Jewelry 101
Alloys - Answer-Formed when two or more elements are combined to form a different type of metal
with special attributes. The new metal is typically stronger, more durable, and may be a different color.
Ie: Sterling silver is silver + copper. 18K yellow gold is 75% gold with silver.
Anniversary Band - Answer-A ring in which gemstones have been set one-third to one-half of the way
around the perimeter. They can be the same width all the way around or they can be tapered. Typically
they are set with diamonds and symbolize romance.
Bail - Answer-The top loop on a pendant that the chain slides through. Bails come in many different
shapes, sizes, and designs. Changing this on a pendant can make a big difference, both for aesthetic
reasons and strength.
Band - Answer-This appears to be the same width all the way around your finger. The classic wedding
one can be thin, thick of medium in width as long as the width is uniform. Typically, they are simple rings
of uniform width with little or no raised elements, although decorative designs can be engraved or cast
into the piece. They can be thick or thin. Occasionally, gemstones will be flush set in them.
Band-Aid Repair - Answer-This is a repair done to a poorly made piece of jewelry. These repairs can't be
guaranteed to last. The problem has to do with the substandard manufacture of the original piece of
jewelry.
Basket Head - Answer-This is a type of prong setting for gemstones. It looks similar to a basket - thus the
name. Basket heads provide support and stability for the prongs. Viewed from the side, basket heads
can have one or two horizontal bars or can be quite ornate.
Bench (Jeweler's Bench) - Answer-This is a specialized work table where a jeweler makes and repairs
jewelry. Normally, they have drawers to accommodate tools.
, Bezel - Answer-This is a type of setting in which a vertical rim of metal snuggly surrounds a gemstone to
securely hold it in place. This setting was one of the earliest methods of setting gemstones into jewelry.
Today, many beautiful and modern designs make use of this setting.
Boutique Jeweler - Answer-These stores feature lines of jewelry from well known jewelry designers.
These are often the exclusive representative for these designers within particular geographic regions.
The jewelry is usually artistic, well made, and their prices reflect this.
Butterfly Spring - Answer-This is a thin, flexible strip of metal soldered to the inside bottom shank of a
ring. Its purpose is to hold a ring securely on a finger and in an upright position. These are useful for
women whose knuckles are larger than the rest of their fingers. The device allows a ring to be sized
slightly larger so that it can slip over the knuckle, yet be safe from twirling or falling off the finger.
Carat - Answer-Refers to the weight of a gemstone. Abbreviation: ct. Example: 2.3 ct ____ diamond ring.
Casting - Answer-This is a process in which melted metal is poured into a mold and allowed to harden.
After a piece of jewelry is removed from the mold, it is filed, polished and, if need be, set with
gemstones.
Channel Setting - Answer-In this, multiple gemstones are set in a row between two walls of metal. The
gemstones are held in place by their edges tucked inside a groove in the inside wall. These types of set
gemstones are smooth to the touch and resist catching on clothing.
Clasp - Answer-This is a device used to join together the two ends of chains, bracelets, and necklaces.
Clasps come in many different shapes and sizes.
Cocktail Ring - Answer-This is typically large and three dimensional and rises significantly off the finger. It
is usually set with many colored gems and smaller diamonds. These are typically worn when dressed up
and out to parties. They aren't practical for everyday wear.
Alloys - Answer-Formed when two or more elements are combined to form a different type of metal
with special attributes. The new metal is typically stronger, more durable, and may be a different color.
Ie: Sterling silver is silver + copper. 18K yellow gold is 75% gold with silver.
Anniversary Band - Answer-A ring in which gemstones have been set one-third to one-half of the way
around the perimeter. They can be the same width all the way around or they can be tapered. Typically
they are set with diamonds and symbolize romance.
Bail - Answer-The top loop on a pendant that the chain slides through. Bails come in many different
shapes, sizes, and designs. Changing this on a pendant can make a big difference, both for aesthetic
reasons and strength.
Band - Answer-This appears to be the same width all the way around your finger. The classic wedding
one can be thin, thick of medium in width as long as the width is uniform. Typically, they are simple rings
of uniform width with little or no raised elements, although decorative designs can be engraved or cast
into the piece. They can be thick or thin. Occasionally, gemstones will be flush set in them.
Band-Aid Repair - Answer-This is a repair done to a poorly made piece of jewelry. These repairs can't be
guaranteed to last. The problem has to do with the substandard manufacture of the original piece of
jewelry.
Basket Head - Answer-This is a type of prong setting for gemstones. It looks similar to a basket - thus the
name. Basket heads provide support and stability for the prongs. Viewed from the side, basket heads
can have one or two horizontal bars or can be quite ornate.
Bench (Jeweler's Bench) - Answer-This is a specialized work table where a jeweler makes and repairs
jewelry. Normally, they have drawers to accommodate tools.
, Bezel - Answer-This is a type of setting in which a vertical rim of metal snuggly surrounds a gemstone to
securely hold it in place. This setting was one of the earliest methods of setting gemstones into jewelry.
Today, many beautiful and modern designs make use of this setting.
Boutique Jeweler - Answer-These stores feature lines of jewelry from well known jewelry designers.
These are often the exclusive representative for these designers within particular geographic regions.
The jewelry is usually artistic, well made, and their prices reflect this.
Butterfly Spring - Answer-This is a thin, flexible strip of metal soldered to the inside bottom shank of a
ring. Its purpose is to hold a ring securely on a finger and in an upright position. These are useful for
women whose knuckles are larger than the rest of their fingers. The device allows a ring to be sized
slightly larger so that it can slip over the knuckle, yet be safe from twirling or falling off the finger.
Carat - Answer-Refers to the weight of a gemstone. Abbreviation: ct. Example: 2.3 ct ____ diamond ring.
Casting - Answer-This is a process in which melted metal is poured into a mold and allowed to harden.
After a piece of jewelry is removed from the mold, it is filed, polished and, if need be, set with
gemstones.
Channel Setting - Answer-In this, multiple gemstones are set in a row between two walls of metal. The
gemstones are held in place by their edges tucked inside a groove in the inside wall. These types of set
gemstones are smooth to the touch and resist catching on clothing.
Clasp - Answer-This is a device used to join together the two ends of chains, bracelets, and necklaces.
Clasps come in many different shapes and sizes.
Cocktail Ring - Answer-This is typically large and three dimensional and rises significantly off the finger. It
is usually set with many colored gems and smaller diamonds. These are typically worn when dressed up
and out to parties. They aren't practical for everyday wear.
