Understanding Jewelry Terminology

Searching for and purchasing jewelry can be a daunting and even intimidating task if you’re not familiar with certain terminology. From carats, to facets, to living jewelry, this industry is filled with specific and often confusing jargon. So if you’re headed out to find the perfect piece of jewelry for you or a loved one, look over this list to help you know what you’re getting and find exactly what you’re looking for.

Carat

This is simply a measure of weight used for stones, with one carat equivalent to 200 milligrams. While most commonly heard in reference to diamond, carats are used as a measurement for all gemstones. Because each family of stones is different in weight and size, one carat will not look the same in each.

Be careful not to confuse this with the term ‘karat’, which is only used when discussing the purity of gold.

Facet

A facet is a face or side of a gemstone. These faces catch the light and give a stone its characteristic sparkle and glitter. A stone that has many facets is considered ‘faceted’.

Living Jewelry

This type of jewelry is created from previously living organisms. This includes pearls (in any form), coral, or other materials that were once alive.

Parure

This term, pronounced puh-rur, refers to a set of matching jewelry that contains two or more pieces. These sets often include a necklace, earrings, and a third piece of some sort, usually a bracelet or a brooch. This term comes from an old Victorian term that described a set of a matching necklace, brooch, earrings and two bracelets.

Genuine

This is an extremely important term to watch out for when shopping for jewelry. Often times sellers will refer to their wares by specific stone names (for example, ruby, emerald, garnet, sapphire). This does not mean that these are real stones, but instead refers to the color of the item. The same goes for metals, with gold-colored or silver-colored objects being referred to as gold or silver.

To know if a stone is truly authentic, look for the word ‘genuine’. A genuine ruby means that the stone is not simply red, but is a true ruby. Metals, such as gold or silver, follow the same general rule.

Birthstone

These stones find their origins in astrological meanings. While there have been many birthstone lists in existence, one was adopted by the jewelry industry in the 1950s and is used today and widely accepted. Birthstones are said to correspond to different months of the year, and wearing one’s birthstone is said to bring the wearer a variety of different benefits ranging from good luck to a healthy romance.

Cabochon

This term refers only to a stone that possesses a rounded surface, and is free of facets or other divots. This style is commonly seen in opaque or translucent stones such as opal, jade, or turquoise. Occasionally it is possible to see less expensive precious gemstones to be fashioned this way, although a faceted appearance is used for more expensive jewelry.

Find What’s Right For You

The world of jewelry and precious gemstones can be a maze of confusing terms, and it’s important to understand them before making a purchase. The next time you go out looking for something to wear, refer to this list to in order to keep everything about important jewelry terminology crystal clear.

This article was written by Kelly Lindeen, an aspiring fashion designer who looks forward to working in the fashion industry after college. She writes this on behalf of Dickinson by Design, your number one choice when looking for jewelry repair in Houston. Check out their website today and see what they can do for you!