14 Karat This gold
is 14 parts of gold to 10 parts other metals, such as copper, nickel, etc.
The gold content of a piece of jewellery is measured in Karats, which can
range from 1 to 24. This level of purity in Gold is quite common in the
West, a lot of the jewellery produced there is of this karatage.
18 Karat (18k) gold
is 18 parts of gold to 6 parts other metals, such as copper, nickel, etc.
The gold content of a piece of jewellery is measured in Karats, which can
range from 1 to 24. 18 Karat gold is the most widely used gold to produce
studded jewellery. This is so because 22 karat is too soft to set any
stones.
22 Karat (22k) gold
is 22 parts of gold to 2 parts of other metals, such as copper, nickel,
etc. The gold content of a piece of jewellery is measured in Karats, which
can range from 1 to 24. 22 karat is most widely used in India to make gold
jewellery.
24 Karat (24k) gold
is pure gold containing no other metals. The gold content of a piece of
jewellery is measured in Karats, which can range from 1 to 24. 24 karat is
the purest karatage of Gold. Coins and other Bullion is usually of this
karatage
Alloy
Alloy is a metallurgical term that refers to a mixture
of two or more metals. Most metals used in jewellery are alloyed together,
either to alter the metal's color, or to give it greater strength.
Baguettes
Baguettes are small, rectangular-shaped stones with
facets.
Band
A band is simply a ring that is the same width all the
way around.
Bangle
A bangle is a stiff bracelet that slips over the hand or
is clasped on.
Bead
A bead is a stone cut into a small sphere shape.
Beveled
Beveled is the name given to an angled part or surface.
This is usually an angle other than a right angle.
Bezel
A bezel is any part that incorporates a continuous
groove to fit something, generally a stone. The metal at the top of the
groove is then burnished over the edge of the mounted item to hold it,
forming a setting.
Birthstones
Each month has a particular gemstone associated with it,
called a birthstone.
Brilliant cut
A cutting style in diamonds that creates a round stone
having 57 or 58 facets that are mathematically devised to produce the
greatest brilliance. Also called a full cut.
Brooch
A brooch is an ornamental piece of jewellery with a pin
and clasp that allows it to be attached to clothing.
Cable Chain
A style of chain whose links are round and uniform in
size.
Cabochon
A domed gemstone with a highly polished, curved surface
and no faceting. Seen often in rings.
Carat
Carat is a unit of weight for gemstones. 100 points
equal one Carat. One Carat equals one-fifth of a gram. This term is often
confused with karat, which is a measure of the purity of gold.
Chain
A chain is a series of connected loops, links, rings, or
beads used to create bracelets or necklaces.
Channel Setting
In a channel setting, two strips of metal (gold,
platinum or silver) hold the gemstone(s) in place at the sides, with no
metal between the stones. This type of setting protects the girdle area of
the gemstone, as well as securing small stones more effectively than a
prong setting. Channel-set gemstones also sit flush with the mounting,
making them less likely to get snagged on other objects, such as hair or
clothing.
Charm
A charm is a decorative pendant or trinket worn on a
bracelet, necklace or earring.
Clasp
Any type of attachment that connects two ends of a piece
of jewellery.
Clip-Back or Clip-On
Earrings designed for non-pierced ears. Works like a
hinge to secure the earring to the earlobe.
Comfort Back
A rubber or plastic pad that goes over the clip of a
clip earring to cushion the earlobe.
Cultured Pearl
Created through a painstaking process of mimicking the
natural pearl process in live mollusks. A pearl is formed as a result of
implanting a piece of mantle from a mollusk into another host mollusk.
Dangle (or Drop) Earrings
Any earring that hangs below the earlobe.
Diamond-Cut
A process where angled cuts are made into gold, giving it a unique
appearance..
Diamond-Cut Rope
A style of chain in which a portion of the chain is cut
away at an angle, then polished to a high shine.
Earring Back
An earring back is a disk or bead that fits over an
earring post to hold the earring securely in place.
Earring Jacket
An earring jacket is an accessory designed to be worn
with a stud as a decorative backdrop.
Electroplating
The process of covering a base metal with a thin film of
gold. The base metal is set in a chemical solution which, as an electric
current flows through it, coats it with precious metal.
Embossed
A mechanical process done under considerable heat and
pressure that permanently imprints a variety of unique grain effects into
a surface.
Emerald Cut
A type of cutting style that is usually rectangular, but
sometimes square, with rows of step cuts along the edges and at the
corners. Step cuts are often found in diamonds.
Enamel Coloring
Enamel coloring is opaque, glassy material that is fused
onto metal, pottery or glass.
Facet
A facet is the flat, polished plane that is cut into the
surface of a stone, helping to enhance its reflection of light.
Filigree
Filigree is the name given to the lace-like ornamental
work made from intricately arranged, intertwined wires.
Finding
Findings are the parts that jewelers use in making
jewellery. They can include clasps, hooks, pin backs and earring backs.
Freshwater Pearl
An irregularly shaped pearl that has been formed by a
mussel living in a lake or river.
Genuine Pearl
Pearls are the result of an incredible natural process
that occurs within an oyster's shell. The process begins with some kind of
irritant (perhaps a grain of sand or small parasite) being introduced into
the oyster's shell. In response to the invasion, the oyster coats the
object with nacre, a smooth, crystalline substance that surrounds the
object and forms layers to protect the oyster's inner tissue (called the
mantle) from further irritation. The result of this process is the
beautifully luminescent gem we know as a pearl
Gold-Filled
Gold-filled jewellery is made by joining or bonding
(under heat and pressure) layers of a karat gold to a base metal. This
"sandwich" is then rolled or drawn to the desired thickness.
Gold Finish
A type finish that gives jewellery the appearance of
gold.
Gold-Plated
Gold-plated jewellery is made by bonding 10-karat or
better gold to a base metal. The karat gold content may be less than 1/20,
but must be properly identified as a percentage of the total content.
Green Gold
Green gold is an alloy of gold, silver, zinc and often
cadmium.
High
Polish
A
surface that is polished to a mirror-like finish.
Hoop Earring
A hoop earring is a circular earring made from metal
wire or tubing. Variations include the traditional shape as well as hoops
with charms and other ornaments hung from the hoop.
Ingot
An ingot is a metal bar or other shape that is used in
jewellery making.
Karat or Karatage
Karatage is an expression of the measurement of gold purity (since gold is
in fact a mixture of gold and other metals). Pure gold is 24-Karat (24K),
18-Karat gold is 75% pure, etc.
Links
Series of loops that make up a chain.
Marquise
Marquise is a shape into which diamonds and other gemstones are cut. It is
an oval with tapered, pointed ends.
Matte
In jewellery, matte refers to any non-shiny, frosted surface.
Mesh or Mesh Style
A chain that is fabric-like and woven of fine wire.
Pavé Setting
In pavé setting, gemstones are fit into small holes and set almost level
with the surface of the ring. They are set in rows, with no metal between
them, giving the appearance of the gemstones having been paved (Pavé is
French for paved), like a cobblestone road.
Pendant
A pendant is an ornament suspended from a single chain.
Pierced Earrings
Earrings designed for wear in ears that are pierced. A wire or post is
inserted through the ear lobe. Clip-Back Earrings are designed for use in
ears that are not pierced.
Point
Each carat in a diamond's weight is divided into 100 parts, called
"points." A 1-Carat diamond has 100 points, a ¾ Carat has 75
points, etc. Points in a fraction of one carat are measured within ranges,
so that a ¾ Carat diamond may have between .69 and .82 points and still
be considered a ¾ carat.
Polish
Polishing is a process used to make metal smooth and glossy. It also
increases shine and eliminates flaws.
Post
A post is a pin-like finding attached to an earring. It passes through the
pierced earlobe, and may be held in place by a back.
Precious Stones
Precious stones are rare and costly gems such as diamonds, emeralds,
rubies and sapphires.
Princess Cut
A princess cut is a style in which diamonds and other gems are cut that is
square or rectangular in shape. Princess-cut stones can have between 57
and 70 facets and varying proportions.
Prong
A prong is one of several claw-like wires that is used to hold a stone in
place. The most common number of prongs is four or six, although the
number can vary depending on the shape of the stone they are securing.
Quartz
Quartz is a crystalline mineral used for gems, that includes amethyst and
rock crystal. It is available in a variety of colors.
Radiant Cut
Radiant refers to a cutting style in which diamonds and other gems are
into a square or rectangle that has clipped-off corners. A radiant cut is
similar to an Emerald Cut.
Rhodium
Rhodium is a white, metallic element. A Rhodium finish is usually applied
to gold jewellery to give the effect of white gold.
Ring
A ring is a piece of jewellery that is usually worn on the fingers
(sometimes toes) and slides on and off.
Ring Guard
A ring that's worn above another ring to keep it from slipping off the
finger.
Rope Chain
A rope chain is a style of chain with a spiral appearance that gives the
effect of two thick strands that have been woven together.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is the name given to an alloy of gold and copper.
Satin Finish
Satin is a type of matte finish made by sandblasting, brushing with a
stiff wire brush or chemically altering a shiny metallic surface. A satin
finish has a soft, pearl-like luster instead of a bright polish.
Screw-Back
A screw-back is a vise-like clamp that holds a non-pierced earring on the
ear by a screw that can be tightened against the earlobe.
Semi-Precious Stones
Semi-precious stones are naturally occuring stones that include amethyst,
aventurine, carnelian, garnet, opal and rose quartzes.
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