Jewellery Glossary: The Most Important Terms Simply Explained

The world of jewelry is full of technical terms that are often confusing for beginners. What does 18 carat mean? What is a hallmark? And what distinguishes a solitaire from a Solitaire?

In this comprehensive jewelry glossary, we explain the most important terms in simple words. This way, you'll be perfectly informed for your next jewelry purchase.

Materials and Metals

• 14K Gold: 58.5% gold content, mixed with other metals
• 18K Gold: 75% gold content, more noble and expensive than 14K
• 24K Gold: 100% gold, very soft, rarely used for jewelry
• 925 Sterling Silver: 92.5% silver, the rest usually copper
• Stainless Steel 316L: Surgical stainless steel, hypoallergenic
• White Gold: Gold mixed with other metals for a white color
• Rose Gold: Gold with added copper for a pink hue
• Platinum: One of the noblest metals, very dense and expensive
• Vermeil: Sterling silver with a thick gold layer

Carat and Purity

• Karat (Gold): Unit of measurement for gold purity (24 karat = pure gold)
• Carat (Stone): Unit of measurement for stone weight (1 carat = 0.2 grams)
• Hallmark: Stamped mark indicating material and purity
• Fineness: Proportion of precious metal in the alloy
• 750: Gold with 75% purity (corresponds to 18K)
• 585: Gold with 58.5% purity (corresponds to 14K)
• 925: Sterling silver with 92.5% silver content

Gemstones

• Diamond: Hardest natural stone, classically colorless
• Sapphire: Gemstone, usually blue, but can also have other colors
• Ruby: Red gemstone from the corundum family
• Emerald: Green gemstone, often with inclusions
• Aquamarine: Light blue stone, often March birthstone
• Zirconia: Synthetic diamond substitute
• Lab-Grown Diamond: Diamond grown in a laboratory
• Moonstone: Semi-precious stone with characteristic shimmer
• Freshwater Pearl: Pearl from freshwater mussels

The 4 C's of Diamond Grading

• Cut: Quality of the cut – influences brilliance and fire
• Color: Color grade (D = colorless, Z = slightly yellow)
• Clarity: Purity (FL = flawless, I = inclusions visible)
• Carat: Weight in carats

Jewelry Pieces and Designs

• Solitaire: Jewelry with a single large stone
• Eternity Ring: Ring with stones all around
• Choker: Necklace worn tightly around the neck
• Tennis Bracelet: Bracelet with evenly arranged stones
• Bangle: Rigid bracelet without a clasp
• Stud: Classic stud earring
• Hoop: Ring-shaped earring
• Huggie: Small, close-fitting hoop earring
• Drop Earring: Earring with a hanging element
• Locket: Medallion that opens, often with a photo

Clasps and Mechanisms

• Lobster Clasp: Classic chain clasp
• Spring Ring Clasp: Round, spring-loaded clasp
• Magnetic Clasp: Held by magnetic force
• T-Bar Clasp: Crossbar through a loop
• Bayonet Clasp: Twist clasp for bangles
• Post Back: Post system for stud earrings

Cuts and Shapes

• Brilliant Cut: Classic round cut with 57 facets
• Princess Cut: Square, modern cut
• Emerald Cut: Rectangular cut with stepped facets
• Oval: Elongated, oval shape
• Marquise: Pointed shape
• Pear: Teardrop-shaped cut
• Cushion: Square with rounded corners
• Heart: Heart-shaped cut
• Baroque: Irregular, asymmetrical shape

Coatings and Techniques

• Gold-plated: Jewelry with a gold coating
• PVD: Physical Vapor Deposition – modern coating
• Electroplating: Traditional coating process
• Rhodium-plated: Jewelry with a rhodium layer for shine
• Patina: Natural aging layer
• Antique Finish: Deliberately aged-looking surface

Styles and Eras

• Art Deco: 1920s–1935s, geometric and symmetrical
• Vintage: At least 20 years old
• Antique: Over 100 years old
• Boho: Playful, creative, with nature motifs
• Minimalist: Reduced, simple shapes
• Statement: Eye-catching, a central piece

Discover Your Favorite Jewelry at Corelune Jewellery

At Corelune Jewellery, you'll find carefully curated jewelry that combines timeless style with modern trends. Each piece is made from high-quality materials and is suitable for everyday wear, waterproof, and durable. Browse our complete collection now and find the perfect piece of jewelry that highlights your personality.