Understanding jewelry terminology is essential for appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship of fine jewelry. Our comprehensive glossary covers key styles, materials, gemstones, and techniques to help you become well-versed in the world of jewelry.

Styles

• Art Deco: A geometric and bold jewelry style popular in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by clean lines, symmetrical patterns, and vibrant colors.
• Art Nouveau: A fluid and organic jewelry style from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring flowing lines, nature-inspired motifs, and enamel work.
• Edwardian: Elegant and intricate jewelry style from the early 20th century, characterized by delicate filigree work, lacy designs, and an abundance of diamonds and pearls.
• Georgian: Jewelry style from the 18th and early 19th centuries, featuring intricate metalwork, closed-back settings, and rose-cut gemstones.
• Mid-Century: Jewelry style from the 1950s and 1960s, marked by bold designs, geometric shapes, and the use of colorful gemstones.
• Retro: A bold and glamorous jewelry style from the 1940s, characterized by large, colorful gemstones, chunky gold settings, and whimsical designs.
• Victorian: Romantic and sentimental jewelry style from the 19th century, featuring detailed metalwork, symbolic motifs, and the use of colored gemstones and seed pearls.

Materials

• Gold: A precious metal available in various colors (yellow, white, and rose) and karats (10k, 14k, 18k, and 22k), commonly used in jewelry making.
• Platinum: A dense, durable, and hypoallergenic precious metal with a bright white appearance, often used in high-end jewelry and engagement rings.
• Sterling Silver: A popular and affordable metal for jewelry, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, such as copper.
• Vermeil: A type of gold-plated jewelry made from a base of sterling silver, coated with a thick layer of gold (usually 14k or higher).

Gemstones

• Diamond: The hardest known natural material, prized for its brilliance and fire, commonly used in engagement rings and fine jewelry.
• Emerald: A vibrant green gemstone from the beryl family, highly valued for its rich color and rarity.
• Opal: A unique gemstone known for its play of colors, ranging from fiery reds and oranges to cool blues and greens.
• Ruby: A highly sought-after red gemstone from the corundum family, prized for its durability, rarity, and vivid color.
• Sapphire: A durable and versatile gemstone from the corundum family, available in a range of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and green.
• Turquoise: A popular opaque blue-to-green gemstone, often used in Southwestern and Native American jewelry designs.
• Pearl: A lustrous organic gemstone formed within mollusks, available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, including white, cream, pink, and black.
• Amethyst: A vibrant purple gemstone from the quartz family, believed to have calming and balancing properties.
• Citrine: A sunny yellow to orange gemstone from the quartz family, often associated with prosperity and success.
• Garnet: A group of gemstones available in various colors, including red, orange, green, and purple, often used in vintage and antique jewelry.
• Peridot: A bright green gemstone from the olivine family, known for its striking color and relative affordability.

Techniques

• Filigree: A delicate and intricate metalwork technique, often used in antique and vintage jewelry, characterized by the use of fine, twisted metal threads to form lace-like patterns.
• Engraving: The art of carving or etching designs into the surface of a metal or gemstone, often used to personalize jewelry or add intricate details.
• Enameling: A technique of fusing powdered glass onto a metal surface to create colorful and decorative designs, popular in Art Nouveau and Victorian jewelry.
• Pavé: A setting technique where small gemstones are set close together, covering the surface of the metal, creating a sparkling and continuous appearance.
• Prong setting: A common technique for securing gemstones in jewelry, using metal projections (prongs) that hold the stone in place.
• Bezel setting: A secure and protective setting technique where a thin metal rim surrounds and holds the gemstone in place.
• Channel setting: A technique in which gemstones are set within a continuous channel, with no metal separating them, often used for accent stones in rings and bracelets.

With this extensive glossary of jewelry terms, you can deepen your understanding of the styles, materials, gemstones, and techniques used in the world of fine jewelry. This knowledge will not only enhance your appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry involved but also help you make more informed decisions when shopping for your next treasured piece.