Illusion-Set:  Invisible-Set  A setting technique with no visible prongs or supports. The gemstones are grooved so that a thin wire framework holds the gemstones in place.  A setting technique patented by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933 (Mystery Setting) in which a diamond is placed in a colletion of reflective, highly-polished metal so that it appears to be part of the gemstone in order to enhance the perceived size of the diamond. 

Inlay: The insertion of pieces of gemstones, wood, ivory, etc. into slots created on a surface for embellishment.

Invisible-Set:  A setting technique with no visible prongs or supports. The gemstones are grooved so that a thin wire framework holds the gemstones in place.

Initial Pendants: Jewelry pieces featuring letters, often representing initials, crafted from precious metals or plated materials. They can be made from gold, silver, vermeil, or other alloys, and may include embellishments such as diamonds, gemstones, or enamel. The design typically highlights personalization, allowing wearers to display their own initials or those of loved ones as a meaningful accessory.

Infinity Symbol: A jewelry design centered around the infinity symbol (∞), representing eternity, empowerment, and everlasting love. The symbol is often crafted in precious metals such as gold, platinum, or sterling silver, and may be adorned with diamonds or other gemstones to accentuate its flowing curves. Infinity symbol jewelry appears in various forms including pendants, rings, bracelets, and earrings, making it a versatile and meaningful accessory. Its design seamlessly blends modern minimalism with timeless symbolism, making it a popular choice for gifts that express endless connection, loyalty, and balance.

Jump Ring: A wire ring of any size, usually round or oval in shape, used for attaching jewelry parts. 

Karat: A unit of measure of the purity of gold. Pure gold equals 24 karats.

Key Ring: A device for holding keys together usually consisting of a metal ring.  Kinetic  Jewelry designed to move, rotate, or revolve. Moving parts are trapped and cannot usually be removed from the main jewelry object.

Kit: An assortment of products, often components, sold together, usually for back of store use, often at a lower price than if the items were purchased individually. 

Lapel Pin: A small piece of jewelry with a post-type pin affixed to it with a clutch mechanism to secure it. May also be assembled with a small brooch-type, hinged pin assembly. A lapel pin is usually smaller than an inch in length.

Lariat Necklace:  A long cord-like necklace without a clasp, usually looped into a knot, thus allowing the ends to hang down in the front.

Lever Back:  A spring-loaded closure on the back of some earrings. When in the closed position, it secures the earring to the earlobe.  

Line Bracelet: A flexible bracelet that can be unclasped and laid out to form a “line.” The links are usually joined by hinge pins. A tennis bracelet is a type of line bracelet.

Link Bracelet: A bracelet made from connecting or linking various, sometimes similar, components together. The links are usually interlocking, eliminating the need for hinge pins. 

Locket: A small, decorative case with one or more spaces to hold a picture or memento, designed to be suspended from a chain. May also be incorporated into the design of a ring or bracelet.

Looking Down/Top View:  A way to describe looking at a ring from the top down or bird’s eye view.

Medical ID: Jewelry  Designed with a medically identifiable emblem and engraved to inform others of medical issues such as drug and food allergies and other medical conditions.

Mens Jewelry: A collection of accessories designed specifically for men, including bracelets, rings, chains, cufflinks, and pendants. The focus is on bold, stylish, and versatile pieces that reflect personality, strength, and sophistication. Men’s jewelry is often crafted from durable and high-quality materials such as gold, sterling silver, stainless steel, or leather, and is valued for its timeless appeal, fashion-forward designs, and symbolic representation of individuality, status, and personal expression.

Melee: Classification used in the sorting of diamonds weighing less than .17 carats or 17 points each.

Medical ID Jewelry: A functional and life-saving jewelry design that features engraved medical information, such as allergies, chronic conditions, medications, or emergency contacts. Medical ID jewelry is worn to alert first responders and medical professionals in emergencies, ensuring quick and accurate care when the wearer may be unable to communicate.

Micro Pavé: A highly precise setting technique similar to pavé but using extremely small gemstones.

Milgrain: Having the edge shaped into fine beading.

Minimalist: A term used to describe a movement in design and architecture around the 1960s and 1970s, where the subject is reduced as much as possible to only its necessary elements.

Moissanite:  A rare mineral discovered by Henri Moissan, later synthesized in the laboratory and used as a high-quality diamond substitute.

Money Clip: A folded clip used to keep folded cash and/or credit cards in lieu of a wallet.

Mounting: A jewelry item that has stone settings, but in which no stones have been set. It requires no further assembly work; the exception being an unset semi-mount mounting which requires a head to be attached. 

Mother’s Jewelry: Jewelry designed to celebrate motherhood, often featuring birthstones, initials, or symbols representing children and family. These pieces are typically crafted from precious metals like gold or sterling silver and may include gemstones to personalize each piece. Mother’s jewelry is meant to symbolize love, care, and the bond between a mother and her family, making it a meaningful keepsake or gift.

Neckwear: A piece of jewelry that may be a string of gemstones, beads, jewels, etc., or a metal chain worn around the neck. 

Niobium: A silver-gray contemporary metal. 

Notched Band: See Shadow Band.

Nugget Ring/Jewelry: Jewelry designed to mimic and exaggerate the look of a native lump of precious metal, usually yellow gold. 

Name Necklaces: Personalized jewelry pieces featuring an individual’s name, initials, or meaningful words crafted in metals such as gold, silver, or vermeil. A name necklace typically highlights custom lettering or script, making it both a fashion statement and a personal keepsake. These necklaces are designed to be worn daily and often carry sentimental value, symbolizing identity, relationships, or special memories.

Omega Clip: A wire attached and hinged on the back of an earring and used as a mechanism to hold the earring in place.

Openwork: See Pierced.

Organic: A design style using freeflowing curves and surfaces similar to those from nature such as in leaves, vines, etc.

Packages/Kits: See Selling Systems.

Patina: Discoloration that forms naturally over time on metals such as silver and bronze. Patinas may also be introduced artificially through certain chemicals for aesthetic value.

Pavé: A field of bead-set gemstones closely set, usually in rows, whereby the entire surface of the jewelry is covered or pavéd. 

Pavilion: The lower part of a cut gemstone below the girdle.

Pearl Enhancer: A pendant with a hinged, clasp-type bail that allows it to be attached to a pearl or bead necklace, or any necklace that doesn’t allow a pendant to be slid onto it.

Peg Head: A setting with a peg attached to it that can be easily attached to a jewelry item by inserting the peg into a drilled hole. Peg heads are commonly used in semi-mount engagement rings.

Pendant: An adornment designed to be suspended from a necklace.

Pendant Enhancer: A pendant designed so that another pendant, usually a solitaire, can be suspended inside of it.

Pennyweight: Pennyweight is a common weight unit of measure used in the valuation and measurement of precious metals. One pennyweight equals ¹⁄20 of a ounce (troy). See DWT.

Personalized Bracelets: A jewelry design tailored to reflect individual identity, emotions, or special moments through customization. Personalized bracelets often feature elements such as engraved names, initials, meaningful dates, Roman numerals, or symbolic charms. Crafted in precious metals like gold, sterling silver, or platinum, these bracelets can be custom-fitted to ensure a perfect and comfortable wear.

Pierced: In jewelry it refers to perforated or openwork designs with regular patterns of openings and holes.

Pin: Any type of jewelry that is fastened to clothing using a sharp, pointed post and a catch or clasp. May be a brooch, lapel pin, or tie tack.

Pin Assembly: Jewelry findings used to secure a pin to the wearer. This assembly is comprised of a pin-stem and pin-catch. 

Pin-Catch: The securing mechanism for a pin-stem.

Pin Stem:  A sharply-pointed pin on a hinge that is suitable for piercing fabric or clothing. It is secured with a pin-catch.

Platinum:  A heavy, non-corrosive white metal with high tensile strength which dulls as it is worn but holds its detail for many years, giving it heirloom characteristics.

Plique-à-Jour: An enameling technique by which the design is outlined with metal and filled in with colored enamels, but with no backing so that the effect is similar to a stained glass window.

Precious Metals: Metals that are rare and have high economic value. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. 

Precious Gemstone: The group of gemstones consisting of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

Primary Metal: The metal alloy that, when describing a two-tone item, makes up the majority of the weight of the jewelry item. See Secondary Metal.

Profile:  A profile is a cross sectional view. Flat inside round, comfort-fit, inside round, flat, knife-edge, etc., are examples of band profiles.

Promise Ring: A ring worn to show commitment to a monogamous relationship, usually set with one or more diamond melee. 

Prong-Set: A setting technique in which a gemstone is held in place by metal projections or tines, called prongs. 

Prototype: An example of a piece of jewelry created from inexpensive, non-precious materials.

Puzzle Ring: Several rings that fit together to create a single ring.

Promise Ring: Symbol of Commitment. The term “promise ring” refers to a ring exchanged between two people as a symbol of love, loyalty, or a meaningful commitment. Unlike engagement rings, promise rings do not necessarily signify an intent to marry but instead represent a pledge of faithfulness, exclusivity, or a shared promise. Traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left or right hand, a promise ring can be given in romantic relationships, friendships, or even as a personal reminder of a vow.

Pearl Earrings: Jewelry pieces featuring natural, cultured, or imitation pearls set in various styles such as studs, drops, or clusters. According to FTC guidelines, when pearls are described as "cultured" or "natural," they must be accurately represented, with cultured pearls formed through human intervention in mollusks and natural pearls occurring without human aid. If imitation or simulated pearls are used, this must be clearly disclosed.

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