Alloy - a mix of various metals.
Amber - a resin created by the fossilized fir tree.
Art Deco - a style popular from 1920-1939 characterized by geometrical and abstract shapes, architectural lines and contrasting colors.
Art Nouveau - a style popular from 1870-1920 characterized by organic, flowing lines inspired by nature yet with a whimsical flair
Austrian Crystal - fantastically glittering faceted crystal usually produced by the famed Swarovski company.
Baguette - a narrow rectangle shaped and faceted cut. also called "emerald cut."
Bezel - a smooth, encircling setting for gems.
Brass - a warm golden colored copper based alloy metal.
Cabochon - a dome shaped, smooth cut of stone.
Cameo - a relief carving in shell or stone; usually a female portrait.
Celtic - of or relating to Irish, Scottish, or Welsh aesthetic
Cinnabar - an oxblood colored resin byproduct of Mercury.
Cloissonne' - a technique utilizing fused wire on a metal base to create a design to be filled with enamel.
Cocktail Ring - a showy, large sized ring
Cubic Zirconia - synthetic / lab created diamond
Edwardian - a period of history between 1901-1910
Enamel - powderd glass melted and used as coloring
Etruscan Revival - a popular style during the Victorian period, taking cues from ancient Italian and Greek design.
Faceted - stone cut to showcase it's light producing qualities
Filigree - ornate, open work metal designs
Georgian - a period of history between 1714 -1837. Think American Revolution.
Gold Tone - metal that is gold only in color.
Gothic - a period of history between characterized by an afinity for the morbid, grotesque, and dark beauty.
Intaglio - a deeply carved image on the front of a stone or piece of glass.
Locket - a charm, (usually worn on a necklace,) that unhinges to reveal a wearers photographs, pressed flowers, snipets of a lovers hair, or other small mementos.
Marquis - a type of stone cut carved in a diamond shape.
Medieval - a period in history from 476-1450
Norse/Nordic - of or relating to Scandinavian and Viking culture.
Pave' - covered in a multitude of stones, a cobblestone effect
Pewter - a metal alloy of a grey color
Renaissance - a period in history from 1450-1660
Retro - a term used to describe the aesthetic of 1935-1950.
Rhinestone - faceted glass or faux stone
Rhodium Plated - a coating used on silver to enhance luster and discourage oxidation.
Scarab - beetle design carved stone popularized by the Egyptians.
Setting - the way a stone is attatched to a piece of jewelry
Silver Tone - metal that is silver only in color.
Stamped Silver - denotes true sterling silver; stamped with the mark ".925" to indicate silver content.
Sterling Silver - pure silver fortified with a small percentage of other metals.
Synthetic - a scientifically created stone mimicking the properties of natural stones. (not to be confused with imitation or artifical stones.)
Victorian - a period of history from 1837-1900
COLOR CHARTS AND BIRTH STONES
These colors are an approximation of the most common hues that the following gemstones appear as. Natural stones will vary in shades piece by piece.
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Amethyst (purple) |
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FEBRUARY
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Blue Topaz (aqua blue) |
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DECEMBER
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Diamond (clear) |
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APRIL
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Citrine (topaz yellow) |
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NOVEMBER
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Garnet (wine red) |
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JANUARY
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Iolite (bluish purple) |
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Peridot (yellow-green) |
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AUGUST
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Amber (honey orange) |
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Carnelian (oxblood red) |
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Chalcedony (denim blue) |
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Fire Opal (milky w/ rainbow flecks) |
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Malachite (forrest green) |
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Onyx (black) |
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Quartz
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Rose Quartz (pink) |
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Smokey Quartz (brown) |
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Pearl (milky white) |
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JUNE
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Moonstone (smokey crystal white) |
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JUNE
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Rainbow Moonstone (rainbow opalescent crystal white) |
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Turquoise
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DECEMBER
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Tanzanite (hues of blues and purples) |
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DECEMBER
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Tourmaline (greens and fuschias) |
 
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OCTOBER
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Ruby
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JULY
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Opal (opaque opalescent milky white) |
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OCTOBER
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Emerald (green) |
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MAY
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Sapphire (navy blue) |
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SEPTEMBER
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Aquamarine (baby blue) |
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MARCH
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The following chart represents the terms and colors used to describe the stock of no-stone costume jewelry. Colors are an approximation.
