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GLOSSARY
At Silver Linings you may have come across some unfamiliar words, and we want to explain them to you!
Frequently used jewelry terms
Bezel setting
A bezel setting is a jewelry style where a ring of metal completely encircles and holds a gemstone, offering maximum security and protection for the stone.This timeless and versatile design is known for its safety, as the metal band absorbs impacts and prevents snagging on clothing or hair, making it ideal for active wearers or delicate stones.
Briolette
A briolette is a faceted, elongated pear-shaped or teardrop-shaped gemstone that is drilled at the top to hang and be viewed from all angles, creating a 360-degree sparkle.
Cabochon
A cabochon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished with a smooth, rounded surface, rather than faceted with multiple flat surfaces.
Cuff
A cuff bracelet is a rigid, often non-circular bracelet with an opening that allows it to be slipped onto the wrist and twisted into place, rather than having a clasp or wrapping completely around the arm.
Enamel
Enamel is an ancient jewelry decorating technique which uses powdered glass fused to metal by firing the piece at very high temperatures. The end effect is a hard, glossy layer that can be very intricate and colorful.
Faceted
A faceted gemstone is a gemstone that has had a series of flat, polished surfaces called facets cut into it to maximize its brilliance. This precise, artistic process manipulates how light reflects and refracts within the stone, enhancing its sparkle and visual appeal.
Filigree
Filigree is an intricate form of metalwork that originated as early as 2500 BC. Filigree design was a sign of elegance and sophistication, so it remained in high regard throughout history.
Fine Silver
Fine silver is silver that is 99.9% pure, making it the purest silver available for jewelry. It is bright white, resistant to tarnish, but also very soft. This soft silver makes it ideal for fine silver wire that can be wrapped and woven in intricate patterns around a gemstone.
Gold fill
Gold-filled sterling silver is a durable jewelry material with a thick, mechanically bonded layer of solid gold (at least 5% by weight) over a sterling silver core. Unlike gold-plated items, the gold layer is so thick and durable that it won't wear off with normal use and provides the look and feel of solid gold. This process results in high-quality jewelry that is hypoallergenic and a more affordable option than solid gold pieces
Hammered
A hammered finish is a decorative surface texture on jewelry created by repeatedly hammering the metal with a small, specialized tool, resulting in a pattern of divots and planes that gives the surface a unique, warm, and lustrous look.
High Polish Finish
A high polish finish is very shiny and smooth, and is the most common of jewelry finishes. With its mirror-like quality you will be able to see your reflection when looking directly at this finish, and the high shine accents the beautiful design of the piece.
Inlay
In jewelry, an inlay is a decorative technique where precisely cut pieces of one or more materials are set into recesses carved into the surface of a base metal, resulting in a design that is flush with or subtly raised from the jewelry's surface. This method creates a visually striking contrast of colors, textures, and materials, making pieces unique and showcasing intricate craftsmanship.
Oxidized Silver
Oxidized silver, sometimes called blackened silver, is genuine sterling silver that has been darkened through a controlled chemical process, creating a black patina of silver sulfide. This is a deliberate, sped-up version of natural tarnishing that highlights fine details and adds an antique, matte, or vintage look to jewelry.
Pavé Setting
A pavé setting features many small gemstones set very closely together to create a continuous, shimmering surface with the metal virtually hidden. These tiny gemstones are held in place by small beads or prongs, maximizing sparkle and giving the jewelry a luxurious, gem-encrusted appearance.
The word “pavé” is French for “paved” or "pavement".
Plated
In jewelry, plating is a process that applies a thin, decorative layer of a precious metal, like gold or rhodium, to the surface of a less expensive base metal. This is usually done using electroplating, where the base metal is submerged in a solution containing ions of the plating metal and an electric current causes the ions to bond to the surface. Plating enhances the jewelry's appearance and can add a protective layer against tarnishing, offering a more affordable way to achieve the look of fine metals.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is an alloy of pure gold and copper, which gives it its distinctive warm, pinkish-red color. The exact shade of rose gold depends on the specific ratio of gold, copper, and other metals like silver in the mix. This durable alloy is a popular choice for jewelry and was first popularized in 19th-century Russia by Carl Fabergé before gaining global recognition.
Satin Finish
A satin finish, sometimes called a matte finish, in jewelry is smooth but not glossy or reflective. A satin finish diffuses light for an elegant look. Jewelry design that incorporates a mix of satin and high-polish finishes can be very striking!
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a metal alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper. This combination makes the silver stronger and more durable than pure or fine silver, which is too soft for everyday jewelry. Sterling silver items are often hallmarked with "925" to indicate their purity.
Two-tone
Two-tone jewelry is a design that combines two contrasting-colored metals, such as silver and yellow gold, or silver and rose gold. This metal combination adds visual interest and depth to jewelry, making it a versatile and sophisticated choice that can complement a wide range of styles and outfits, and allows the wearer to wear other jewelry of either color for a cohesive look.
Vermeil
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-MAY) is a thick layer of gold which is electroplated over a sterling silver base. This binds the gold and silver together, making vermeil much less likely to fade, tarnish, or wear down. In comparison, gold plating is a thinner layer of gold and may not have a sterling silver base.
