Fashion Jewelry Glossary
The following is a list of parts and materials commonly used in costume jewelry and fashion accessories. Click a term to see its definition.
A gold alloy containing 75% pure gold mixed with other metals such as zinc, copper or nickel. The additional metals increase durability while lowering the overall price of the jewelry.
100% pure gold which is more expensive than gold alloys such as 18K, but much softer and less durable.
The shell of abalone snails, used in jewelry for its colorful, iridescent qualities and extreme durability.
A fabric patch or ornamental pattern sewn or glued onto a larger work. As a verb, it is the needlework technique of attaching small pieces of fabric onto another piece of fabric to form a picture or pattern.
A style of visual arts originating in Paris in the 1920’s, characterized by bold geometric forms and fine craftsmanship. It influenced all areas of design including architecture, furniture, fashion and everyday consumer products
A thin coating applied to the surface of manufactured crystals, giving them a vibrant, multicolor hue. It was originally developed by Swarovski and Christian Dior in 1956.
Rectangular cut gemstones with a clean, geometric appearance ideal for modern and art deco jewelry designs.
A stiff oval or circular bracelet with no opening that slides over the hand, often worn in multiples.
Any metal not classified as precious (gold, silver, platinum, palladium). Costume jewelry is often made with these inexpensive metals, then plated with a thin layer of precious metal to improve appearance and durability. Commonly used base metals include brass, copper, zinc and nickel.
This setting wraps the edge of a gemstone in an elevated metal collar, holding it in place and protecting it from damage.
A metal jewelry closure consisting of a “box” and “tongue” mechanism. Secure it by squeezing the tongue and pushing it into the box until it locks. Open it by squeezing the tongue and removing it from the box.
An oval or pear-shaped jewelry component cut with triangular facets. Briolettes can be viewed from every angle because they are not placed in a setting. This makes them ideal for pendants and drop earrings.
Small, cylindrical beads made from cut glass and commonly used in beaded jewelry, clothing embroidery and other decorative arts.
Long, elaborate earrings with multiple tiers or dangles, typically embellished with gemstones or beads.
A channel set gemstone is placed in a narrow opening formed by two strips of metal. Grooves on both walls of the channel hold each stone in place.
A close-fitting necklace that sits at the base of the neck or higher up on the neck itself.
A type of necklace worn at the base of the neck, often made with a repeating pattern that lies flat on the body.
Cubic zirconia or CZ is a man-made gemstone that imitates the hardness and light refractivity of a real diamond. It is internally flawless and usually colorless.
A stiff bracelet in the shape of the letter “C”, with an opening on one side.
A type of earring that extends below the ear, usually made with multiple sections that allow the earring to move freely.
A full-bodied, low luster, satin blend commonly used for evening wear and special occasion garments.
A elongated earring positioned along the outer edge of the ear, secured by a post and squeezed to fit snuggly as it extends upwards.
An invisible lacquer coating applied to the surface of metal jewelry to prevent tarnishing
A type of jewelry metalwork in which small metal threads or beads are arranged in an intricate pattern.
Also known as “push backs”, these are the most common type of earring back, consisting of a flat plate with a small hole. To secure the earring, push the back onto the post so it presses against the ear.
A precious, semi-precious or man-made stone that is cut, polished and used in jewelry, fashion or other visual arts.
Imitation pearls made with a glass or wax-filled center, then coated with a pearlescent substance to mimic the luster of real pearls. They are manufactured for consistent color and shape, making them ideal for beaded jewelry patterns.
The process of binding a very thin layer of gold on to base metal. This gives jewelry the color of pure gold while improving it’s durability.
A jewelry finish that imitates the color of gold but has no actual gold content.
A jewelry-making component consisting of a thin metal rod with a disc or loop at one end. They are often used with drilled beads to create dangle earrings and necklace pendants.
A single strand necklace without a clasp, fastened by threading one end through the other or looping it around the neck with a knot in front.
A marquise cut stone, also known as a “navette” or “football” is oval shaped with points at each end.
A shiny, iridescent coating found inside mollusk shells, used in jewelry and other ornamentation.
A decorative technique that puts holes or gaps in solid material, creating an artistic design or pattern.
A thin, transparent fabric made from silk, polyester or nylon. It’s commonly used in bridal and evening wear.
A dark film that forms on the surface of metal jewelry, caused by the oxidation of metals such as silver and copper.
A type of jewelry setting in which numerous small gemstones are set closely together. The French word “Pavé” translates to “paved”, thus the appearance of a surface paved with gemstones.
Originally created in the 1960’s as an alternative to the round brilliant cut, the princess cut has a square shape and sharp corners.
Manufactured imitation gemstones, usually made from crystal, glass or acrylic.
A precious metal used to plate jewelry for a reflective, silvery appearance. It is highly scratch resistant and does not tarnish.
A flat bead often used as a spacer between two other beads. Some are made by cutting gemstones into an oval shape, others consist of two metal discs holding a ring of rhinestones.
A thin layer of gold and copper alloy bonded onto base metal. It is reddish or pink in color and compliments all skin tones.
A latch or chain attached to both sides of a necklace or bracelet, near the opening. If the main clasp fails, the safety catch holds both sides together and prevents the item from falling off.
A generic term for any small, round bead usually measuring between 1mm and 4mm in diameter. They are commonly used in bead weaving, embroidery and simple stringing.
The process by which a thin layer of silver is permanently bonded to jewelry made from base metal. This coating is durable and may take years to show noticeable wear. The silver alloy most commonly used for plating is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals, most commonly copper.
A coating applied to the surface of fashion jewelry that imitates the color of silver but has no actual silver content, considered lower quality than sterling silver or silver plated jewelry.
A hypoallergenic steel alloy used in all types of jewelry. It’s chromium content creates an invisible top layer that prevents rust and tarnish.
Any bold, oversized jewelry piece designed to draw attention to itself.
Earrings that sit on the ear lobe, secured by a post which goes through the ear hole. They do not have a dangle or “drop” attached to them.
A type of stainless steel often used in earrings because it’s hypoallergenic and considered one of the safest metals for sensitive skin.
An Austrian-based company founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski best known for manufactured crystals, genuine gemstones and finished products such as jewelry and figurines.
A gemstone shape resembling a drop of water, pointed on top and rounded at the bottom. Some teardrops are used in a jewelry setting while others are rounded and can be viewed from any side.
A bracelet style consisting of small gemstones linked together in a single row.
A strong silver-gray metal that is hypoallergenic, lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
A synthetic microfiber fabric that is resistant to stains, discoloration and fraying with a texture resembling natural suede leather.