Jewelry Terms Dictionary

How much do you know about jewelry? In this article, JFM explains to you some useful jewelry terms. You can use this post as a starter kit and learn the basics easily.

Carat Weight

"Carat" or "carat weight" is a measure of how much a diamond weighs and is called ct. One carat actually represents one-fifth of a gram, or 200 mg. The carat can be further divided into 100 "points" and one point equals 0.01 ct.

Alloy

The mixture of two or more metals, which strengthens the metal, and/or enhances its appearance.

Cabochon

A gemstone cut which is polished into a smooth, rounded dome-like surface, instead of having facets.

Gemstone Setting Types

1. Bead Setting

Diamonds or color gemstones are set evenly with the surface of the metal, and secured by bead-like prongs between the stones.

2. Bezel Setting

A diamond or gemstone is wrapped with the metal, where only the crown and table can be seen.

3. Channel Setting

Diamonds or color gemstones are arranged adjacent to one another in a channel, with no metal between each stone.

4. Flush Setting

A hole is created in the metal surface, and a diamond or gemstone is placed inside, where its table is evenly set with the surface of the metal.

5. Inlaid Setting

Diamonds or color gemstones are set flush within the surface of the metal, where a part of the metal setting is cut away and replaced by the stone.

6. Pavé Setting

Small diamonds or color gemstones are held in place by small handcrafted prongs, where all the tables of the stones are set evenly with the metal surface.

7. Prong Setting

A diamond or gemstone is mounted to the metal with prongs that wrap around its girdle, and are usually secured to the crown of the stone.

8. Tension Setting

A diamond or gemstone is suspended inside the metal setting, where most of the diamond is exposed.

Facet

The flat surface on a diamond or color gemstones. The arrangement of a gemstone's facets determine its cut and return of light.

Four Cs

The four characteristics of a diamond - color, clarity, cut and carat weight - which are used to establish the quality and value of diamonds.

Hardness

The ability of a diamond or gemstone to resist scratches, which is measured using the Moh's scale of hardness from 1-10, with 10 being the hardest.

Karat

The standard measurement for gold, where 24 karats is pure gold. 14k gold or 18k gold is mixed with other metal alloys to strengthen it, and to enhance its appearance.

Moh's Scale

The scale which is used to measure the hardness of a diamond or gemstone, or its resistance to scratches, ranging from 1-10, with 10 being the hardest.

Pink Gold

Pink gold is created when pure gold is combined with more copper than other alloys, and is sometimes called rose gold.

Polish

The amount of smoothness, or shininess on a metal's surface. The more polished, the more light reflects off a metal's surface.

Solitaire

Rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces that feature one diamond in its setting.

White Gold

White gold made by combining pure gold with copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium) alloy, such as rhodium.

Yellow Gold

Gold that retains its natural yellow color. Pure gold is typically combined with copper and silver alloys to enhance its durability.