Confused And Need Some Jewelry Definitions?

Jewelry Terms can make the task of choosing an engagement ring or any piece of jewelry more difficult if you don't know what any of the words mean.

To help with this unfortunate dilemma, and to introduce you to the ever so exciting world of jewelry, we have prepared a list of some terms you should be familiar with!

You might call this 'The Ultimate Jewelry Appendix'

These terms can be separated into two main sections:

Material

• Karat (K) - A measure of the purity of gold alloys, where 24 karats represents pure gold, and lower values indicate the presence of other metals in the alloy.
  

• Hallmark - A mark or series of marks stamped on precious metal jewelry to certify the content of noble metals such as gold, silver, or platinum.
  

• Setting - The method by which a gemstone is held in place in a piece of jewelry.
  

• Prong Setting - A common type of setting where metal prongs extend up and over the gemstone to secure it in place.
  

• Bezel Setting - A setting in which a rim of metal surrounds the perimeter of the gemstone, holding it in place.
  

• Pavé Setting - A setting style where small diamonds or gemstones are set closely together, covering the surface with a pavement of gems.
  

• Alloy - A mixture of metals. Gold jewelry is often made from an alloy of gold mixed with other metals to enhance its strength and durability.
  

• Rhodium Plating - A process of coating jewelry with a layer of rhodium, a precious metal, to increase shine, luster, and durability.

Stone Details

• Moissanite - A rare, naturally occurring mineral that is often used as a diamond alternative in jewelry due to its similar appearance and excellent hardness. Most moissanite sold today is lab-grown.
  

• Lab-Grown Diamonds - Diamonds that have been created in a laboratory setting, mimicking the natural conditions under which diamonds form. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
  

• Natural Diamonds - Diamonds that have been formed naturally within the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions.
  

• Clarity - A measure of the internal and external imperfections of a diamond or gemstone. Clarity grades range from flawless (no imperfections) to included (visible imperfections).
  

• Cut - Refers to the quality of a gemstone’s shape, proportions, symmetry, and polish, which affects its overall appearance and brilliance.
  

• Color - In the context of diamonds, color refers to the presence or absence of color in white diamonds. Color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light color).
  

• Carat Weight - A measure of a diamond or gemstone’s weight, with one carat being equivalent to 200 milligrams.

And Some not so important but good to know...

• Blemish: Imperfections found on the surface of a gemstone or diamond, affecting its overall appearance and value.
  

• Brilliance: The amount of light that is reflected back to the viewer from the interior of a diamond or gemstone, contributing to its sparkle.
  

• Culet: The small or pointed facet at the bottom of a gemstone or diamond, which can affect the stone’s overall appearance and durability.
  

• Facet: The flat, polished surfaces on a gemstone or diamond that allow light to enter and reflect, contributing to the stone’s brilliance and fire.
  

• Fire: The dispersion of light into the colors of the visible spectrum, seen as flashes of color in a gemstone or diamond.
  

• Fluorescence: The visible light some diamonds emit when they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Fluorescence can affect the color appearance of the diamond.
  

• Girdle: The outer edge or perimeter of a gemstone or diamond, which can affect the stone’s setting and durability.
  

• Luster: The quality and amount of light a gemstone or pearl reflects from its surface and internal layers.
  

• Pavilion: The lower portion of a gemstone or diamond, below the girdle, which can influence the stone’s optical effects and how light travels within it.
  

• Symmetry: The precision and alignment of a gemstone or diamond’s facets, affecting its overall appearance and light performance.
  

• Table: The top facet of a gemstone or diamond, which plays a significant role in the stone’s light performance and appearance.
  

• Tension Setting: A setting style in which the gemstone is held in place by the pressure of the band’s metal, which is engineered to squeeze the stone.
  

• Loupe: A small magnification device used to inspect gemstones and diamonds for clarity, inclusions, and workmanship.
  

• Inclusion: Internal flaws or characteristics within a gemstone or diamond, which can affect its clarity and value.

The Final Score

Although you dont need to know these definitions as if you're writing a final exam, they're good to know and would help you when asking questions about your special item. Buying jewelry for that special someone or even for yourself shouldn't be a task that you just need to get done. Enjoy the experience! And remember, if you need help deciding what you should get or would like to order a custom designed item, reach out to us by booking a FREE virtual appointment!