9K:
A gold alloy that includes 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% alloy
10K:
A gold alloy that includes 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% alloy
14K:
A gold alloy that includes 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% alloy
18K:
A gold alloy that includes 75% pure gold and 25% alloy
A gold or gold alloy that is over 99.95% pure gold
A
A JOUR:
An open setting that leaves the pavilion facets open to the light
ABALONE:
A deposit made from inside a seashell
ABRASION:
A bruise or scratch on the surface of a stone
AGATE:
A variety of chalcedony found in all colors
AIGRETTE:
A hair ornament consisting of a feather plume or spray of glitter, often accentuated by either a jewel or buckle
ALEXANDRITE:
A variation of Chrysoberyl, with the unique ability of changing color in natural or artificial light
ALLOY:
A combination of metals fused together
ALUMINUM:
A silver/white metal that is lightweight and malleable
AMAZONITE:
An opaque form of feldspar
AMBER:
The fossilized resin of prehistoric pine trees, which ranges in color from golden to orange-red
AMETHYST:
A clear purple, blue, or violet variety of crystallized quartz
AMULET:
A pendant or charm that is worn for its protective or magical powers
ANNEAL:
The process of hardening glass pottery or metal, by alternately heating and pounding it
ANTIQUE:
Any object which was created at least 100 years ago
ANTIQUING:
The process of darkening the recessed areas of gold or silver jewelry, in order to enhance the visibility of the engraving, thus giving the piece an aged, or
AQUAMARINE:
A transparent blue, blue-green, or green variety of Beryl, often considered a semi-precious gemstone and used in jewelry
ARABESQUE:
Flowing scroll work epitomized by curlicues in low relief
ART DECO:
A style characterized by angular geometric shapes, zigzags, bold colors, molded or faceted Czech glass beads, plastics (such as celluloid or Bakelite) and chrome. Arts Décoratifs, often referred to as Art Deco or Deco, is the geometrical style that tread on the heels of Edwardian jewelry. From the 1910s through 1930s, this style of architecture, design, and visual arts influenced the design of various sectors, including: jewelry, furniture, buildings, cars, fashion, movie theatres, trains, and everyday objects such as vacuums and radios. The distinctive features of the style are simple, clean shapes help make up the reasons why it symbolized sophistication and wealth. Art deco’s patterns and arrangements stem from various sources, such as: Egyptian, Native American, early classical, and even nature. Common designs include animals, foliage, female figures, and sun rays.