JEWELRY GLOSSARY

JEWELRY GLOSSARY

Bail

The top portion of a pendant (usually a charm or an enhancer) that attaches the piece to another piece of jewelry (usually a necklace or a bracelet). This is usually constructed so that it can open for easy attachment or removal from a piece of jewelry.

Bezel Setting

When the stone is set flush into a metal setting with the metal surrounding the entire edge of the stone

Brooch

A piece of jewelry that is designed to be worn attached to clothing, usually with a pin or a clasp to attach. They usually also have a hidden bail, so they can be attached to necklaces.

Cabochon

When the stone is polished to a smooth finish and is domed (not flat) instead of a faceted finish

Carat

Not to be confused with “Karat”, which refers to the purity of a metal. Carat (with a “C”) is the measurement of a stones weight based on the stone’s density & dimensions.

Karat

Not to be confused with “carat”, which refers to the weight of a stone. Karat is the indication of the purity of a metal - 24K is 99% pure gold, 18K is 75% pure gold and 14K is 58.3% pure gold. IPPOLITA gold jewelry is exclusively 18K.

Cameo

A layered stone, frequently made from banded agate or seashell (conch), that has been carved

Cluster

A term for jewelry pieces that have many precious or semi-precious gemstones, all set near each other

Culet

A small facet at the bottom of a diamond where the facets would normally come to a point. This is used most often in antique cuts or rose cuts.

Doublet

Two gemstones or materials layered on top of one another

Triplet

Three gemstones or materials layered on top of one another

Drop

An earring style that includes a focal point which drops below the earlobe

Electroform

Metal that is galvanically formed around a model and the model is melted out leaving a hollow, but durable form. (Makes the item lightweight and more affordable).

Enhancer

A type of loop that attaches a pendant or charm to a chain, but has hinges that allow it to be opened and closed

Faceted

When the gemstone has different cuts creating a multidimensional look.

French Clip

This is a type of earring back that appears to look like a “clip earring” but is made for earrings with a post. Instead of having a push back, a French Clip folds upwards from the bottom of the earring, hugging the back of the earlobe. This creates more support and allows the earring not to tug on the lob. This is usually used on earrings with a heavier than normal weight.

Full Cut Diamond

This is the most classic and standard cut of a round (or “brilliant”) cut diamond. It features a table (flat top), a pointed back (Pavilion) and a defined point (little to no culet). Full cut diamonds always have between 57-58 total facets.

Gallery

The space between the outside and inside surface of a ring or bracelet. They are usually made with intricate design details and allow for less metal to be used, light to filter through, and are aesthetically pleasing.

Hallmark

The marking of the karat weight or the brand name on a piece of jewelry to indicate the purity of the metal or the designer.

Hammered Finish

IPPOLITA jewelry is hammered by hand, creating a vibrant texture

Inclusions

A stone’s “fingerprint” or unique markings which are natural to the stone. This may also be referred to as the “matrix” in certain stones with more prominent markings, such as turquoise. At IPPOLITA, we try to use all materials in their most natural state and prefer to see the matrix to show that a stone is natural/unique.

Jump Ring

The link on the back of a necklace between the final clasp and the chain (about 2 inches in from clasping ring) that allows you to wear the necklace at different lengths depending on preference. IPPOLITA short necklaces are usually all 18 inches with a jump ring at 16 inches.

Lobster Clasp

A common type of clasp used on necklaces and bracelets in which the clasping mechanism is shaped like an “S” and the clasp open by pulling down on a small lever.

Matte Finish

A finish created by using either a chemical process or an abrasive material to scratch the top layer of the piece, creating a dull and non-reflective surface (*The matte finish will eventually turn shiny after wear as the natural oils from skin will absorb into the metal)

Pave

A term used for diamonds when they are set with almost invisible prongs and look like they are just floating on the surface of the jewelry (vs individually set with bezels around each diamond)

Pendant

A single stone, charm or object hanging from a necklace, usually attached with small loop.

Polished

A smooth, glossy jewelry finish on the metal

Prong setting

When the stone is set into the metal and being held into the piece of jewelry with prongs (usually 4 prongs – 1 on each corner of the stone)

Open Back Setting

A setting in which the back of the stone can be seen

Rose Cut

A type of diamond cut that was used during the Victorian era (and still used at IPPOLITA) that features a faceted dome (top) and a flatter back (think of a standard diamond, turned up-side-down and domed rather than pointed). They usually feature between 3-24 facets.

Shank

The part of a ring that encircles the finger (like the band), minus the setting

Slice

When a stone is literally a thin slice with no elevation

Split Shank

When the band of the ring splits from 1 band to 2 or more bands nearest the top of the ring where the stone sits

Stud