Jewellery Glossary: The Most Important Terms Simply Explained

Jewelry Glossary: The most important terms explained simply. In short: The jewelry world is full of technical terms that are often confusing for beginners. What does 18 karat mean? What is a hallmark? Stainless steel fashion jewelry is made for wearing, not as an investment. Craftsmanship details say more about durability than the price tag. What matters is how often the piece is worn, everything else follows.

Last updated: September 2026. By Phil, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

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

Materials and Metals

Material note: Corelune offers stainless steel fashion jewelry with gold or silver plating, not precious metals with a fineness stamp. The information about gold and silver alloys in this article is for classification purposes, not to describe our range. Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns.

• 14K Gold: 58.5% gold content, mixed with other metals
• 18K Gold: 75% gold content, more precious and expensive than 14K
• 24K Gold: 100% gold, very soft, rarely used for jewelry
• 925 Sterling Silver: 92.5% silver, the rest mostly copper
• Solid Stainless Steel: Stainless steel, durable
• White Gold: Gold with other metals for a white color
• Rose Gold: Gold with copper added for a pink hue
• Platinum: One of the most precious 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 measure for gold purity (24 karat = pure gold)
• Karat (Stone): Unit of measure for stone weight (1 karat = 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 colorless
• Sapphire: Gemstone, mostly 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 a characteristic shimmer
• Freshwater Pearl: Pearl from freshwater mussels

The 4 C's of Diamond Grading

• Cut: Cut quality, influences brilliance and fire
• Color: Color grade (D = colorless, Z = slightly yellow)
• Clarity: Purity (FL = flawless under a magnifying glass, 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 that fits 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, tight-fitting hoop
• Drop Earring: Earring with a hanging element
• Locket: Opening medallion, often with a photo

Clasps and Mechanisms

• Carabiner: Classic chain clasp
• Spring Ring: Round, spring-tensioned clasp
• Magnetic Clasp: Holds by magnetic force
• T-Bar Clasp: Crossbar through a loop
• Bayonet Clasp: Turn clasp for bangles
• Push-Back Clasp: Push-in 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 step-cuts
• 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, 1930s, 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: Striking, an important piece

Where can you find suitable jewelry at Corelune?

At Corelune Jewellery, you will find carefully curated jewelry that combines classic style with modern trends. Every piece is made from solid materials and is suitable for everyday wear, waterproof, and durable. Browse our complete collection now and find the right piece of jewelry that shows your personality.

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Which earring type is suitable for which occasion?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which earrings can I wear for hours?

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

Can I sleep with earrings on?

Better take them off. Otherwise, the earlobe suffers and the clasp gets bent. For freshly pierced ears, follow what the studio says.

Why does my earlobe turn red?

Materials differ significantly, and reactions are usually visible at the clasp or solder joint. A material that has worked so far is the safer choice.

How can I recognize a reputable jewelry shop?

By complete information about material, dimensions, and shipping origin, a clearly stated return period, and an accessible legal notice. If material information is missing or health-related promises are made, caution is advised.

In our range, examples include: Stainless Steel Fashion Drop Earrings and Irregular Organic-Shaped Gold Stainless Steel Stud Earrings. You can find more earrings in the Earrings category.

About the Author

Phil runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working daily with stainless steel jewelry since 2024: sample testing, complaints, everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from our own range and from what customers report. Where Corelune does not offer something, this is also stated here.

Which categories fit this topic?

From the range, the following fit:

• Zirconia and Crystal Jewelry
• Stud Earrings for Everyday Wear
• Women's Silver Jewelry

From two pieces, the price per piece decreases: 20% for 2, 25% for 3, 30% for 4, 35% for 5, and from 59 euros, shipping is free. A combination of two pieces covers more occasions than a single piece.

View Zirconia and Crystal Jewelry at Corelune

At Corelune: Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.

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