Welche Ohrringe kann ich stundenlang tragen?

Leichte Modelle, also Stecker und kleine Creolen, lassen sich stundenlang tragen. Große Ohrhänger nicht.

Darf ich mit Ohrringen schlafen?

Besser abnehmen. Sonst leidet das Ohrläppchen und der Verschluss verbiegt sich. Bei frisch gestochenen Löchern gilt, was das Studio sagt.

Warum wird mein Ohrläppchen rot?

Materialien unterscheiden sich deutlich, und Reaktionen zeigen sich meist an Verschluss oder Lötstelle. Ein Material, das bisher funktioniert hat, ist die sicherere Wahl.

Woran erkenne ich einen seriösen Schmuckshop?

An vollständigen Angaben zu Material, Maßen und Versandherkunft, an einer klar benannten Rückgabefrist und an einem erreichbaren Impressum. Fehlen Materialangaben oder werden gesundheitsbezogene Versprechen gemacht, ist Zurückhaltung angebracht.

Jewellery Glossary: The Most Important Terms Simply Explained

12.05.20265 Min. Lesezeit

Schmuck Glossar mit verschiedenen Schmuckbegriffen

Kurz gesagt: Karat, Hallmarks, Solitaire or Solitaire? The comprehensive jewelry glossary with all the important terms from the world of jewelry.

Jewellery Glossary: The most important terms explained simply. In short: The world of jewellery is full of technical terms that are often confusing for beginners. What does 18 karat mean? What is a hallmark? Fashion jewellery made of stainless steel is made for wearing, not as a financial investment. Manufacturing details say more about durability than the price tag. The most important factor is how often the piece is worn, as everything else depends on that.

Status: September 2026. By Phil Oberlaender, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

In this comprehensive jewellery glossary, we explain the most important terms in simple words. This way, you will be well-informed for your next jewellery purchase.

Materials and metals

Material note: Corelune carries fashion jewellery made of stainless steel with gold or silver plating, not precious metals with a hallmark of fineness. The information on gold and silver alloys in this article is for classification purposes, not a description of our product range. Prices are between €12.95 and €59.95. Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns.

14K Gold: 58.5% gold content, mixed with other metals
18K Gold: 75% gold content, finer and more expensive than 14K
24K Gold: 100% gold, very soft, rarely used as jewellery
925 Sterling Silver: 92.5% silver, the rest is mostly copper
Solid stainless steel: Stainless steel, resistant
White gold: Gold with other metals for a white colour
Rose gold: Gold with copper additive for a pink hue
Platinum: One of the finest metals, very dense and expensive
Vermeil: Sterling silver with a thick layer of gold

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Karat 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
Material specification: 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 colourless
Sapphire: Gemstone, usually blue, but can also come in other colours
Ruby: Red gemstone from the corundum family
Emerald: Green gemstone, often with inclusions
Aquamarine: Light blue stone, often the birthstone for March
Cubic Zirconia: Synthetic diamond substitute
Lab-grown diamond: Diamond grown in a laboratory
Moonstone: Semi-precious stone with a characteristic shimmer
Freshwater pearl: Pearl from freshwater mussels

The 4 C's of diamond evaluation

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

Jewellery pieces and designs

Solitaire: Jewellery with a single large stone
Eternity ring: Ring with stones all the way around
Choker: Necklace that sits tightly around the neck
Tennis bracelet: Bracelet with evenly arranged stones
Bangle: Rigid bracelet without a clasp
Stud: Classic earring
Hoop: Ring-shaped earring
Huggie: Small, tight-fitting hoop
Drop earring: Earring with a hanging element
Locket: Pendant that opens, often with a photo

Clasps and mechanisms

Lobster clasp: Classic chain clasp
Spring ring: Round, spring-loaded clasp
Magnetic clasp: Holds through magnetic force
T-bar clasp: Crossbar through a loop
Bayonet clasp: Twist clasp for bangles
Push-back: Stud system for earrings

Cuts and shapes

Brilliant cut: Classic round cut with 57 facets
Princess cut: Square, modern cut
Emerald cut: Rectangular cut with step 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: Jewellery with a gold coating
PVD: Physical Vapor Deposition, modern coating
Electroplating: Traditional coating process
Rhodium-plated: Jewellery with a rhodium layer for shine
Patina: Natural layer of ageing
Antique finish: Purposefully 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 prominent piece

Where can you find suitable jewellery at Corelune?

At Corelune Jewellery, you will find carefully curated jewellery that combines classic style with modern trends. Each piece is crafted from solid materials and is suitable for everyday wear, water-resistant, and durable. Browse our complete collection now and find the perfect piece of jewellery that showcases your personality.

Fittingly: Jewellery Glossary: The most important technical terms explained simply.

Which earring type is suitable for which occasion?

Earring type	Office	Sports	Evening
Ear studs	First choice	Suitable	As an accessory
Small hoops	Suitable	Limited	Suitable
Large hoops	Depends on the environment	Unsuitable	First choice
Drop earrings	Rarely suitable	Unsuitable	First choice

Frequently asked questions

Which earrings can I wear for hours?

Lightweight models, i.e., studs and small hoops, can be worn for hours. Large drop earrings cannot.

Can I sleep with earrings in?

Better to take them off. Otherwise, the earlobe suffers and the clasp may bend. For freshly pierced ears, follow your piercer's instructions.

Why does my earlobe get red?

Materials differ significantly, and reactions usually show up at the clasp or solder point. A material that has worked for you in the past is the safer choice.

How do I recognise a reputable jewellery shop?

By complete information on material, dimensions, and shipping origin, by a clearly stated return period, and by an accessible imprint. If material information is missing or health-related promises are made, you should be cautious.

In our assortment, this corresponds to: Casual stainless steel drop earrings and Irregular organic gold stainless steel studs. You can find more earrings in the Earrings category.

About the author

Phil Oberlaender runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working with stainless steel jewellery daily since 2024: pattern testing, complaints, and everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from our own product range and customer feedback. Where Corelune does not offer something, it is stated as such.

Which categories match this topic?

The following from our assortment fits:

The unit price decreases with two or more items: 20% off 2, 25% off 3, 30% off 4, 35% off 5, and shipping is free on orders over 59 Euro. A combination of two items covers more occasions than a single piece.

View Zirconia and crystal jewellery at Corelune