Glossary
Our piece names use the jeweller's shorthand. Here is what each abbreviation and word means, so a name reads plainly whether or not you already know jewelry.
Abbreviations in piece names
- 14k, 18k (14ky, 14kw, 14kr)
- karat — the purity of the gold, in 24ths. 14k is 14 parts gold in 24; 18k is 18 in 24. A letter after it names the colour: y yellow, w white, r rose.
- ctw
- carats total weight — the combined weight of every stone in the piece
- ct
- carat — the weight of a single stone; five carats is one gram
- mm
- millimetres — the measurement of a stone or a band; a 6mm band is about a quarter of an inch wide
- ss
- sterling silver — 92.5% silver
- gf
- gold fill — a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal, far more durable than plating
- cz
- cubic zirconia — a clear, lab-made stone
Words
- Band
- A ring with no centre stone: a plain, patterned or stone-set circle. A wedding band is one; a contour band is shaped to sit against an engagement ring.
- Bezel
- A setting in which a thin rim of metal wraps the edge of the stone, rather than prongs. A half bezel wraps two sides; a full bezel wraps all the way round.
- Cabochon
- A stone polished to a smooth, rounded dome with no facets. Turquoise, moonstone and opal are usually cut this way.
- Carat
- The weight of a stone. Five carats make one gram. Not the same as karat, which is gold purity.
- Faceted
- A stone cut with flat, polished faces so it catches light. Diamonds, sapphires and most clear stones are faceted.
- Freshwater pearl
- A pearl grown in a freshwater mussel rather than a saltwater oyster. Often slightly irregular in shape, which is part of the appeal.
- Gold fill
- A thick layer of gold bonded under heat and pressure to a base metal. Much thicker than plating, and wears far longer.
- Halo
- A ring of small stones set around a centre stone, making it read larger and brighter.
- Huggie
- A small hoop earring that closes snugly around the earlobe.
- Karat
- The purity of gold, in 24ths. 24k is pure gold; 18k is 18 parts gold to 6 parts other metal; 14k is 14 to 10. Lower karat is harder-wearing; higher karat is a richer colour.
- Lab-grown diamond
- A diamond made in a laboratory rather than mined. The same crystal, chemically and optically, as a mined diamond.
- Made to order
- A piece that is made for you after you order it, usually in the metal, size and stone you choose. Allow the time the page states.
- Milgrain
- A row of tiny beads along an edge of the metal, a finish borrowed from antique jewelry.
- Moissanite
- A clear, very hard, very bright lab-made stone, often chosen as a diamond alternative.
- One of a kind
- There is exactly one, and there will not be another. When it sells, it is gone.
- Paperclip chain
- A chain of long, flat, oval links, like a row of paper clips.
- Pavé
- Many small stones set close together so the surface appears paved with them.
- Prong
- A small metal claw that holds a stone in place. Four or six prongs are usual on a solitaire.
- Solitaire
- A ring with a single stone and nothing else.
- Stack ring
- A slim ring meant to be worn with others on the same finger.
- Sterling silver
- Silver alloyed to 92.5% pure, the standard for silver jewelry; marked 925.
- Vermeil
- Sterling silver with a thick layer of gold over it.
Something on a piece's page still unclear? Call 505 265 7170and ask. We would rather explain it than have you guess.