Bracelet |
| Bracelet |
A soft bracelet that wraps around the wrist.
|
| Bangle Bracelet |
A stiff, completely solid bracelet that slides over the hand in order to be placed on. A 'flexible bangle' is one which opens flat and is stiff when closed.
|
| Cuff Bracelet |
A type of bangle bracelet that does not meet and is put on from the side of the wrist instead of being slipped over the hand.
|
Casting |
| Casting |
A process used to manufacture jewelry. Molten metal is poured into a mold and allowed to cool resulting in a raw piece of metal, also called a casting, which has taken the shape of the design in the mold. Items can be cast one at a time or in very large quantities with specialized manufacturing techniques.
|
| Lost Wax Casting |
A method of manufacturing jewelry that duplicates a design made of wax in a metal such as gold or silver. A wax model is suspended in a canister that is then filled with a plaster like substance called an investment. When the investment hardens the wax is then burned out and lost, hence the name of the process. The cavity remaining in the investment is an exact duplicate of the original wax and is then filled with molten metal. When large quantities or intricate designs are being cast, the use of centrifugal force created by spinning the canisters in a drum will force the metal into the thinnest cavities allowing fine detail reproduction. When the molten gold cools and hardens the investment is broken and a duplicate of the wax remains cast in metal.
|
Clasp / Closure |
| Clasp/Closure |
A lock or closure used to fasten a necklace, bracelet, etc; that makes it easy to put on or take off a piece of jewelry and is designed to prevent loss. Typical clasps are Buckle Clasp, Lobster Claw or Toggle closure. Clasps may be hidden or featured part of an items design such as a toggle clasp, which is worn in the front, and is used on many necklaces and bracelets.
|
| Buckle Clasp |
A clasp that grabs onto a bar that has a top closure for secured closure.
|
| Lobster Claw |
Shaped like a claw and connect to a hoop.
|
| Toggle Closure |
A loop closure in which a toggle is placed through the hoop.
|
Earrings |
| Clutch |
An earring back, also called a push back which uses friction to secure itself against an earring post and holds an earring against the ear.
|
| Costume Jewelry |
Any jewelry made from materials other than the noble metals (gold, silver & platinum). Costume jewelry can also be very expensive, especially when associated with a designers name. Costume jewelry is usually trendy, in fashion, and often much bolder in shapes, materials, and size because of lower material costs.
|
| Dangle Earring |
An earring in different lengths that hangs down past the ear lobe.
|
| Stud Earring |
Also called studs, small post style pierced earrings, sometimes set with gemstones. Diamond studs are probably the most popular type of diamond setting.
|
Finish |
| Brushed Finish |
A finish done by brushing.
|
| High Polish |
A finish achieved by buffing the surface of metal so it shines brightly, often with a mirror-like finish.
|
| Matte Finish |
A dull finished surface created by sandblasting, stone finishing.
|
| Sandblast Finish |
A dulled matte looking finish applied to the surface of metal using sand and air to blast the surface and create the finish.
|
| Satin Finish |
A dull matte that has a little sheen created with fine emery sand paper, sandblasting, wire brushing, stone finishing, or using acid.
|
| Shiny Finish |
A shiny finish has a smooth, glossy sheen.
|
| Laser Engraving |
A process of etching a logo into the surface of metal done by laser.
|
| Luster |
The shine or finish on the surface of a crystal.
|
Necklace |
| Pendant Necklace |
A charm or other item worn on a chain that swings freely.
|
| Oxidation |
A film or coating that forms, like a skin on the exterior of metal resulting from a reaction with oxygen. Antiquing is a chemical process used to create an oxidized look. A chemical process which tarnishes the surface of a metal leaving a 'patina' or film/finish. Copper oxidizes to green (verdis), Silver oxidizes to black, Gold dulls but doesn't really change color. Exposure to air alone causes this process over time.
|
| Refraction |
When a single beam of light passes from one substance to another (air into water) it bends or changes direction. The angle or number of degrees which light bends can be measured and this is known as s substances Refractive Index (RI). Some substances can split light into two beams and are known as doubly refractive (DR) and will have two Refractive Indexes. If the light beam does not split a substance is singly refractive (SR).
|
Settings |
| Settings / Mountings |
The process of setting or attaching a crystal. Also, a piece of jewelry, into which crystals can be set.
|
| Inlay or Burnished Setting |
A method of setting in which the crystal is set flush with the surface of the metal. A stone is said to be inlaid when it is set in this manner.
|
| Closed Back Setting |
When a stone is set with now hole in the metal below it to allow light to pass through. Unless a gemstone is set in a tight bezel, cleaning under stones set this way is difficult. This type of setting is commonly used in the manufacturing of school rings.
|
| Illusion Setting |
A setting used to make crystals appear larger than they are .
|