Jewellery Dictionary

Do you need a jewellery dictionary to help you understand the more complex words used in jewellery stores and websites like Bella Boutique who know their jewellery to a tee? Well you're in luck!

Here are some of the most common terms that you might hear:

 

Acrylic

Acrylic refers to a plastic clear material that people can mold into different kinds of jewelry.

 

Algerian Love Knot Pendant Necklace

If you have watched Casino Royale, then you should know that the jewellery that Eva Green wears throughout the movie is an Algerian love knot pendant necklace. This pendant necklace is said to symbolize wealth, health and happiness to the wearer.

 

Alloy

Alloy refers to a fusion of several elements, one of which is a metal. This word is usually used when talking about a metal's composition in various jewellery.

 

Amethyst

An amethyst is a rich violet or purple gemstone found in places like jewelry stores. It is said to represent harmony, peace and sincerity overall.

 

Anniversary Band

An anniversary band refers to a ring that features gemstones around it. This is traditionally used as an anniversary gift and usually matches the diamond rings given during the wedding.

 

Antique Jewelry

Some jewelry stores have antique jewellery on offer, which basically refers to authentic jewelry from the past.

 

Baguette

A baguette refers to a small rectangular-shaped stone that is usually used to border or accent diamond rings given during an engagement proposal.

 

Bangle Bracelets

Bangle bracelets are bracelets that are continuous and don't have any openings or clasps. Instead, they are simply slid over the hand with ease.

 

Bling

Bling is a slang word made popular by hip hop and refers to jewellery that sparkles, such as an accessory or pendant necklace with a lot of gemstones on it.

 

Bohemian

Bohemian refers to a type of clothing or jewelry that stands out due to its natural materials, funky details and flowing lines. Other signature parts of Bohemian styles include casual pieces, bright colors and layers.

 

Box Chain

A box chain is oftentimes seen on a man's pendant necklace for a smooth, even and manly look.

 

Bridal Jewellery

Bridal jewelry refers to the jewellery that brides choose for themselves, for their grooms and for their bridal parties to wear on their wedding day and reception. The bridal party basically includes the bridesmaids, the maids of honor, the flower girls, and the bride and groom's family members. Usually, this jewelry includes traditional diamond rings for the engagement and the wedding, hair jewelry, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. If the groom plans on wearing accessories, as well, then this may also include his cufflinks and tie pins, if available.

 

Brooch

A brooch refers to a big decorative pin used in hair or clothing.

 

Cabochon

A cabochon stone refers to a polished stone without any facets on top. Because of its smooth finish, the gemstones used in cabochon jewellery has a natural gloss and therefore doesn't need any facets that reflect light.

 

Chandelier Earrings

Chandelier earrings refer to big dangle earrings with tiers of detailing or gemstones on them. They are oftentimes used to accentuate a woman's evening wear.

 

Charm Bracelet

A charm bracelet refers to a bracelet that has small charms dangling from it. Sometimes, these charms may have personal or symbolic meanings to them, and can even be mixed or matched to come up with different kinds of looks.

 

Clip-On Earrings

Clip-on earrings generally exist for people who do not have their ears pierced.

 

Cocktail Ring

Cocktail rings are sometimes sold in jewelry stores for people in need of jewelry to wear at cocktail parties. These rings are typically very dramatic and elegant and have elaborate details and high carat stones in them.

 

Costume Jewellery

Costume jewelry is a collective term used for any kind of jewellery made out of fake gemstones as opposed to semi-precious or precious ones. Most of the time, they are also made out of materials other than platinum, silver or gold.

 

Cuff Bracelet

A cuff bracelet refers to a bracelet that isn't continuous and doesn't close completely. Instead, it is slipped onto the wrist's side to be worn.

 

Enamel

Enamel refers to a colored glass material that is fused to certain metals to give them decorative designs.

 

Eternity Band

An eternity band refers to a ring that has stones all around the band. Jewelry stores sell them to signify eternal love that has no beginning and no end.

 

Fleur de Lis Jewellery

Fleur de Lis jewelry refers to jewellery that has stylized designs of iris flowers on it. Originally, this kind of jewelry was used on coat of arms, but it is now also a symbol of France and Louisiana State.

 

Filigree

Filigree refers to a delicate design made in metal that looks like lace. It is used in various jewelry stores to accentuate their jewellery.

 

Gothic Jewellery

Some jewelry stores also have gothic jewelry available now, which basically refers to pieces that were inspired by the punks of today's day and age or the Gothic period itself.

 

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings refer to earrings that have a hoop-shaped form. They can either form full circles or just partial circles.

 

Infinity Ring

An infinity ring usually refers to a ring that has the infinity symbol on it. However, it can also refer to an eternity ring that has stones, which extends across the whole band. In general, these rings symbolize endless friendship or love. In the form of diamond rings, they can also be used as engagement rings.

 

Three-Stone Ring

A three-stone ring is one of the more traditional anniversary gifts out there, especially when used as diamond rings. As its name implies, it has three stones in it to represent your history, present and bright future together.