Jewellery Glossary

A–C

A

Accent Gemstones – Small stones that highlight and enhance the main gemstone in a design.

Agate – A semi-precious stone known for its distinctive layers and earthy tones.

Alexandrite – A rare gemstone that changes colour under different lighting.

Alloy – A blend of metals used to strengthen gold or silver.

Amber – Fossilised tree resin admired for its golden hues.

Amethyst – A purple quartz symbolising clarity and calm.

Amulet – A charm or pendant believed to bring protection or good luck.

Anchor Chain – A strong chain design with oval, evenly spaced links.

Antique Jewellery – Pieces over 100 years old, valued for their craftsmanship and history.

Aquamarine – A pale blue gemstone representing serenity and self-expression.

Arabic Name Necklace – A custom gold or diamond necklace featuring a name in Arabic script.

Art Deco – A design style from the 1920s–30s featuring bold geometric shapes.

Art Nouveau – A style inspired by nature, curves, and the female form.

Assay – The testing of metal purity, often indicated by a hallmark.

Atelier – A jeweller’s workshop where pieces are handmade with precision.

B

Bail – The loop that connects a pendant to its chain.

Band Ring – A ring with a uniform width, sometimes set with stones.

Bangle – A rigid bracelet, worn singly or stacked.

Baroque Pearl – An irregularly shaped pearl prized for its individuality.

Basket Setting – A prong setting that allows light to reach the gemstone.

Bezel Setting – A setting where a thin rim of metal encircles the stone.

Birthstone – A gemstone associated with one’s month of birth.

Blue Topaz – A radiant blue stone symbolising protection and peace.

Bracelet – A decorative piece worn around the wrist, often personalised.

Brass – A gold-coloured metal alloy of copper and zinc.

Brilliant Cut – A popular gemstone cut designed for maximum sparkle.

Brushed Finish – A soft, satin-like texture that diffuses shine.

Bespoke Design – Jewellery custom-made to your specifications and story.

C

Cabochon – A gemstone cut with a smooth, rounded top and flat back.

Cameo – A carved design in relief, traditionally in shell or stone.

Carat (Gemstone Weight) – The unit of weight for gemstones (1 carat = 200 mg).

Carat / Karat (Gold Purity) – A measure of gold content; 24k is pure gold.

Cathedral Setting – A raised ring design that arches elegantly toward the centre stone.

Chain – A series of linked metal loops forming necklaces and bracelets.

Channel Setting – Stones set closely in a groove with no prongs.

Charm – A miniature pendant often worn for symbolic meaning.

Choker – A short necklace sitting snugly at the neck.

Citrine – A yellow quartz symbolising joy and prosperity.

Clarity – The measure of a gemstone’s internal perfection.

Clasp – The fastening mechanism for securing necklaces or bracelets.

Cluster Setting – A group of smaller stones surrounding a central gem.

Cocktail Ring – A bold statement ring with a large gemstone.

Custom Jewellery – Jewellery made uniquely for an individual client.

D–F

D

Dainty Necklace – A delicate chain with a subtle pendant, ideal for layering.

Date Bracelet – A bracelet engraved with a significant date.

Diamond – The hardest natural material and the symbol of lasting love.

Diamond Setting – The technique used to secure diamonds in a design.

Dog Tag Necklace – A rectangular pendant, often engraved with initials or names.

Double Initial Necklace – A custom necklace featuring two initials intertwined.

Drop Earrings – Earrings that hang below the earlobe for elegant movement.

Design Preview – A digital or wax model shown before crafting begins.

E

Ear Cuff – A non-pierced earring that wraps around the ear’s edge.

Edwardian Era – Early 1900s jewellery known for filigree and delicate motifs.

Emerald – A rich green gemstone symbolising growth and harmony.

Enamel – Coloured glass fused to metal for decorative detail.

Engraving – Personalised text or design etched into jewellery.

Eternity Ring – A band of continuous stones representing eternal love.

Ethical Gold – Gold sourced responsibly to ensure fair labour and environmental care.

F

Facet – A flat, polished surface that enhances a gem’s sparkle.

Filigree – Fine metalwork twisted into intricate patterns.

Fine Craftsmanship – The meticulous artistry behind every handmade piece.

Finish – The surface texture of a metal, from matte to high polish.

Fire – The rainbow flashes seen when light passes through a diamond.

Flush Setting – A sleek setting where the stone sits level with the surface.

Freshwater Pearl – Pearls cultivated in freshwater mussels, admired for their variety.ements, or welcome customers to your store.

G–I

G

Garnet – A deep red gemstone symbolising love and vitality.

Gemstone – A precious or semi-precious mineral cut for adornment.

Genuine Stone – A natural gemstone, not lab-made or simulated.

GIA – The Gemological Institute of America, a leader in gem certification.

Girdle – The widest edge of a gemstone separating top and bottom facets.

Gold (14k / 18k) – Solid gold alloys ideal for durable fine jewellery.

Gold Vermeil – Thick gold plating over sterling silver.

Granulation – Tiny decorative gold beads fused onto a surface.

Green Amethyst – A light green quartz gemstone symbolising calmness.

H

Hallmark – An official stamp verifying metal purity and authenticity.

Halo Setting – A ring style where small diamonds encircle a centre stone.

Handcrafted Jewellery – Jewellery individually made by skilled artisans.

Hammered Finish – A textured surface that catches light uniquely.

Herkimer Diamond – Double-terminated quartz crystals resembling diamonds.

Hidden Bail – A concealed loop giving pendants a “floating” look.

Hoop Earrings – Circular earrings that loop through the ear.

Hypoallergenic – Jewellery safe for sensitive skin, often nickel-free.

I

Inclusion – A natural internal characteristic within a gemstone.

Initial Necklace – A pendant showcasing one’s initial in gold or diamond.

Intaglio – A design carved into a gemstone, often for signet rings.

Inlay – Decorative material set into the surface of metal.

Invisible Setting – Stones set seamlessly without visible metal prongs.

Investment Jewellery – Fine pieces crafted to retain and appreciate in value.

J–L

J

Jade – A green gemstone representing peace and wisdom.

Jump Ring – A small circular connector used in jewellery assembly.

Jewellery Care – The proper cleaning and storage to preserve your pieces.

Jewellery with Meaning – Jewellery created to represent personal stories or milestones.

K

Karat (K) – A measure of gold purity; 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75% pure.

Kinetic Jewellery – Pieces designed with subtle movement or rotation.

L

Lab-Grown Diamond – A real diamond created ethically in a lab environment.

Lapis Lazuli – A royal blue gemstone prized since ancient Egypt.

Lariat Necklace – A long, clasp-free necklace looped into a knot.

Layered Necklace – Multiple necklaces of varying lengths worn together.

Lifetime Jewellery – Fine pieces made to endure everyday wear and last generations.

Locket – A pendant that opens to hold a photo or tiny keepsake.

Love Token – A sentimental gift symbolising affection or memory.

M–O

M

Made-to-Order – Jewellery crafted specifically upon request.

Mama Necklace – A personalised pendant celebrating motherhood.

Marquise Cut – A gemstone cut with pointed ends and curved sides.

Matinee Necklace – Mid-length necklace resting at the chest.

Micro Pavé Setting – Minute diamonds set closely together for fine sparkle.

Minimalist Design – Clean, understated styles ideal for daily wear.

Modern Heirloom – A timeless design created to be passed down.

Moissanite – A brilliant diamond alternative known for sparkle.

Mother of Pearl – Iridescent layer inside oyster shells, used for inlays.

N

Name Necklace – A custom necklace featuring a chosen name or word.

Nacre – The natural material forming pearls and mother-of-pearl.

Necklace Length Guide – Standard sizing from choker to opera lengths.

Name Ring – A personalised ring engraved or shaped with a name.

O

Old English Name Necklace – A name necklace in classic Old English script.

Onyx – A black gemstone symbolising strength and grounding.

Opal – A gemstone displaying a spectrum of rainbow colours.

Organic Design – Natural, flowing shapes inspired by the earth.

Oxidised Finish – A darkened metal effect adding vintage depth.

P–R

P

Palladium – A precious white metal similar to platinum.

Pavé Setting – Small stones set close together for a shimmering surface.

Patina – The natural colour change that develops on metals over time.

Pearl – A lustrous gem formed inside molluscs, symbolising purity.

Pendant – A charm or ornament suspended from a chain.

Peridot – A light green stone symbolising joy and prosperity.

Personalised Jewellery – Jewellery uniquely crafted to reflect your story.

Polish and Finish – The final surface treatment for brilliance and smoothness.

Precious Metals – Rare, valuable metals such as gold, silver, and platinum.

Princess Cut – A square, faceted diamond cut offering exceptional sparkle.

Promise Ring – A ring symbolising commitment before engagement.

Q

Quartz – A versatile mineral available in many colours, from clear to smoky.

R

Red Gold / Rose Gold – Gold alloyed with copper for a warm pink hue.

Refining – The process of purifying metal to its purest state.

Remount – Resetting gemstones into a new jewellery design.

Repairs and Resizing – Services to maintain and adjust fine jewellery.

Rhodium Plating – A reflective white finish often used on white gold.

Ring Guard – A frame that secures another ring, often for protection.

Riviera Necklace – A necklace featuring graduated gemstones.

Ruby – A deep red gemstone representing passion and strength.

S–U

S

Safety Clasp – An additional locking mechanism for security.

Sapphire – A gemstone symbolising wisdom and fidelity, often deep blue.

Satin Finish – A smooth matte surface with understated shine.

Scalloped Setting – A wavy-edged setting that enhances sparkle.

Script Name Necklace – A name necklace in elegant script font.

Sentimental Jewellery – A piece connected to memory or emotion.

Setting – The metal framework securing a gemstone.

Side Stones – Additional gems flanking a central stone.

Signet Ring – A flat-topped ring engraved with initials or symbols.

Silver / Sterling Silver – A bright, precious metal often used in fine jewellery.

Simulated Gemstone – A man-made gem resembling a natural one.

Snake Chain – A sleek, flexible chain made of tightly linked plates.

Solid Gold – Pure gold alloy throughout, not plated.

Sustainability – Responsible production prioritising ethics and longevity.

T

Table (Gemstone Top) – The flat upper facet of a cut stone.

Tanzanite – A violet-blue gemstone found only in Tanzania.

Tarnish – Natural dulling of metal from exposure to air.

Tennis Bracelet – A flexible line of diamonds around the wrist.

Three-Stone Ring – A ring symbolising past, present, and future.

Timeless Design – Classic pieces that never go out of style.

Tourmaline – A multicoloured gemstone symbolising compassion.

Tricolour Gold – A mix of yellow, white, and rose gold tones.

Turquoise – A blue-green stone believed to bring luck and serenity.

Two-Tone Jewellery – Jewellery combining two metal colours.

V–Z

V

Vermeil – Thick gold plating over sterling silver for durability.

Victorian Era – 19th-century jewellery known for romance and symbolism.

Vintage Name Necklace – A retro-inspired personalised design.

V-Prong Setting – A prong shaped like a “V,” ideal for pointed stones.

W

Wedding Band – A ring symbolising unity, worn during marriage.

White Gold – Gold alloyed with white metals for a silvery finish.

Wire Wrapping – A jewellery-making technique using wire to hold stones.

Work-Hardened Metal – Metal strengthened by shaping and hammering.

Women’s Jewellery – Jewellery designed to express feminine elegance.

Y

Yellow Gold – Classic golden alloy with warm undertones.

Y-Chain Necklace – A necklace forming a “Y” shape that elongates the neckline.

Looking for something specific or ready to personalise a piece? Explore our name and initial designs, or speak with the argent + asher atelier about creating a modern heirloom that tells your story.