral Band

Celtic refers to the language and culture of the Celtic nations, which include Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales. Well-known Celtic symbols include the Celtic Tree of Life, the Celtic Cross, the Trinity Knot, the Shamrock, the Claddagh Ring, and leprechauns. Beautifully crafted Celtic jewelry often includes these attractive motifs and are popular on St. Patrick’s Day, like the jewelry pieces you can see here.

Celtic Knot Gemstone Eternity Ring

The center stone is the single stone, usually the most prominent, found in the center of a piece of jewelry. While many jewelry pieces have multiple stones, the center stone is the focal point and is often surrounded by smaller stones, making it the most admired detail of the jewelry piece. Diamonds are the most popular of all center stones, but other gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies are also used. Center stones can come in a variety of cuts, shapes, and sizes.

Chalcedony, (pronounced kal-seh-duh-nee), is a translucent, often grayish or milky, variety of quartz. Chalcedony can come in many different colors, forms, and patterns. It is a broad term used to describe a cryptocrystalline form of silica and includes the gemstones agate and jasper. Chalcedony has a long history as a jewelry gemstone and is a popular gem today because it has such a range of exquisite colors.

Blue Chalcedony Grading Card

Named after the chandelier light fixture, for their long, dangling features, chandelier earrings feature elaborate tiers of gemstones, crystals or beads and are often worn as statement pieces. Their styles range from elegant to fun or funky. Chandelier earrings, also called dangle earrings, are designed so that their sturdier, more fanned out, and denser elements are at the top of the earring tapering down to a shimmering, dangling structure at the bottom. This is in contrast to drop earrings which are long and have a single or vertical line of design hanging down from the earring hook.

Chandelier Earrings With Delicate Filigree Details

The channel setting gets its name because, as the name suggests, gemstones are set into a channel created along the band from two metal strips. The stones are set to form a row that can run along the entire band or only part. One of the advantages of channel settings is that they hold the stones very securely. They also create a very clean and elegant look. The versatility of the channel setting has made it one of the more popular engagement ring settings.

Channel Edge Diamond Men’s Ring

Charms are small pendants or decorative ornaments that are attached to bracelets, anklets, or necklaces. They come in a variety of styles and themes and can be worn on a range of different types of chains. Charms usually have symbolic meaning for the person wearing them and offer ‘charming’ ways to express yourself. They have a long history in jewelry design and were originally worn primarily as amulets to ward off evils. However, today they are mostly used as a way to personalize jewelry.

Cute Cat Charm

Chatoyancy is a term used in gemology to refer to an optical phenomenon where a gemstone is able to reflect a distinct, lustrous line of light that moves just below the surface of the stone when it is turned under a beam of incident light. While many types of gems exhibit chatoyancy, it’s not present in every specimen of those gems, which makes it rather rare. Chatoyancy is also called chatoyance or cat’s eye.

A Chevron is a geometric pattern consisting of two diagonal stripes that meet at an angle to form the shape of a V or an inverted V. The Chevron has an array of meanings, from an architecture fret to an indication or rank for officers to design techniques in art and jewelry. Chevrons are particularly associated with Art Deco design where they can be widely seen in Art Deco style architecture, furniture, clothing and jewelry.

Matching Wedding Band Set With a Chevron Design

Citrine, one of two November birthstones, is the yellow variety of quartz and ranges in color from pale to medium to deep shades of golden yellow, with some having a dark reddish-orange or reddish-brown hue. The more intense the color, such as saturated yellows, oranges and reddish tones, the more valuable the stone. Because citrine is relatively abundant, like all quartz gems, it is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. This versatility is one of the reasons for citrine’s growing popularity in jewelry design.

Citrine ID Card

Claddagh is a former fishing community in Ireland and takes its name from the Gaelic word for shore, “cladach”. The origins of the Claddagh ring, which features a gold or silver band with two hands clasping a heart that sits below a crown, can be traced back to the Claddagh village. Legend has it that the ring was designed by a goldsmith and symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and love. The beautiful and recognizable design is over 300 years old and has been a traditional Irish wedding ring since the 17th century.

Claddagh Wedding Ring Set

Clarity is one of the 4Cs of a diamond (cut, color, clarity, and carat). A diamond’s clarity concerns the diamond’s transparency and is determined by the presence or absence of inclusions, both internal and external. The visibility of these inclusions affects the diamond’s visual appearance and is what’s considered when grading a diamond’s clarity. A clarity scale, invented in the 1950s, is used as the universal standard for measuring clarity and uses the following levels: “flawless”; “very very slightly included”; “very slightly included”; “slightly included”; and “included”. The higher the clarity, the rarer the diamond.

A jewelry clasp or fastener is an important component of jewelry as it is the mechanism used for putting necklaces, bracelets and anklets on and taking them off and is what holds them securely in place when worn. There are many different types of clasps such as barrel, bail, and claw clasps. Some clasps are designed to be hidden while some are designed to be a visible part of the jewelry design.

Also called lobster clasp and lobster hook, the claw clasp is a jewelry fastener that is held closed by a spring. It is one of the most popular styles of jewelry clasps on the market. Claw clasps are frequently seen on necklaces and bracelets and are designed to be easy to grasp, open and close. Jewelry designers favor this clasp because it offers a secure grip. Another advantage is that it comes in many different sizes so it is suitable for most jewelry sizes and weights.

In a cluster setting, the gemstones are mounted together in a cluster. The effect of the cluster is that it resembles a much larger diamond, or if it surrounds a large center stone like a halo, it can make that stone look larger than it actually is. Cluster settings can come in a variety of patterns and designs, and today it is popular to use the cluster setting in a mix of diamonds and colored gemstones. Cluster settings are also a favorite engagement ring setting.

Ring With Large Center Baguette and Cluster Set Accent Stones on Each Side

Cobalt, a bluish-white, hard and lustrous metal, has become a popular alternative metal for jewelry today. It’s especially popular in men’s wedding bands as it looks very similar to white gold, has high luster, is extremely durable, and is relatively affordable compared to precious metals. In its pure form, cobalt cannot be used in jewelry, so it is alloyed with other metals to make it stronger. Cobalt has also been used in medical implants and by the dental industry for years.

Color is one of the 4Cs of a diamond (cut, color, clarity, and carat). Diamonds come in many hues ranging from colorless to pink to light brown. Colorless diamonds are the rarest while diamonds with other natural colors such as blue, red and pink are less rare. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a letter scale to measure a diamond’s color with a different scale used for fancy diamonds.

In contrast to a standard or regular fit, which has a flat inner surface and fits snugly against the finger, a comfort fit has a domed, slightly rounded interior, making it easier to slide over the knuckle and off the finger. The comfort fit is usually slightly more costly than a standard fit because it requires extra metal. Since comfort-fit rings tend to fit a little more loosely, this must be taken into consideration when ordering a ring.

Also known as “blood” diamonds, conflict diamonds are diamonds that have been mined in a war zone and illegally sold to fund conflicts in war- torn areas. The United Nations defines conflict diamonds as “any diamond mined in areas controlled by forces that oppose the legitimate, internationally recognized government of a country”. This is why JewelryThis does everything it can to ensure that its suppliers and service providers share high ethical standards.

Copper is reddish-gold colored, malleable metal that can be easily stretched into a wire or a thread. Its ductile properties, durability, and unique hue make it a great material for crafting jewelry. Its attractive earthy color and versatility also make it a good metal choice for jewelry. Popular jewelry pieces made from copper include rings, cuffs, and anklets, which are often paired with leather or precious metals such as silver or gold for a vintage look.

The crown is the upper portion or top of a gemstone or cabochon that you usually see when viewing the ‘face’ of the stone. It is typically a raised area, although crowns can be cut differently so some can be very high or flat or even concave. For faceted gems, the crown is the area above the girdle. The term ‘table’ is used when referring to the flat top of the gemstone’s crown.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone made from the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. CZ is usually hard and colorless and looks very much like a real diamond, although it is far less expensive. Because it so closely resembles a diamond, CZ is a popular gemstone alternative and often used in placeholder engagement rings when you are looking to cut your budget but still wear beautiful jewelry.

Colorless Cubic Zirconia

Used to secure the cuffs of dress shirts, cufflinks are an elegant alternative to buttons, which are usually sewn onto shirt cuffs as a way for fastening them closed. Worn in pairs, they are most often used for semi-formal or formal events. Cufflinks can come in a variety of materials as well as finishes, shapes, sizes and styles. Some also include gemstones. Different types of cufflinks include knot, ball return, chain link, bullet back, whale back and more.

Although cultured pearls are genuine pearls, they grow due to human intervention. Natural pearls, on the other hand, grow without any human intervention. The growth process for both types of pearls, however, is the same. The pearls grow when an irritant works its way into an oyster shell either naturally or with human assistance. The irritant (usually a bead for cultured pearls) causes layers of nacre to form around it, which creates the pearl. Natural pearls are rare and consequently quite expensive. Cultured pearls are not rare, and therefore, while beautiful, far less costly.

A cushion-cut diamond combines the modern round brilliant cut with the more classic square-cut diamond creating a square shape with rounded corners. It’s shape resembles a pillow; hence the name “cushion cut”. There are four main types of cushion cuts: Old Mine, which is the oldest; the brilliant cut, which offers the most brilliance; cushion modified “crushed ice’, which is one of the newest cuts; and cushion modified “hybrid”, which combines the facet style of the brilliant with the “crushed ice” facet patterns.

Custom-designed jewelry is crafted using original designs based on a person’s unique ideas and inspiration. Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) breaks custom-designed jewelry into three levels: full-custom design, which uses an original design and is made specifically per the individual’s request (full custom is the same as custom made); semi-custom designs, which are made per specific requests, but use or modify an existing design, and made-to-order, which use an existing design and only allow for modifications of size, gemstones or metals.

Custom-made, like full custom-designed jewelry, is made according to a person’s special requirements; it takes into account the individual’s unique preferences, style and tastes and is made to order specifically for the client. They are usually one-of-a-kind pieces, reflect the clients personal perspective, and are designed with the client’s input. Custom-made jewelry should not be confused with custom-finished jewelry, which only offers a choice of finishes. Please feel free to read our blog on the differences between custom-made jewelry and mass-produced jewelry for a more in-depth look at the differences.

Diamond cutting is the practice of shaping a diamond into a faceted gem and expresses the diamond’s outline or external figure.. Cut is one of the 4Cs of a diamond (cut, color, clarity, and carat) and determines a diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation levels and therefore affects its beauty and value. Diamond shape and diamond cut are often thought to be the same quality, but they are not. Feel free to read our article on diamond shapes and cuts to learn more about how they are different.

A cuff is a jewelry piece that is worn around the wrist and has no clasp or closure. They are designed with an opening, usually about 1” wide, so there is room to wiggle it over your wrist. Most cuffs are wide or thick and fit snugly on the wrist. However, they are also usually adjustable so they can be gently squeezed to fit more tightly on the wrist. Cuffs are usually made from sterling silver, gold filled, copper or brass.

Floral Marquise Cuff Bracelet

Diamonds are composed of pure carbon and are a rare and naturally occurring mineral that are formed deep within the earth’s crust where intense heat and pressure cause the carbon atoms to crystallize. They are brought to the earth’s surface via deep-source volcanic eruptions. The unique way in which their carbon atoms bond is what makes them so beautiful. Natural diamonds and lab-grown or synthetic diamonds are both considered genuine diamonds, but they formed differently. Feel free to read our article on natural and synthetic diamonds to learn more about these differences.

Diamond ring with diamond accents in white gold.

Dispersion, or fire, is the rainbow colors we sometimes see emanating from deep with a finely cut gem. You’ll often hear jewelers use the word when discussing diamonds, but other well-cut gems can also have this quality and even exceed the fire of a diamond. The dispersion effect is caused when white light, traveling at different speeds, enters the stone, separates into the spectral colors of the rainbow, and then bounces back. Every gemstone has its own dispersion value, but that value is affected by the stone’s cut, size, body, color and shape.

While once used to refer to a specific type of military ID tag, today the term ‘dog tag’ also refers to a type of personalized jewelry pendant. The classic rectangular shape with rounded corners based on the military version is still the most popular dog tag pendant shape, but other shapes are available too including heart shaped, round and oval-shaped tags. Dog tag pendants also come in a variety of metals such as sterling silver, platinum, gold, steel, and aluminum. The most popular chain used for dog tag pendants are ball chains, but they can also be worn on more ornate chains, especially if the dog tag is made from a precious metal.

Like chandelier earrings, drop earrings hang below the earlobe. Unlike chandelier earrings, however, drop earrings hang only slightly below the earlobe and don’t sway with movement; they are stationary or move only slightly. In contrast, dangle earrings will swing to and fro and can be quite long even down to the shoulders. The ornament in a drop earring is usually suspended with an ‘o-ring’ and the closure is usually a post or a stud.

Micropavé Leaf Diamond Drop Earring

An earring is an ornament worn on the earlobe or the edge of the ear. Earrings usually come in pairs, but some people choose to wear just one earring or mismatched earrings. They are usually attached via a piercing in the ear or a clip. In fine jewelry, the most common metals used for earrings are gold, palladium, platinum, silver, stainless steel, titanium, and tungsten. There are also a variety of decorations including semi-precious and precious stones. There is a range of earrings types as well including chandelier, double hoop, drop, half hoop, hoop, huggies, and stud.

The earring back is the design element in a pair of earrings (or a single earring) that holds the earring in place. They come in a variety of styles, each one best suited for a particular type of earring. For example, butterfly backs work best with posts while positive locking backs are best for expensive jewelry since they do the best job of holding the earring securely in place. Other earring back types include rubber backs, ear wires, lever backs, and omega backs.

Embossing is a design technique that decorates a surface with a pattern that stands out in relief. Embossed jewelry raises the design on the metal above the metal’s flat surface. Coins provide a good example of a metal with an embossed pattern. Embossed jewelry has a long history dating back to the Bronze Age, but today, it can be done with machinery rather than by hand. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software can also be used to create embossed jewelry patterns.

Pendant with gold embossed design

Emeralds are one of the four precious gemstones (the other three being the diamond, the ruby, and the sapphire). They are a variety of the mineral beryl and have a distinct and rich green coloring which it gets from trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. On a per-carat basis, high-quality emeralds can be worth more than diamonds and are actually rarer than diamonds. Emeralds are the traditional birthstone for May and have long been symbols of love, spirituality, protection, and wisdom.

Emerald Gemstone and Qualities

Named after the emerald gemstone, the emerald, along with the Asscher cut and the baguette cut, is a type of step cut. It has a rectangular, elongated shape with straight linear facets, and unlike the brilliant cut, features small rectangular facets that look like steps. Many people prefer the emerald cut because it creates a larger surface area, resulting in a larger-looking gemstone. It also makes the finger look slimmer. To learn more about the different types of gemstone cuts, have a look at this article on diamonds cuts and shapes.

Solitaire Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

In jewelry design, an enamel finish uses a special technique whereby a powder coating is applied to the surface of a jewelry piece’s metal. The coating is applied by fusing the powder to the base of the metal at very high temperatures. Once the powder hardens on the metal, it creates a decorative, glossy, and durable finish. Depending on the metal oxides contained in the enamel powder, the coating can vary in color and translucency. You can read more about different jewelry finishes in this blog post.

Flower Earrings With Enamel Finish

Engagement rings are worn to indicate that the wearer of the ring is engaged to be married. It represents a formal agreement between two people that they plan to marry. Engagement rings are different from wedding rings in that they are given at the time of the marriage proposal whereas wedding rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremony and symbolize the couple’s commitment to each other. Engagement ring customs differ around the world, but the practice of giving them to the betrothed is widespread.

U-Cut Pavé Solitaire Engagement Ring

To engrave is to mark a surface to create a visual and textural design. Today’s jewelry engraving processes are very advanced, so it is possible to create intricate and detailed engravings on most types of jewelry surfaces. Engravings are often used to personalize a piece of jewelry with a name, initials, or special message. Today many couples ask to have their wedding bands engraved with personal messages or meaningful notes. Engraving differs from etching, which has a much lighter incision than engraving.

Jewelry etching is when a design or pattern is cut into a jewelry piece. Jewelry etching can be done either chemically or with electro-etching, which uses electricity instead of chemical to etch the metal. Etched designs are not the same as intaglio designs, which are scratched directly on the surface without the use of chemicals. Etching is also different from engraving, which has a deeper incision than etching.

An eternity ring is made from a band of precious metal set with a continuous line of diamonds or gemstones. The unbroken line symbolizes eternal love. They are often given as anniversary rings but are sometimes used for wedding rings as well. Eternity rings are worn on the same finger as the engagement and wedding rings, usually between the two or just above the engagement ring which is just above the wedding ring.

Eternity Ring With Alternating Diamonds and Sapphires and X Detail on the Shank

The term ‘eye clean’ (or ‘eye clear’) means that a gemstone has no flaws visible to the naked eye when viewed from the top position (not upside down) at a distance of about 6” to 12” from your face. A diamond that is eye clean, for example, will have inclusions and blemishes under magnification, but they will not be visible to the unaided eye. A gemstone’s clarity classification is based on how ‘eye clean’ it is.

In jewelry, facets are the geometrically cut, flat surfaces that cover a gemstone. They can be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, but whatever the shape or size, their purpose is to optimize the gem’s appearance. Generally, the more facets a gemstone has, the more sparkle it has, although the proportion and symmetry of the facets are equally important to the stone’s brilliance and fire. The three principal areas of a faceted gem are the girdle, the crown, and the pavilion.

Facets in Different Types of Gemstone Cuts

Faceting is the process of cutting and polishing a gemstone that results in a beautifully finished stone suitable for jewelry. Faceted gemstones have a polished flat table, polished faces called facets, and a pointed bottom. The purpose of faceting is to allow light to refract and reflect through the gem to enhance its brilliance and sparkle. The brilliant cut, drop cut, mixed cut, and step cut are the most common of the faceted stones. Faceted stones can come in a variety of different shapes including hearts, ovals, squares, and others.

Pendant With Square Faceted Center Stone and Diamond Accents

Fancy cuts refer to gemstones that are cut in any shape other than round or oval. They include the Asscher cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, heart-shaped cut, marquise or tear-drop shaped cut, pear-shaped cut, princess cut, radiant cut, rectangle cut, and free-form shaped cuts. Fancy cuts can use the brilliant-cut facet arrangement, step cuts and mixed cuts. The most important qualities of fancy cuts are symmetry and length-to-width ratio.

A fashion ring is any ring that is not an engagement ring or wedding ring. Fashion rings can be birthstone rings, stacking rings, statement rings, pinky rings, etc., and they come in a range of styles, looks, and designs. They can also be made from precious metals, mixed metals, include gemstones, or be made without gemstones. Fashion rings are worn by men and women for casual and elegant wear and are worn to express a personal style or simply to complement a certain look or outfit.

Different Fashion Ring Styles

Filigree is a type of intricate, ornamental, and delicate metalwork that is used in fine jewelry design. Filigree designs are composed of intertwined threads and give a lacelike appearance to the jewelry piece. The art of filigree has been used since antiquity and was particularly popular in the late 1600 to the 19th century, including the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s. The style is still popularly worn today.

Filigree Pendant With Three Colored Gemstones

Some of the gemstones with the greatest amount of fire are diamonds, Moissanite, zircon, garnet, sphene, and cerussite. Fire, also known as dispersion, is the dispersal of white light emanating from deep within the stone and bounces back out in a spectrum of rainbow colors. It is different from brilliance which is when that same white light comes out of the diamond undispersed. Generally, dark colored gemstones exhibit less fire than light colored gemstones.

When a gemstone is flawless, it does not have any discernible or visible blemishes. To determine whether a gemstone is flawless, a gemologist has to examine it using a benchmark of 10x magnification. Most gemstones have at least a few inclusions or blemishes so finding one that has none is very rare. In fact, flawless gemstones are even more rare than flawless diamonds. The number of flaws a cut stone will have is determined by the process within the earth that created them.

The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily represented by three petals connected together at their base. In French, ‘fleur-de-lis” means “lilly flower” where it has long been a symbol of the French crown. The fleur-de-lis is also widely seen in architecture, on emblems for religious and political organizations, and as symbols for different European entities. In jewelry, the fleur-de-lis is often used as a decorative element for earrings, rings, pendants and more.

Two Rings With Fleur-de-Lis Figures All the Way Around The Band Separated by Gemstones

A flush setting, also known as a Gypsy setting, is where the gemstone is set into a hole that has been drilled into the band or shank so that the stone sits ‘flush’ with the band. The top of the gemstone is its only visible part; the rest of the stone is embedded in the band. Flush settings are one of the most secure ways to hold a gemstone so they are a good choice for people who work with their hands. This article on different engagement ring settings explains the flush setting in greater detail.

Ring With Gemstones in Different Shapes Set in a Flush Setting

The Four Cs, or 4 Cs, of gem grading are color, clarity, cut, and carat (weight) These are the four properties that gemologists use to determine the gemstone’s value. The grading system was developed in the 1940s by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and was originally used for grading diamonds only. However, today it is also used to grade other precious gems as well. Of all the 4 Cs, the cut is said to have the greatest effect on a stone’s beauty.

Freshwater pearls are formed in oysters that have matured in water that is non saline such as lakes or ponds as opposed to saltwater from the sea. Whatever the type of pearl (natural, cultured, or freshwater), the pearl is formed when an irritant lodges inside the mantle tissue of a mollusk. When this happens, the mollusk tissue secretes a substance that eventually, after a few years, develops into a pearl.

Made from silicate minerals, the garnet is a semi-precious stone that comes in a wide variety of types and colors. It is also January’s birthstone. Garnets have been used as gemstones in jewelry for thousands of years dating back to ancient Egyptian jewelry. Because of their natural clarity and color, garnets are rarely treated. They are also very durable. These qualities as well as their relative affordability make them a popular gemstone choice for jewelry pieces.

Garnet Jewelry

Gemology is a branch of science devoted to the study of natural and artificial gemstones. Gemologists identify, grade and appraise gemstones via a variety of tools and instruments. Many jewelers and goldsmiths are also gemologists. Gemologist courses vary in length and what they teach, but most courses gemology programs offer certification from 3 months to 1 year from the start date. A formal college degree is not required for certification.

Also called a gem, precious or semi-precious stone, a gemstone is a highly-prized mineral that has formed crystals and has been cut and polished professionally for use in jewelry or other ornaments. The main qualities of a gemstone are durability (which is not necessarily hardness), beauty (but beauty isn’t enough), and rarity. Today there are roughly 200 varieties of natural gemstones, but only four of them are considered precious (diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires). The rest are semi-precious stones.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a non-profit organization that focuses on research and education in the field of gemology and jewelry arts. Founded in 1931, they are an independent source for researching, identifying and grading stones by expert diamontologists and gemologists. According to the GIA website, their mission is to “protect all buyers and sellers of gemstones by setting and maintaining the standards used to evaluate gemstone quality”.

GIA Folder With Company Logo and Emblem

The girdle of a gemstone is what creates its outline when viewing it from the top. It is the stone’s perimeter separating the gem’s pavilion from its crown. The girdle is also usually the part of the stone that is held when it is being examined and the portion of the stone that makes contact with the jewelry setting. While it is the widest part of the gem, when viewed from the side, the girdle looks fairly thin.

Gold is a dense, lustrous precious metal with a chemical element of 79 and an atomic number of 79. It is highly prized for its rarity and beauty. While gold is used in a range of industries for a variety of purposes, most of the world’s total production of gold is used exclusively for jewelry. Gold is ideal for jewelry because it is resistant to tarnish, durable, and of course, has beautiful color and brightness.

Contrary to what the name suggests, gold-filled is actually where all the gold is on the outside. It is a thick, outer layer of durable gold that covers another metal, usually a brass core. The gold is pressure bonded to the inside metal. The gold layer is 14k, and per industry standards, typically constitutes at least 1/20th or 5% of pure gold by weight. It is different from gold-plated in that it has 100x more gold so it is much thicker. Gold-filled jewelry is very durable and long lasting.

Gold plating is a method of covering a metal with a thin layer of gold. The underlying metal is usually cheaper, but sturdy and durable, so the gold plating provides a far more attractive finish than the core metal. Gold plating is done via a process known as electroplating. It differs from gold-filled, which is composed of a higher concentration of high-quality gold. Gold plating can be applied to just about any type of metal as long as the metal has a conductive surface such as silver and copper.

The standard system used for grading the quality of diamonds was developed by the Gemological Institute of America and is based on the four Cs (4Cs) method that looks at color, cut, clarity and carat weight. This system is the standard grading system used internationally. On the other hand, there is still no recognized grading system for colored gemstones so instead of assigning them a grade, gemologists individually describe their 4C qualities.

In a Gypsy setting, which is also called a flush or hammer setting, the gemstone is set so that it sits flush with the metal band’s surface. It is similar to the bezel setting in that the gemstone’s crown is its only exposed area. However, in contrast to the bezel setting where the stone is set in place with metal going around its rim, the gypsy setting embeds the stone within the metal itself. Gypsy settings are often used for accent stones, especially on wedding rings.

Ring with gemstones of different shapes in Gypsy settings.

The half-bezel setting is the same as a full bezel setting, except that it doesn’t surround the entire girdle or waist of the gemstone. Instead, it leaves the sides of the bezel open, so that only parts of the gemstone are encircled. The benefit of a half-bezel setting is that the gemstone is more visible, which can make it appear larger. Half-bezel settings are also called a partial or semi-bezel setting.

Ring With Triangular-Shaped Gemstone in a Half-Bezel Setting

In a halo setting, a ring of small accent stones, usually round pavè or micro-pavè faceted gemstones, encircle a larger center gemstone. The halo setting can be formed in the same shape as the center stone or in a different shape such as a cushion-cut halo setting around a round gemstone. The effect of the halo setting is to make the center stone appear larger and more sparkly. It is one of the most popular engagement ring settings.

Diamond ring in a halo setting.

In a hammered finish, the metal’s surface, as the name suggests, looks as though it has been hammered, giving the jewelry a dappled appearance. Hammered finishes also give jewelry pieces an artisan or organic look and feel. The pebbled finish is a type of hammered finish, which has a more matte appearance. Both finishes are more subtle than other jewelry finishes. For more information, feel free to read our blog about different types of jewelry finishes.

Timeless Textured Men’s Band With a Hammered Finish

For gemstones, the scientific definition of hardness refers only to a gemstone’s ability to resist scratching. Diamonds are the hardest natural material in the world and have a Mohs hardness scale of 10. The Mohs scale ranks materials on their hardness and grades them using numbers from 1-10. For metals, the Mohs scale indicates which other metals can scratch it. Gold, for example, has a hardness scale of 2.53, which is lower than most other metals such as silver, copper, bronze and others.

Considered a modified brilliant-cut shape, the heart-shaped cut is a popular engagement ring setting often featured in solitaire rings. Heart-shaped cuts should be symmetrical so that each of the heart’s curved halves matched identically. The clefts in the heart should also be precise and well defined. And of course the shape must resemble a traditional heart shape. It is a complex cut made up of five areas: the belly, cleft, lobe, point and wing.

Gold ring with heart-shaped gemstone.

Passed down from generation to generation via family members, heirlooms can come in many forms including property, deeds, furniture and of course, jewelry. Heirloom jewelry too can take many forms, but the most common are wedding or engagement rings. Sometimes recipients of heirloom jewelry will have it modified to suit their tastes or replicated if the original has been damaged or lost. Our Lost Dolphin and our Lost Wedding Ring articles provide more details and information about the recreation process and its beautiful results.

In anatomical terms, the helix refers to the outer rim of the ear cartilage. Helix piercings, therefore, are piercings made in this area. There are several types of helix piercings, but the most common are piercings made in the outer upper of the helix. Other helix piercings include the forward helix piercing and triple and double forward helix piercings. You can read more about helix piercings and other types of body piercings and the jewelry used for them in this popular post “Piercing Jewelry Isn’t Just for Counter Culture Anymore”.

How can Jewelrythis help?

Although we DO NOT make piercing jewelry, we are able to design and produce almost everything else. For people who want to express their own style and uniqueness. W can work with the client’s ideas and personal tastes to create and deliver the right jewelry design- one that expresses the client’s own unique style and creativity.

This chain design has an ancient history dating back to Ancient Egypt. It is a sophisticated as well as complicated design with intricately woven slanted, rectangular links that are parallel to each other. Herringbone chains are flat and have a braided look. They are also fluid and flexible due to their many links. It is named a herringbone chain because the chain’s pattern is very similar to the spine bone of herring fish.

As the name suggests, hidden jewelry clasps are made in a way so that they are hidden within the design of the jewelry piece. In this way, the clasp doesn’t interrupt the design flow. They are specifically designed to blend into the jewelry and disappear when latched. Clasps of any type are an integral component of bracelets, anklets, and necklaces and are what secure the jewelry so they do not fall off or get lost.

The high-polish finish is a shiny, brilliant finish and is one of the more common finishes used for jewelry. To achieve this finish, the metal is buffed and polished until its surface is shiny and reflective. The polishing process removes any rough spots and blemishes in the metal’s surface. The high-polish finish is very versatile and goes well with most jewelry styles, types and precious metals. To learn more about jewelry finishes please read our blog on jewelry finishes and techniques.

Not only are hoop earrings one of the oldest styles of earrings, they are also one of the most popular, worn around the world in different cultures and countries. Hoop earrings are circular and look similar to the rings we wear on our fingers, except hoop earrings have some kind of opening so they can be passed through the ear piercing. They come in a variety of designs such as double hoops or half hoops, can have different ornamentation and closures, and can be made from a variety of metals.

Gold Twisted Hoop Earrings

When gemologists and jewelers talk of a gemstone’s hue, they are talking about its color. Hue is used in the Gemological Institute of Ameria’s (GIA) colored gem grading code and refers to the basic colors we see. The basic hues are red (R), orange (O), yellow (Y), green (G), blue (B), violet (V), and purple (P). When colors combine hues, the primary color is listed last and the modifying color is listed first. For example, a stone with a yellowish-green hue implies that the green hue is stronger than the yellow hue.

Huggies are small hoop earrings that sit close to or ‘hug’ your earlobe. They are typically thicker than standard hoop earrings with a lever-back closure so that the earring is secured by simply clicking into place. Since they are much smaller than standard hoop earrings they are more suited for everyday wear and almost any style. They can be made out of a variety of different metals and are often embellished with gemstones.

Pair of Huggie Earrings With Flush Set Gemstones

Hypoallergenic is used to refer to textile and cosmetic products that are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Jewelry can also be hypoallergenic if it is made from pure metals such as copper, gold, platinum, stainless or sterling silver, or titanium. If someone suspects they are allergic to jewelry, they should look for jewelry marked ‘nickel-free’ to make sure that there is no nickel in the jewelry even below its finish. For tips about determining if you have jewelry allergies, please read jewelry allergies.

The purpose of the illusion setting is to enhance the apparent size of the diamond. In this type of setting, the metal surrounding the diamond has patterns that look like the facets of the diamond. This gives the illusion of a larger diamond. Also, when the brilliance of the diamond reflects off these facets, it’s brilliance is enhanced as well. This is a popular and budget-friendly setting as well as one seen frequently in vintage-style jewelry.

In gemology, inclusions are foreign material such as crystals, fluids, or gasses that get trapped inside a mineral while it is being formed. Sometimes inclusions are so small they require a microscope to see. In contrast to external flaws, which are usually the result of some environmental factor, inclusions are internal; they can be solid, liquid, gaseous, or optical. Not all inclusions negatively affect the value of a gemstone. For example, the value of sapphires, rubies, and garnets can be enhanced by inclusions.

Inlay jewelry is a design technique where gemstones are inserted into channels specifically designed and carved into the piece for the gemstones. Unlike set jewelry that uses settings for gemstones, inlay jewelry doesn’t have settings. The gemstones are held in place in the channel by a special glue and the shape of the channels are designed to match the shape of the gemstones. For example, if a stone is round, the channel will also be round. If a stone is square, the channel will be square etc.

Ring With Heart-Shaped Center Stone Highlighted By a Surrounding Inlay Design

The reverse of a cameo, an intaglio is carved into the surface of a gemstone (or shell) to create a recessed image, pattern, design, or engraving. The technique dates back to antiquity, but is still popular today. For a period of time, intaglios were also used to make impressions or seals for important documents. Today, we most often see intaglios in signet rings, which have seen a resurgence in popularity.

Footprint Pendant With Intaglio Design

Created about 200 years ago, the invisible setting is a collection of small diamonds placed flush against each other and held in place by a hidden metal piece that secures the diamond. The result is a flat surface area of diamonds that look like there is no setting holding them in place. Because the setting is ‘invisible’ the collection of small diamonds appear like one large diamond. In this respect, the invisible setting is similar to the cluster setting.

Iridescence is a property in materials such as minerals and gemstones that creates a display of rainbow-like colors. The iridescence occurs when light reflects from structures within the material. The colors change according to the angle of observation and illumination. Opals are most well known for their iridescence, but it is also seen in other gemstones such as topaz, moonstone, and some pearls. The precious metal titanium also has iridescent qualities.

Jade is actually two separate ornamental gems: nephrite and jadeite. It is mostly known for its green coloring, but also appears naturally in other colors such as yellow and white. Qualities that increase its value are semi-transparent clarity and fine texture. Jade is generally sold by the piece rather than by weight and of the two jades, jadeite is more valuable than nephrite. Jade has been used since the earliest of times in jewelry, ornaments, sculptures and tools.

Jade Cabochon Ring With Diamond Accents

Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony. Jasper is rendered opaque because it contains a lot of impurities and foreign materials as opposed to agate which is also a form of chalcedony, but is translucent. The colors most often associated with jasper include brown, yellow, or reddish colors in addition to opaque colors of Chalcedony such as dark green, black or orange. Most jasper gemstones are multicolored and possess unique colored patterns.

A karat is a unit used to indicate purity in gold. 24-karat gold, for example, is pure gold. However, because pure gold is too soft for use, it is usually mixed with another type of metal such as copper or silver. If the metal used in a piece of jewelry is made of metal that is 18 parts gold and 6 parts copper, the metal is then 18-karat gold. A karat should not be confused with a carat, which is a unit of weight used to measure the size of a diamond or other gemstone.

A knife-edge shank or knife-edge band features a sharp edge that goes around the outer circumference of the shank’s edge. The edge runs down the center of the shank, effectively separating the band into two sections on each side of the edge. It provides a modern and distinctive look and can be created for bands that are plain and simple or embellished with detailing elements such as pave or milgrain. The knife-edge can go around just half the ring or the entire ring.

Solitaire Ring With a Knife-Edge Shank

A lariat necklace is a long, linear necklace between 30-50 inches long that has no clasp and is worn looped around the neck with open ends that can be tied loosely into a knot. The chain can also be wrapped around the neck several times. The linear drop is often embellished with a string of beads or a tassel. Lariat necklaces are also called Y necklaces because their outline is like the letter Y.

Lapis lazuli, also called lapis for short, is a deep-blue rock composed of lazurite, hauyne, sodalite, and nosean that is considered a semi-precious stone. Lapis is valued for its deep blue color, which it gets from the mineral lazurite. Its signature hue is a slightly greenish blue to violet blue. It is medium to dark in tone, and in its most prized form, has no visible calcite. Lapis lazuli with white calcite streaks is considered less valuable.

A small, ornamental pendant that opens to reveal a small space design to hold things of sentimental value like a photograph or lock of hair. Lockets are typically made of gold or silver and worn around a person’s neck on a chain. Lockets can also be worn as a charm attached to a bracelet, and come in a variety of shapes, the most popular being a heart shape. The locket usually has a hinge that allows it to open in close.

Diary Locket Pendant

Loose diamonds are the final diamond product after it has been cut and polished and is no longer a rough diamond straight from the mine. Loose diamonds are ready for sale and to be used in jewelry or as an investment. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as carat weights and qualities. Loose diamonds can also be found in the classic white color as well as in the fancy colors like pink, yellow and more.

The lost wax casting process is when a model is put into a steel flask that produces a mold when the wax is burned off. The mold that is created by this process is then filled with the precious metal material used to create the jewelry piece. With jewelry designs that use computer-aided design (CAD) to design the model of the jewelry piece, the model that is used for the lost-wax casting process is one that has been 3D printed.

In low-profile settings, the head of the ring, which holds the gemstone in place, sits close to the finger. This is in contrast to high settings where the stone is held up high and you can see space between the bottom tip of the stone and the band. The advantage of a low-profile setting is that it protects the gemstone more than a high-profile setting. On the other hand, high settings show off the ring’s center stone better than low settings.

Luster refers to the quality and quantity of light reflected from a gemstone’s surface. It is what gives gemstones their shiny, glass-like appearance. Most gemstones have luster and all metals have luster. There are two main types of luster: metallic and nonmetallic. Nonmetallic luster is broken down into several subtypes of luster: vitreous, resinous, pearly, greasy, silky, adamantine, dull, and wax. For gemstones, the most common luster is vitreous luster.

Malachite is gemstone with a vivid green color and a bright, polished luster. Malachite also exhibits patterned coloration, banding, and cat’s eye or chatoyancy. Malachite is frequently used in jewelry because of its lively green color and beautiful striations along its surface. Most malachite jewelry is in the form of earrings, bracelets, and pendants, but it is not considered hard enough for engagement rings. Most malachite is cut en cabochon. It is hardly ever faceted due to its softness and cleavage.

Dating back to the 18th century, the marquise cut is eye-shaped and features 58 facets. Although it began as a cut for diamonds, the marquise cut is also widely used for other precious gems too such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Its long, narrow shape has the effect of making the finger look longer and more slender. The cut also makes the gemstone look larger than it really is. The marquise cut is sometimes called a football-shaped cut.

Engagement Ring With 13 Marquise-Cut Gemstones

The matte finish, also called a satin finish, is lightly textured and absorbs, rather than reflects light. The effect is a sleek and organic looking piece of jewelry. The matte finish can be accomplished in several ways: sandblasting, engraving, or acid dipping. It can be used for jewelry made of gold, silver and other metals and is a popular choice for wedding rings. To learn more about different jewelry finishes, please read our article on jewelry finishes and techniques.

Micro-pavé is a type of pavé setting with pavé-set diamonds that uses very small, uniformly-shaped (typically less than 0.01 carat) diamonds. The diamonds sit very closely together and are secured via very small prongs. When pavé settings are used to accentuate the main stone, they create shimmer and sparkle and can make the center stone look larger than it actually is. The term ‘micro’ refers to the microscope that jewelers must use to cut and place the stones.

Crossover Pavé Cocktail Ring

Milgrain is a jewelry-detailing technique that adds texture and complexity to a piece of jewelry. With this technique, small, connected beads of metal are added along the jewelry piece’s borders to provide a delicate yet slightly sparkly look. Also spelled ‘millgrain’ or ‘milgraine’, the beads can come in a variety of sizes ranging from large enough to be very evident and integral to the design to so small you can barely see them. Milgrain is an especially popular look for engagement rings and wedding rings.

Tri Row Milgrain Wedding Ring

The Mohs Scale of Hardness measures a mineral’s relative hardness and resistance to scratching between other minerals. It is one of the most important tests for identifying minerals. The Mohs scale was developed in 1820 by Austrian mineralogist Frederick Mohs. It is a qualitative ordinal scale from 1 to 10. When testing hardness, it is important to determine that a scratch was actually made rather than just a mark that can be rubbed off.

Morganite is a variety of beryl that shows a range of pink and peach colors due to traces of manganese. Unlike other beryl, morganite does not usually occur in large sizes. It is a semi-precious stone. Morganite was discovered in Madagascar in 1910 and was named after American financier J.P. Morgan when Tiffany & Co. introduced it to the American market. Morganite is a semi-precious stone and is also known as pink beryl.

Lily Flower Ring With Morganite Center Stone

First discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, Moissanite is a near-colorless, naturally occurring gemstone composed of silicon carbide. It is favored by many because of its high refractive index, which is a technical term referring to how much a gem bends light. Moissanite’s high refractive index indicates that Moissanite has a lot of brilliance; it is even higher than a diamond’s brilliance. Moissanite also has a higher dispersion than a diamond, which means it reflects a more colored sparkle. Moissanite engagement rings are a popular alternative to diamond engagement rings. You can read our blog about Moissanite as an alternative to diamonds to learn more details about this beautiful gemstone.

Natural pearls develop in nature without the aid of human intervention. They are formed when an irritant somehow finds its way into the soft tissue of a mussel in an oyster. When this happens, the mussel protects itself with secretions that coat the irritant. After time, many layers are deposited on the irritant, becoming smooth and eventually forming a pearl. With cultured pearls, the process is the same, but human intervention starts the process.

Pearl Cocktail Ring With Ornate Shank

A necklace is an ornamental or decorative piece of jewelry worn around the neck. It can be made from a precious metal such as gold or silver, a length of beads or shells, or include gemstones, charms, or a pendant. The main component of the necklace, however, is the band or chain that wraps around the neck. Necklaces come in a variety of different lengths as well as different styles, such as chokers, lariats, and ropes.

Flowers And Leaves Diamond Necklace

Nickel is a hard, silver-white,, lustrous metal that is often used in alloys and to plate other metals. It has a wide range of applications and is used to make everything from wire and military equipment to coins, jewelry and more. In jewelry, nickel is often used in white gold along with zinc, and copper to increase its resistance to bending and scratching. Jewelers like to use nickel as an alloy because it is inexpensive and adds durability and luster to other metals. However, for many people, nickel is quite toxic and can cause an allergic reaction to jewelry with nickel.

One of the defining characteristics of opal is its wide range of patterns and color flashes. It is also a distinctly individual and diverse gemstone, more so than other gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires. Opals are semi-precious gems that are categorized as either precious opal or opalescent opal. There are also many varieties of each type. The main types are black, boulder, dendritic, Ethiopian, fire, opal doublets, opal triplets, Peruvian, and solid white.

Flower Opal Drop Earrings

The oval cut features a combined round brilliant and pear-shaped or marquise cut. It is a more modern look than the standard round brilliant cut but with the same amount of fire and brilliance. Because of their elongate shapes, oval cuts also make the finger look longer and more slender. A length-to-width ratio of 1.35 – 1.50 is considered a classic oval cut, but the ratios can vary. Oval-cut gems also appear to be larger than round-cut gemstones of the same carat weight.

Solitaire Ring With a Oval-Cut Gemstone

In basic terms, oxidation is a gain in oxygen that causes a change in the chemical substance of the oxidized material. In jewelry, oxidation is the discoloration or blackening that happens to a piece of jewelry. It is a type of corrosion that damages the surface of the metal. When a piece of jewelry comes in contact with moisture, acids, oil, or, air it can cause oxidation. Sometimes metals are intentionally oxidized to achieve a certain look. Oxidized silver and sterling silver, for example, are favored for their silver or black patina.

Palladium is a shiny, silvery-white, lustrous metal that is in the same group as platinum. (The others are ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and platinum). When used in jewelry, palladium, like gold and platinum, is alloyed with other metals, usually silver, copper, and zinc. It is a precious metal that was first used in jewelry in the late 1930s. While palladium looks very similar to platinum, it is considerably more lightweight. Palladium has grown increasingly popular for wedding bands in general as well as for men’s wedding bands.

A patina is a film that develops on the surface of metals such as copper and silver that causes discoloration. The patina develops over time as a result of exposure to the atmosphere. It is basically corrosion or oxidation of the metal’s surface and results in a sheen and different colors. Contemporary jewelry makers can duplicate and speed up this process to achieve the same coloring and sheen using special materials that create an ‘artificial’ patina.

Pronounced, pah-vay, the pavé setting uses a collection of small round gemstones to ‘pave’ the surface of the jewelry metal. Pavé is French for pavement, so it is appropriately named since it gives the appearance of metal paved with bright, sparkling gemstones and hides the metal from view. The effect is to enhance the overall design’s brilliance. There are 6 types of pavé settings: micro, u-cut, French, petite, bright cut, and scalloped.

Pear Shaped Pave Ring

On a faceted gem, its bottom or area below the girdle is called the pavilion. The pavilion is critical to how the stone reflects light and in fact, does most of the light reflection. While the pavilion can be cut and faceted in many different styles if it’s not cut at the right angles the stone’s performance will be dramatically diminished. Some of the pavilion styles used today include a modified-scissor cut pavilion, a step-cut pavilion, a princess-cut pavilion, and a round-brilliant cut pavilion.

Like a marquise-cut gemstone, a pear-cut gemstone has an elongated shape, with one end rounded and the other end pointed. It is a modified brilliant cut and has a versatile style making it good for a vintage, modern, or classic look. On the downside, pear-shaped gemstones tend to be delicate and easily chipped on the tapered end. The pear-shape cut is also referred to as a teardrop or pendeloque cut.

Pear Drop Pendant

A pendant is a small piece of jewelry or ornament that is suspended from a necklace chain or attached to a bracelet or anklet. The pendant is held to the chain by the bail (or bale). There are many different types of jewelry pendants such as charms and lockets. They can also be made of a variety of materials including precious metals, glass, gemstones, and shells. Pendants derived from the ancient practice of wearing amulets or talismans but today they are popular fashion accessories.

Pearl Flowers Pendant

Peridot is a semi-precious stone composed of iron and magnesium and the iron is what causes its beautiful green coloring. It is unique in that it only appears in one color – green. Peridot is also unique in that its color does not change even under artificial light. Peridot is also known as chrysolite and olivine. Peridot is one of the three August birthstones. The other two are spinel and sardonyx. For more interesting facts on peridot, feel free to read our blog on August birthstones.

Platinum is a naturally occurring white metal used for automobiles, electronics and jewelry. When used for jewelry, it is typically used in a near pure form ranging from 95%-98% purity. Platinum is almost identical looking to white gold, but it is rarer and much heavier than gold. It is also harder than gold so it can be used in a purer form than gold, which is too soft to use in its pure form.

The post is the straight part of an earring that passes through the ear piercing. It comes with a removable backing that slides over the post and holds it in place in the back of the ear and keeps the earring from falling out of the ear. Posts consist of a thin metal rod with the decorative part of the earring at one end. Because they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, the best metals for posts are nickel-free gold, platinum or sterling silver.

Earring Post

The primary precious metals are gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. They are used for a variety of industrial purposes, for investment and for jewelry making. When used in jewelry, precious metals are usually mixed with other metals to create alloys that are stronger and more durable. The term ‘fitness’ is used to refer to the proportion of pure precious metal in an alloy. Other important terms to know when talking about precious metals include ‘troy ounce’, which is used to determine the weight of the precious metal, and ‘karat’, which is used for gold to determine its purity.

Popularly used for engagement rings, the princess cut has a square (or rectangular) shape when looked at from above while if looked at from its sides, it looks like an upside-down pyramid. It is a modified brilliant cut and offers great fire and brilliance. Brilliant-cut gemstones work well in a variety of styles from modern to vintage and work well with just about any setting including three-stone rings, solitaires, halos, and channels.

Princess Cut Solitaire Ring

A promise ring is a ring given from one person to another in a romantic relationship as a symbol of commitment and exclusivity. It is not a replacement for an engagement ring but more like a placeholder for when two people are waiting or planning to get married at some point in the future. Unlike engagement rings and wedding bands, promise rings can be worn on any finger. Compared to the engagement ring, promise rings are more simple, with heart motifs, love knots and infinity symbols as the most popular styles.

Pavé Diamond Promise Ring

A prong setting, also called a claw setting, is a jewelry setting that holds a gemstone in place with tiny tines or bits of metal called claws or prongs. Claw settings typically have four to six prongs holding the gemstone in place, usually just above the girdle. The claw setting allows light to enter and pass through the exposed part of the stone, making it a good choice when you want to maximize brilliance.

Solitaire Ring With a Prong Setting

The quadrillion cut has a unique facet arrangement that creates a star-like appearance on the gemstone’s crown. It is square shaped and has 49 facets and sharp corners. The cut is trademarked by Ambar Diamonds Inc. The quadrillion cut is similar to the princess cut, but unlike the princess cut, which is cut for weight retention, the quadrillion cut is cut to maximize brilliance. Every quadrillion cut ring is stamped ‘Quad” on the shank or band and accompanied by a certificate.

The second most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, quartz, is an igneous rock consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen. There is a wide variety of quartz types, some of which are semi-precious stones such as rose quartz, smoky quartz, yellow citrine, amethyst, beryl, chalcedony, and many others. Cut, polished, and tumbled quartz stones are broadly used for jewelry. It is favored for its versatility and affordability.

The radiant cut is considered a non-traditional cut because it is the first square cut to have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern used on both the crown and the pavilion. The radiant cut’s silhouette is like an emerald cut, but the radiant cut exhibits far more brilliance and fire. Radiant cuts can be either square or rectangular and can be distinguished by the distinct way their corners are cut.

A riviere necklace consists of gemstones, in individual mountings, that continue all the way around, usually without any additional ornamentation. The gemstones are all of the same type and size or will graduate smoothly in size. The style was first made popular in the eighteenth century. The necklace takes its name from the French word ‘riviere’ which translates to ‘river’ in English. Hence, the necklace is like a river of gems.

The rope chain features a continuous row of two or three links of precious metal, in a twisting pattern, that are spiraled together, but not completely joined. The twist creates a textured, woven effect similar to that of a rope. Rope chains are used for necklaces, bracelets, and anklets and is one of the most durable and heaviest chain types. They come in a variety of widths and lengths and are excellent for necklaces with pendants because of their durability.

Rose gold is a blend or an alloy made from pure 24-karat yellow gold, copper, and silver. The copper is what gives rose gold its glowing, pinkish color. The mix of metals is what gives rose gold its durability, which is more durable than white gold or yellow gold. Pure 24-karat, or yellow gold, is the base for all of the gold colors and qualities, but its pure state is too malleable to be used for jewelry.

Also known as hyaline quartz, rose quartz is a pink form of quartz. Its color can range from very light and almost imperceptible pink to rich, translucent pink. Rose quartz is most often cut into cabochons or beads in a way that can display its rich pink color. Some rose quartz, if cut in the correct way, will also display asterism in the form of a six-ray star. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.

The most popular diamond shape on the market and known for its brilliance, the round-brilliant cut showcases 58 different facets of a gemstone and is cut to maximize its brilliance. It is also popular for other transparent gemstones, accounting for over 75% of the gemstones sold today. Anything that is not a round cut is called a fancy cut. The cut was originally introduced at the end of the 17th century and evolved over time to its present form, which originated in the early 1900s. The round-brilliant cut also has a high degree of fire.

The ruby is one of the four precious gemstones along with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. It is distinguished by its deep and lustrous red color. It is an extremely hard and durable gemstone, registering 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Almost all rubies have flaws so finding one without any imperfections is extremely rare. They have been found all over the world, but most of the finest rubies were mined in Myanmar.

Ruby Ring With Accent Stones on a Gold Band

Saltwater pearls, like freshwater pearls, are formed when an irritant lodges inside the mantle tissue of a mollusk. This causes the mollusk tissue to secrete a substance that eventually develops into a pearl. Unlike freshwater pearls, however, saltwater pearls are formed in a saline environment. Saltwater pearls are also usually more round than freshwater cultured pearls. The most common types of saltwater pearls are cultured saltwater Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls, and Tahitian pearls.

One of the four precious gemstones, the sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. Although they come in a variety of colors, such as green, pink, purple, white, and yellow, sapphires are mostly known for their striking blue color. Generally, the more uniform and intense the color, the more valuable the sapphire. Sapphires are highly valued because of their excellent color, durability, hardness, and luster. The most valuable Sapphire color is cornflower blue aka Kashmir Sapphire.

In jewelry the satin finish is a type of subtle matte finish that resembles a brushed finish but feels smooth and polished to the touch rather than bumpy and textured. While the satin finish is polished, it is not as polished as a mirrored finish so you cannot see your reflection on its surface. The satin finish is a popular choice for people who like a contemporary look. Feel free to read our blog on different jewelry finishes to learn more.

A screw back is a type of earring back consisting of a threaded post and nut that secures the post inserted through the ear piercing to the back of the ear lobe. It is the most secure type of earring back because it cannot be pulled off. To remove the earring, the screw back has to be completely unscrewed and removed from the post. They are good for children and toddlers and for earrings with expensive gemstones because they minimize the chances of the earring falling off the ear.

The mounting of a ring refers to the process of setting the main or center stone of a ring. When a ring is only semi-mounted it means it is only partially or half mounted. Thus it is only halfway complete. When a ring is only semi-mounted, it does not have its center stone in place although the accent stones that surround the center or embellish other parts of the piece as well as other setting details are finished.

In jewelry, setting refers to the type of metal base that is used to hold a gemstone in place. Settings styles are designed to enhance a stone’s beauty and brilliance. In addition to preference, the setting is generally based on a gemstones’ cut and proportion. The best settings will enhance the stone’s cut, clarity, and color as well. There are many different types of settings, but the most popular is the prong or claw setting. Our blog ‘Getting to Know Engagement Ring Settings’ provides a more in-depth explanation and look at the different jewelry settings.

The shank refers to the band of the ring. It is the portion of the ring that encircles the finger. It’s base is opposite the head of the ring where the center stone would sit. Shanks come in many different styles and widths and are an important design element of the ring, affecting its overall look. Some of the more popular shanks are the bypass, tapered, knife-edge, split, and straight shank.

In jewelry, the ‘shoulders’ refer to the sloping sides on each side of a ring that lead to the center design or head of the ring. It is the transition point between the ring’s setting and the rest of the band. The ring’s shoulder can be designed in a number of ways. It can taper, split, widen or have a cathedral design. The shoulders can also be embellished with gemstones or intricate design details.

The defining feature of signet rings is an engraved or raised symbol such as a series of words or letters or an image on its top surface that is associated with the wearer in some way. The image can be a job title, a rank, the name of an organization or a school, names, or initials. While signet rings were at one time worn as a status symbol, today they are worn as a fashionable way to express your identity and individuality.

Gold Signet Ring With Raised Symbol

Silver is one of the nine precious metals (the others being gold, iridium, palladium, platinum, osmium, rhenium, rhodium and ruthenium). It is a lustrous, soft white metal and is often used in the production of coins, electronics, jewelry, and a range of other objects. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and while beautiful, is too soft and malleable for most uses, so it is usually alloyed with copper to create sterling silver.

Also known as a Brazilian chain, the snake chain is made up of a series of small rings that are tightly connected to one another, forming a smooth, sleek-looking chain. It gets its name because the chain’s movement is similar to the flexible movement of a snake. In contrast to open link chains, snake chains have a solid appearance and do not tangle easily. They also have a highly textural appearance.

A solitaire setting is a type of setting where the ring has only one gemstone. There are no extra diamonds or gemstones on the sides of the center stone or along the ring’s band. The gemstone is typically held in place by four to six prongs, which can be flat, pointed, rounded, or V-shaped. The bezel setting, which secures the diamond with a metal band that surrounds its outline, is another popular choice for solitaires. The solitaire setting is considered a classic and is suitable for any shape or size.

Peg Head Twisted Solitaire Bridal Ring Set

South Sea pearls are the rarest of all pearls for several reasons. They are cultured in a limited geographic area (primarily along the northwest coast of Australia and some in the Philippines and Indonesia); they are larger than most other pearls, and they take longer to grow. South Sea pearls are also the most expensive of all the pearls. They also have a higher than average nacre, which makes them more lustrous than other pearls.

Spinel is a colored gemstone that comes in numerous colors and nicknamed ‘the great imposter’ because spinels and rubies were thought to be the same stone for hundreds of years. In its pure form, spinel is colorless, but when trace elements acting as chromophores (such as chromium, iron, and cobalt) are present, spinel can take on many beautiful colors. Unlike other jewelry gems where the colorless variety is the least expensive, colorless spinel is rarer than colored spinel, making the colorless stone a valuable collector’s gem.

A split shank is a cleaved band that splits into two (or even three) separate bands before joining the crown of the ring. There is a range of variations of the split shank, such as the multi-row split shank, the twisted split shank, and the plain split shank. Some rings are designed so that the shank is embellished with accent stones, often in a pave setting. Others are designed so the separate bands of the shank meet at a halo setting surrounding a center stone. The split shank is a very versatile design element popularly used for engagement rings.

Turtle Ring With Filigree Details Atop a Split Shank

Stackable rings are rings that can be layered and worn with other rings. They can be mixed and matched with a variety of ring styles, widths, and design elements. An engagement ring worn with the wedding band is an example of stackable rings, but ring stacking is not limited to an engagement ring and wedding ring pairing. Stackable rings can be worn on any finger and multiple fingers at the same time.

Stackable Rings With Princess-Cut Gemstones

Stainless steel is an alloy made from iron and chromium. While components and ratios can vary, stainless steel must contain at least 10.5% chromium. All stainless steels have a high resistance to corrosion due to the naturally occurring chromium-rich oxide on their surface. Stainless steels are also remarkably resistant to heat. This strong resistance to heat and corrosion makes stainless steel suitable for many different applications, including jewelry. Surgical steel, a variety of stainless steel, is also frequently used for body piercing jewelry.

Step-cut gemstones are usually square or rectangular shaped with facets that run the length of the gemstone parallel to one another. The step cut takes its name from its facets, which look like steps because of their arrangement. In step cuts, the facets are typically larger than brilliant-cut diamonds. The emerald cut is the most well-known type of step cut, but there is also the Asscher cut and the baguette cut.

Sterling silver is a metal alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or zinc, and occasionally nickel. (Pure silver, or fine silver, is 99.9% pure elemental silver.) Sterling silver is more durable and less soft than pure silver, so it has a broader range of uses, such as different household items in addition to jewelry. It is also more affordable than pure silver. To know if an item is truly sterling silver, look for a stamped mark of “925”, “92.5”, “.925”, or ‘ss”.

Stud earrings are small pieces of jewelry consisting of a post that is inserted through a pierced hole in the ear and held in place by backing, usually a type of clutch. Studs do not dangle down from the ear and usually have a simple design such as a small gemstone or pearl set in gold or silver. They are the first type of earring used when you first get your ears pierced but remain as a staple in most earring collections as they are easy and comfortable to wear.

Half-Bezel Gemstone Stud Earring

In jewelry, the term “table” refers to the flat surface on the top of a gemstone or the top of the gemstone’s crown. Its physical size depends on the overall size of the gemstone, which is why the table percentage is measured when grading the gemstone’s cut. To get the table percentage, the width of the table is divided by the width of the widest part of the stone. The table should be between 53% and 67% of the girdle diameter.

Tahitian pearls are cultivated primarily near the islands of French Polynesia of which the most famous island is Tahiti, hence the name. While they are often called black pearls, Tahitian pearls actually come in a range of colors from grey to black to brown, or can even have hints of blue, green, purple, or pink. Out of all the pearl variants, Tahitian pearls are considered to be the rarest and most valuable. They grow inside the pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera.

As its name suggests, tanzanite is found only in Tanzania and is so rare it is only found in a specific region of Tanzania – near Mount Kilimanjaro. Its coloring is exotic ranging from lush blue to deep violets and rich purples. Tanzanite is a trichoic stone so it reflects different colors. It has been described as a geological phenomenon and is 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. It is one of the most valuable and sought-after gems today.

Tanzanite Characteristics

A tension setting uses the tension exerted by the metal ends of a band to hold a gemstone in place, creating the appearance of a stone floating between two pieces of metal. It is a minimalist design setting with a sleek and modern look. While the setting looks like it doesn’t secure the gemstone well, it is actually secure and safe, and the risk of the stone falling out is low.

Solitaire Tension Ring

In a three-stone setting, a gemstone is set on each side of a larger, center stone and highlights its size and brilliance. The gemstones can be all of one type or a mix of stones. The three-stone setting can also be designed for any type of precious metal and be paired with other settings such as a pavé band. They are a popular choice for engagement rings. To learn more about different engagement ring settings, we suggest you read our article ‘Getting to Know Engagement Ring Settings’.

Engagement Ring With Three-Stone Setting

Titanium is a strong, white, silvery metal that is resistant to corrosion as well as lustrous. It is used in a variety of industries including medicine, sports, electronics and jewelry. Titanium is a good metal choice for jewelry because it is not only strong, lightweight, and naturally resistant to corrosion, but also very attractive as well as hypoallergenic. It also lasts well and maintains its appearance for a lifetime. These qualities are what make titanium a popular choice for wedding rings.

The topaz is a semi-precious stone and is a rare silicate mineral. Because it has a good hardness and comes in a variety of beautiful colors such as golden yellow, blue, pink, red and more, it is an ideal gem for jewelry. Its value is mostly affected by its color, although clarity and size are relevant too. Topaz is different from citrine, which is a quartz and often misidentified as Topaz. With a Mohs hardness of 8, Topaz is also harder than citrine, which has a hardness of 7.

Tourmaline is a semi-precious gemstone and has an exceptionally wide range of colors including colorless, black, greenish blue, bluish green, green, blue, red, and violet. The most sought-after tourmaline color is the pink/red variety and is also known as rubellite. It is composed of crystalline boron silicate compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. It’s hardness and durability make it very well suited for jewelry.

A trellis setting is a type of prong setting where four interweaving prongs are shaped to hold the center gemstone in place. The prongs cross the setting, overlapping from each side. This type of setting adds detail to the sides of the ring because when viewed from the side, the prongs form an X, similar to a garden trellis. It is suitable for many styles including three-stone rings, split shanks, accent stones etc.

A trillion cut is a triangular type of gemstone cut composed of three equal sides. Originally the trillion cut referred to a diamond cut developed by the Asscher brothers, but it has since become popular to use it for colored gemstones as well. It can have many variations, including curved sides and different table shapes. Today, the term can be applied to all triangular cut gemstones, including triangular-shaped cabochons, regardless of the faceting.

A rare, natural mineral, Tungsten is one of the toughest materials on earth. It is rated 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is extremely dense and nearly impossible to melt. It is 5 times harder than tool steel and 4 times harder than titanium. Tungsten has an attractive silver-white sheen and is similar in appearance to platinum and white gold. It is a popular choice for men’s wedding rings because it provides a modern look and is extremely durable.

Turquoise is a bright blue to blue-green mineral and is formed by a combination of aluminum, copper, phosphorus, and water as well as other local ingredients that can affect its color. It is a semi-precious stone, formed over millions of years, and is popularly used in jewelry. There are numerous varieties of turquoise and they are generally known by the location where they were found. It also comes in several shades of blue and green such as sky blue, mid range blues, deep blue, blue-green, vivid green, sea green and leaf green. When valuing turquoise, color and saturation are critical.

An ultrasonic cleaner is a small device that uses high frequency sound waves to clean dirt particles, oil and tarnish. The sound waves create bubbles and vibrations in water that remove the dirt and grime that collects on your jewelry. Ultrasonic cleaners are more effective than standard jewelry cleaning methods such as a small brush and soapy water because they reach into the crevices and cavities that brushes can’t. Our blog on how to clean fine jewelry provides specific cleaning tips for different metals and stones as well as information on ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.

In general terms, vintage describes things that are not new, but are recognized as having a lasting importance, quality and style from the past. Vintage jewelry is different from antique jewelry in terms of age and value, but it can still be collectable. Feel free to read our article on the difference between vintage and antique jewelry to learn more about both categories of jewelry. Note that vintage-style or antique-style jewelry is not the same as actual vintage or antique jewelry, but rather are recreations of those styles.

A wedding band or wedding ring is a ring worn around the ring finger (located between the 3rd and 5th digits) of your left hand to indicate that you are married. Wedding rings are usually forged from precious metal and are given during the wedding ceremony in contrast to engagement rings, which are given during the proposal for marriage. Traditionally, wedding bands are simpler and more subtle than engagement rings.

Ornate Leaf Diamond Wedding Ring

Originally developed as an imitation of platinum, white gold is composed of approximately 75% pure yellow gold and 25% of a metal alloy with a silvery color such as nickel, palladium or silver. Along with yellow gold, white gold is one of the most popular precious metal choices for engagement rings. In terms of their purity, they are the same. For example, 18 karat (18k) white gold and 18k yellow gold have the same level of purity.

White topaz is a natural, colorless variety of topaz and is a semi-precious stone. While topaz exists in many colors, in its purest form it is transparent whereas the colored varieties of topaz are a result of impurities. Compared to other precious and semi-precious stones, white topaz is considerably less expensive, which makes it an attractive substitute for diamonds. Please feel free to read about the diamond simulants to find out which alternatives to diamonds we can offer you.

Yellow gold is the purest form of gold, but it is still alloyed with copper and zinc. In contrast, white gold is alloyed with white metals such as silver or nickel and rose gold is alloyed with copper. The more yellow a piece of gold, the more pure it is. However, the more pure, the less durable. Gold purity is measured in karats with the higher the karat amount, the greater the purity.

Zinc is a shiny, naturally-occuring, bluish-white metal that is often used as an alloy for jewelry. It is rarely used in its pure form. Brass is the most common zinc alloy, but it is also a component of the nickel-copper alloy known as nickel silver. It is lead free, versatile and low cost so it is frequently used in jewelry components. Zinc alloy is also sometimes referred to as Tibetan silver.

Zircon is a beautiful, natural, and colorful semi-precious gemstone and resembles a diamond. It occurs in an array of colors from yellow to green, to red, reddish brown, and blue. Because of its name, it is sometimes confused with cubic zirconia, but they are two very different gemstones in terms of their chemical and structural properties as well as appearance. Zircon is also one of December’s three birthstones.