The Jewellery Glossary

An alloy is a blend of metals that strengthens and enhances the natural character of the base metal. Pure gold and pure silver are often too soft for daily wear, so they are mixed with other metals for durability and colour.

Sterling silver is ninety two point five percent silver with seven point five percent copper. Eighteen carat gold combines gold with metals such as silver or palladium. Alloys help jewellery hold its shape and create tones like yellow, white and rose gold.

An amulet is jewellery worn with intention. It may symbolise protection, love, guidance or strength. A pendant becomes an amulet when it holds meaning for the wearer, rather than being purely decorative.

A baguette cut gemstone is rectangular with clean step cut facets. It brings refined symmetry and quiet glamour and is often used to frame a centre stone in engagement rings and eternity bands.

A bail is the small loop that connects a pendant or charm to a chain. It may be simple or decorative, but it is essential for balance and movement.

A baroque pearl has an organic, non symmetrical shape. Each one is unique, chosen for its curves and luminous glow.

A bezel setting frames the gemstone with a rim of metal. It protects the edges of the stone and creates a sleek modern profile ideal for daily wear.

A cabochon is a gemstone with a smooth domed surface and a flat base. It highlights colour, glow and softness rather than sparkle. Many pearls, opals and moonstones are cut this way.

A cameo is a raised relief carving, often a profile or symbolic motif, shown against a contrasting background. It has a long heritage in storytelling jewellery.

For gemstones, carat measures weight, not size. Moissanite often appears slightly larger than a diamond of the same carat weight due to its crystalline structure.

When applied to gold, carat refers to purity. Pure twenty four carat gold is too soft for most pieces, so jewellers blend gold with strong metals to create nine, fourteen or eighteen carat gold in warm or cool tones.

A chain necklace is a series of connected metal links. The style, finish and thickness of each link influence how the chain moves and catches the light.

A channel setting holds a line of gemstones within a groove of metal so the stones sit flush and create a continuous path of brilliance.

A choker sits close to the base of the neck, usually around forty centimetres in length. It can be worn alone or layered with longer chains.

Clarity describes how free a gemstone is from visible inclusions. High clarity stones, such as moissanite, have a crisp and open look that enhances their brilliance.

A claw or prong setting uses small metal arms to hold a stone securely while allowing maximum light to reach the gem. It is one of the most classic and brilliant setting styles.

A cluster setting groups several smaller stones together to create the impression of a larger design, offering rich sparkle and texture.

A cocktail ring is bold, expressive and designed to be noticed. It often features a generous centre stone or an elaborate setting that showcases individuality.

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic crystal designed to mimic diamond. It is softer and less brilliant than moissanite, which Prism & Pearl chooses for its exceptional clarity and sparkle.

Cultured pearls are grown under guided conditions where a small nucleus encourages layers of nacre to form. They have the same intrinsic beauty as natural pearls with more consistency in shape and quality.

Dangle earrings hang below the lobe and move gently as you do, bringing light and motion around the face.

Drop earrings sit just below the lobe and may move subtly. They offer a refined, elegant way to frame the face.

The earring back secures a stud in place. Prism & Pearl uses comfortable, high quality sterling silver backs designed for daily wear.

The emerald cut is rectangular with long parallel facets and refined clipped corners. It emphasises clarity and produces elegant, mirror like flashes rather than intense sparkle.

Engraving involves cutting letters, dates or symbols directly into metal. It creates meaningful personalisation and heirloom detail.

Etching uses controlled chemical processes to create recessed patterns in metal. It produces subtle texture and artistic detail.

A faceted gemstone contains many angled surfaces that enhance brilliance and clarity. Most diamonds and moissanite are faceted for maximum light return.

Facets are the small polished surfaces that shape a gemstone. Their arrangement directs how light travels through the stone and how much sparkle you see.

Filigree is made from fine metal wires curled and woven into intricate patterns. It gives jewellery a lace like delicacy.

Fine jewellery is crafted from precious metals such as gold or silver and set with genuine gemstones or moissanite. It is designed for longevity and everyday beauty.

Fine silver is over ninety nine percent pure. It has beautiful brightness but is very soft, so most pieces are made with sterling silver for strength.

A flush setting holds a stone level with the surface of the metal so the top remains smooth and modern.

A gemstone is a mineral or crystal cut and polished for beauty. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are the classic four, but modern jewellery embraces many more.

Gold is a precious metal known for its warm glow and resistance to tarnish. Prism & Pearl pieces come in yellow gold or platinum over sterling silver, giving you the warmth of gold on a strong, hypoallergenic base.

Gold filled jewellery has a thick bonded layer of real gold over a base metal core. It is more durable than standard plating and offers a long wearing, radiant finish.

Hallmarks are small stamps indicating metal purity and authenticity, such as nine two five for sterling silver or eighteen carat for gold.

A halo setting surrounds a centre stone with smaller stones to create a bright, radiant frame. It enhances the visual size and sparkle of the centre.

A hidden halo places the smaller stones beneath the centre stone rather than around the top. The added sparkle is revealed from the side, creating a luxurious, subtle detail.

Hoop earrings form a circular or oval shape that passes through the ear. They range from fine and delicate to bold and expressive.

Inclusions are natural internal features found within a gemstone. Many can only be seen under magnification. Moissanite typically has minimal inclusions, which contributes to its exceptional clarity.

Lab grown gemstones are created in controlled environments that replicate natural geological conditions. They share the same structure and beauty as mined stones with greater traceability and ethical clarity.

Lapidary is the art of cutting and polishing gemstones. Skilled lapidaries shape each stone to highlight colour, clarity and brilliance.

A lariat necklace is an open ended design that fastens by looping or knotting instead of a clasp. It feels fluid, modern and versatile.

Layered necklaces combine multiple chains of different lengths and textures to create a curated, personal look.

A lobster clasp is a secure fastening shaped like a small hinged claw. It is reliable and ideal for chains and bracelets worn daily.

A marquise cut stone has an elongated shape with pointed ends. It elongates the finger and offers generous surface area for light.

Milgrain is a fine border of tiny metal beads applied along the edges of a design. It introduces a whisper of vintage detail and texture.

The Mohs scale ranks gemstones by hardness from one to ten. Diamond sits at ten. Moissanite sits at about nine and a quarter, making it one of the most durable stones for daily wear.

Moissanite is a lab grown gemstone made from silicon carbide. It is renowned for its exceptional brilliance, colourful fire and high clarity. Many choose it as a diamond alternative for its durability and ethical sourcing.

Both moissanite and diamond are bright white gemstones that last for generations. Diamond forms naturally, while moissanite is created in a controlled environment. Moissanite shows more colourful fire and offers a luxurious, ethical choice.

Mother of pearl is the luminous inner shell layer of certain molluscs. It has a soft iridescence and is used for pendants, earrings and inlay details.

Nacre is the natural substance that forms pearls and mother of pearl. Its layered structure creates their distinctive glow.

Nickel silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc, containing no actual silver. Nickel can cause irritation, which is why Prism & Pearl jewellery is hypoallergenic and nickel free.

An opera length necklace usually sits between seventy and eighty five centimetres long. It can be worn draped, doubled or layered for timeless elegance.

Oxidised silver is intentionally darkened to create depth and contrast. Over time, raised areas may lighten gently, adding character and patina.

Paste jewellery uses hand cut glass to imitate gemstone sparkle. It has a long place in vintage design, although modern fine jewellery prefers durable, high clarity stones like moissanite.

Patina is the soft surface change that forms on metal over time or through treatment. It adds depth, warmth and character to a piece.

A pavé setting places tiny stones closely together so the surface appears paved with light. It brings shimmer to bands, halos and decorative details.

The pear cut combines a rounded base with a tapered tip, creating a graceful teardrop shape. It elongates the finger beautifully.

A pendant necklace features a charm or gemstone suspended from a chain. It can symbolise love, strength, faith or a personal milestone.

Plating applies a thin layer of precious metal over a base metal for colour, shine and protection. Prism & Pearl pieces are finished in platinum or yellow gold over sterling silver.

Platinum is a naturally white, dense and durable metal. It resists tarnish and is often chosen for significant, lifelong pieces.

Traditionally diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald are considered precious. At Prism & Pearl we believe every ethically chosen gemstone has its own story and significance.

The princess cut is a square brilliant cut known for strong sparkle and sharp geometry. It suits solitaires, halos and three stone rings beautifully.

The band or shank is the circular part of the ring that encircles the finger. Its thickness and proportions influence both comfort and appearance.

Ring size measures the inner circumference or diameter of a ring. Prism & Pearl rings use US sizes, from 5 to 10. Measure in the afternoon, when fingers are slightly larger, for the most accurate fit.

A rondelle is a bead with a slightly flattened round shape. It may be smooth or faceted and is common in bracelets and bead strands.

A rope length necklace typically exceeds eighty five centimetres. It can be wrapped, doubled or styled in a lariat shape.

A rose cut gem has a flat base and a domed crown covered in triangular facets. It offers soft antique shimmer rather than intense brilliance.

Rose gold blends gold with copper to create a warm pink tone. It feels romantic, soft and flattering on many skin tones.

Semi precious gems fall outside the traditional four but many, such as garnet and aquamarine, are striking and full of character.

Silver is a bright precious metal. Sterling silver blends pure silver with copper for strength. Prism & Pearl uses sterling silver finished in platinum or yellow gold for extra shine.

A simulated gemstone imitates the appearance of a natural stone but not its composition. Moissanite is not simulated; it is a true crystalline material known for brilliance.

A solitaire design showcases a single centre stone. It is elegant, timeless and allows the natural beauty of the cut to shine.

Stacking rings are slender designs worn together, allowing you to build a personalised look through texture and sparkle.

Stamping presses letters, numbers or motifs into metal using shaped tools. It adds simple, meaningful personalisation.

Statement jewellery is intentionally bold. In Prism & Pearl style this means powerful, elegant design that commands attention with refinement.

Sterling silver contains ninety two point five percent pure silver. It balances beauty, strength and value.

Stud earrings sit directly on the lobe with a central post. They range from delicate points of light to generous moissanite stones.

Tarnish is a natural surface change on metals such as silver, appearing as dullness or darkening. It is not permanent and can be removed with gentle cleaning.

Titanium is lightweight, strong and hypoallergenic. It has a cool, modern aesthetic and excellent comfort.

A toggle clasp uses a bar that passes through a ring to fasten. It is decorative, secure and often used on bracelets and heavier necklaces.

Tumbling polishes jewellery by rotating it with smoothing media. It softens edges and gives a consistent sheen.

Ultrasonic cleaning uses sound waves to remove residue from jewellery. It is ideal for durable stones such as moissanite, but should not be used for delicate gems like opal or pearl.

Gold vermeil is a thick layer of high purity gold applied over sterling silver, giving rich colour and long wearing durability.

White gold is created by alloying yellow gold with pale metals such as palladium or silver. It is often finished with rhodium for added brightness.

The highest standard of craftsmanship is found in thoughtful design, ethical sourcing and lasting beauty. Every term in this glossary leads back to the belief that jewellery should feel as extraordinary as the woman who wears it.