Alloy
A mixture of two or more metals created to enhance the strength and/or appearance of a particular metal.
Anniversary Band
An anniversary band is a ring (often with diamonds) that represents the renewal of your marriage or partnership commitment. This type of ring can be used to complement a wedding ring, and is usually given as a gift to mark an anniversary.
Anniversary Rings
An anniversary ring is often designed with diamonds and represents a renewal of your marriage or partnership commitment. This type of ring includes many styles including eternity bands and three-stone designs that can be worn alone.
Asscher‐Cut
Asscher‐cut diamonds and gemstones feature square cut with deeply cropped corners. The stones are cut with a series of parallel steps, creating an effect much like a house of mirrors.
Baguette
A baguette‐cut diamond or gemstone is one cut into a small rectangular or tapered shape with a stepped edges. Baguette‐cut diamonds and gemstones are generally used as accents to larger stones.
Bangle/Bangle Bracelet
A rigid bracelet that is either solid or hinged, designed to slip easily over the hand and around the wrist.
Bezel Setting
Bezel settings use a type of elevated collar which wraps the rim of a diamond or gemstone with a complete metal edge. This type of setting is the most secure. The bezel setting also protects the diamond or gemstone better than other types of settings. Metal is wrapped around the girdle of the stone, making only its crown and table visible. This setting is admired for its protection, security and ability to minimize inclusions.
Bracelet
A bracelet is an ornamental band or circlet for the wrist or arm. A bracelet can be crafted of any material including sterling silver and gold, and are available in a variety of styles ranging from ornate to simple.
Bridal Set
A bridal set is a coordinated ensemble that includes an engagement ring and a wedding band.
Bright Polish
A bright polish is a jewellery metal finish that’s smooth, shiny and mirror‐like.
Brightness
Brightness, or brilliance, is the effect of a gemstone’s internal and external reflections of light.
Brilliance
Brilliance, or brightness, is light that is reflected from the diamond to the eye, or the amount of sparkle for a particular diamond.
Brilliant‐Cut
A brilliant‐cut diamond or gemstone is cut in a particular form with numerous facets to have exceptional brilliance. The shape resembles that of a cone and provides maximized light return through the top of the stone. Brilliant‐cut diamonds and gemstones include round, oval, teardrop, pear, princess, radiant, triangle, heart and marquise‐shaped diamonds.
Briolette
A briolette is an elongated pear‐shaped gemstone cut with facets, and it is often drilled to hang as a bead. It was popular during the Victorian times.
Bronze
Bronze is a yellowish‐brown alloy of copper and iron with up to one‐third tin.
Brooch
A brooch is an ornamental pin fastened to clothing with a hinged pin and catch.
Brushed Finish
A brushed finish features tiny grooves in the surface of the metal that add texture. This effect slightly reduces the reflection of the metal and creates a wispy, feathery look.
Buckle Clasp
Similar to a belt buckle, this adjustable clasp is the most popular for leather or fabric watchbands.
Button Earrings
Button earrings lie flat on the ear with no dangling parts. They have a disk‐like or slightly domed shape.
Bypass Ring
A bypass ring coils around the finger, with the ends of the band crossing or passing each other on top. It may also be called a crossover ring.
Carat (CT.)
A carat (ct.) is the measurement for diamond and gemstone weight. A carat is 200 milligrams or one fifth of a gram. Diamonds and gemstones can range from small fractions of a carat to many carats.
Cathedral Setting
The cathedral setting uses arches of metal to support and hold the centre diamond or gemstone. Cathedral‐like arches rise above the band on either side of the stone. The arches themselves may be carved or set with smaller accent diamonds or gemstones.
Cavity
A cavity is an inclusion in the form of a sizable opening that penetrates a diamond or gemstone from the surface.
Certification
A certification provides an unbiased description of the individual qualities that determine a diamond or gemstone’s value and worth as evaluated by expert gemologists.
Champagne Diamond
Champagne refers to brown diamonds with a secondary tone of yellow that resemble the colour of champagne. The intensity of the yellow can be weak (yellowish) or strong and same goes about the general intensity of the colour. Champagne diamonds can be natural or enhanced.
Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier earrings feature a series of dangling drops, usually in multiple tiers, suspending from a post or French wire setting. The drops may be simple metal or set with diamonds, gemstones or pearls.
Channel Setting
In a channel setting, diamonds or gemstones are set flush between two strips of metal that holds them in place side by side with no additional prongs between the stones. This type of setting protects the edge, or girdle, of the gemstone, and is a very secure setting.
Charm
A charm is a small ornament worn on a necklace or a bracelet.
Chevron
A chevron is a V‐shaped facet or a pattern of stripes forming either a “V” or an inverted “V.”
Clarity
Clarity is a gem’s relative freedom from blemishes and inclusions.
Clasp
Clasps are the device used to fasten each end of a watchband, bracelet or necklace together.
Clustre/Composite Setting
A clustre or composite setting features several diamonds or gemstones grouped together to either create a unique design or to look like one larger stone.
Colourless
A diamond with no traces of body colour is considered colourless. Light travels through a colourless diamond better than a diamond with colour, resulting in exceptional brilliance.
Conflict Diamonds
A conflict diamond is a rough diamond mined in an area controlled by insurgent forces whose sale is used to finance antigovernment military action. Zales Jewellers does not sell conflict diamonds. Learn more .
Copper
Copper is a bright shiny reddish‐gold metal that is soft and easily malleable. Copper has been recorded as being used as far back as 10,000 years ago in many different artifacts, long before gold was used. Copper is still widely used and desired for its colour and versatility.
Crown (Diamond or Gemstone)
The crown is the upper portion of a cut gemstone, which lies above the girdle. The crown consists of a table facet surrounded by either star and bezel facets (on round diamonds and most fancy cuts) or concentric rows of facets reaching from the table to the girdle (on emerald cuts and other step cuts).
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic Zirconia is an artificial crystal resembling a diamond in refraction, dispersion, hardness, and colour.
Culet
The culet is the small on the bottom tip of a diamond.
Cushion‐Cut
A cushion‐cut diamond or gemstone is a variety of brilliant cut in which the girdle has the form of a square with rounded corners.
Cut
The cut is the form, style and quality of a diamond’s or gemstone’s fashioning. Cut types include round, princess, cushion, baguette and many others.
Diamond
Diamonds are the hardest natural mineral known to man. Diamonds are the classic birthstone for April and the traditional gift for the 10th, 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.
Diamond Clarity
One of the 4Cs, diamond clarity measures the amount/absence of inclusions in and blemishes on a diamond. Clarity ranges from flawless to included/imperfect.
Diamond Colour
One of the 4Cs, diamond colour measures the amount of body colour (tint) in a diamond on a scale from colourless to yellow/brown or gray.
Diamond Cut
One of the 4Cs, diamond cut determines how light travels through a stone. Cut refers to the proportions of a stone, facet angles, finish and shape.
Diamond Table
The diamond table is the uppermost flat surface and largest facet of a cut stone.
Diamond Total Weight
Diamond weight is the sum of the carat weights for all diamonds in a piece of jewellery.
Diamond Weight
A diamond weight is also called a carat. The carat is a metric unit of weight used for diamonds and is one fifth of a gram (0.2g).
Diamond‐Cut Finish
A diamond‐cut finish is created by cutting metal with a diamond, giving it a glittering and sparkling look.
Diffusion, Diffusion Treatment
Diffusion is heating a gem to very high temperature while it’s in contact with selected chemicals. The chemicals penetrate the gem and become part of the gem’s crystal, changing its colour in the process.
Dispersion
Dispersion is the spreading of white light into spectral hues. It is caused by different colours of light being refracted differently. Dispersion is a key element of diamond’s appeal.
Doublet
A doublet is an assembled gem made with two main components.
Drop Earrings
Drop earrings feature gems or other decorative elements that dangle.
Durability
Durability is resistance to damage of all kinds. Overall durability depends on the combination of hardness, toughness and stability.
Emerald‐Cut
An emerald‐cut gemstone is rectangular in shape with beveled corners and a step cut.
Enamel Finish
An enameled finish is a smooth, durable material made of melted and fused glass powder used to coat jewellery.
Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is exchanged at the time of engagement that symbolizes a couple’s love and the promise of marriage. The engagement ring often features diamonds or precious gemstones.
Engravable
An engravable item features a surface that can be inscribed with a message.
Ensemble
An ensemble is a group of jewellery items that go together; for example, a ring, bracelet, necklace, and earrings of matching design. These items may be sold either separately or together.
Eternity Band
An eternity band is a ring completely encircled with gemstones or diamonds. It is given to express unending love and can also be used as a wedding or anniversary ring.
Extinction
An extinction is a dark area in a faceted gem, usually seen around the edges when it is viewed face‐up, often due to cutting proportions that don’t maximize light return.
Faceted Gem
A faceted gem is a gemstone cut in a manner so that it is covered with small flat polished surfaces. Most transparent gems are faceted.
Facets
Facets are the flat surfaces on a cut stone. The placement of facets determines how much light reflects through the stone.
Fancy Cut, Fancy Shape
A fancy cut or fancy shape relates to the way in which a diamond or gemstone is cut and includes any faceted shape other than round. Classic fancy shapes include the emerald, heart, oval, pear, and marquise cuts.
Feather
A feather is a break within a gem.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting free and fair commerce in the national marketplace. The FTC Guides for the Jewellery, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries help to define legal and ethical standards for gem and jewellery professionals.
Figaro Link Chain
A Figaro chain features distinct rhythmic pattern of three (or five) equally sized links separated by one longer link.
Filigree
Filigree is a delicate work of twisted gold or silver soldered together which forms an open design used with jewellery. Filigree often resembles lace.
Filling
A filling seals fractures or cavities in a gem. In fracture filling, surface‐reaching breaks are filled to conceal them and improve the gem’s appearance. In cavity filling, larger surface openings are filled for similar purposes. Fracture fillers include colourless oils, natural and synthetic resins, and glass. Cavity fillings are usually glass or plastic. Fracture filling is common for emeralds, and cavity filling is most frequent with rubies; but both treatments occasionally appear in a number of gems.
Findings
Jewellery findings include components such as bails, clasps and setting heads.
Fineness
Fineness represents the amount of precious metal in an alloy, usually measured in parts per thousand. For example, an item marked Pt950 is 950 parts platinum and 50 parts alloying metal.
Fingerprint
A fingerprint is partly healed cleavage or fracture. This type of inclusion usually forms when a break occurs while a gem crystal is growing, and nutrient fluids seep into the break. The fluids may remain in liquid form or later solidify, in either case creating a microscopic pattern that resembles a human fingerprint.
Flawless
Flawless is the highest diamond grading on the clarity scale. A flawless diamond has no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
Florentine Finish
A Florentine finish is the texture on a metal’s surface in which small lines are engraved in a crosshatch pattern.
Fluid Inclusion
A fluid inclusion is a small pocket of liquid trapped inside a gem.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence is the glow some gems emit under ultraviolet light.
Flush Setting
With a flush setting, holes are cut in the surface of the metal, and stones are placed inside. Only the tops of the stones are visible, and their tables are even with the metal’s surface.
Four Cs
The Four Cs are the four distinct characteristics – cut, colour, clarity and carat weight – that classify each diamond. Experts use these classifications to establish the value and quality of every diamond.
Fracture
A fracture is an irregular break within a gem. Unlike cleavage, fracture isn’t tied to crystal structure patterns. It can occur in any kind of gem, and often has a curved or scalloped contour (like breaks in glass).
French Wire Earring Back
A French wire earring back is shaped like a hook with the ‘hook’ part going through the pierced portion of the ear.
GIA
Gemological Institute of America. This organization is considered to be the authority on gemological teaching and research.
Gem Treatment
A gem treatment is an artificial process that improves a gem’s appearance or durability. Treatments for coloured gems include bleaching, coating, diffusion, dyeing, filling, heating, impregnation, and irradiation.
Gemstone
A gemstone is a stone found in nature that has the necessary rarity, beauty and durability for use in jewellery.
Girdle
The girdle is the horizontal midsection and widest part of a diamond. The girdle may be polished, faceted or unpolished on a diamond, but is typically left unpolished on coloured stones.
Glue Setting
A glue setting is used when stones are attached to metal by strong glue adhesive, rather than prongs or other metal settings.
Gold (Metal)
Gold is a classic metal used in most jewellery. Pure gold (24K) is too soft to be used for jewellery so it is combined with other metals to enhance durability. For example, 14K gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals.
Gold Plating
Gold plating is a coating of karat gold permanently plated onto a base metal through electrical current.
Half‐Bezel Setting
A half‐bezel setting wraps metal around either side of the stone’s girdle, rather than around the entire stone.
Half‐Channel Setting
With a half‐channel setting, each side a diamond or gemstone is bordered and secured by a slender strip of metal.
Hammer Finish
A hammer finish is a decorative metal finish with small indentations or dimples covering the surface.
Hardness (Mohs Hardness Scale)
Hardness is the ability of a stone or mineral to resist scratching. Hardness is measured from 1 to 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, with 10 (diamonds) being the hardest.
Heart‐Shaped Cut
Heart‐shaped cut diamonds and gemstones are cut in the shape of a heart. Heart‐shaped diamonds are a variation of the round brilliant‐cut.
Heat treatment
Heat treatment is using a high temperature to improve or change a gem’s colour. This treatment is common for many gems including aquamarine, carnelian, citrine, ruby, sapphire, tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, and zircon. Controlled heating can also eliminate needle‐like inclusions and improve clarity in rubies and sapphires. Less often it’s used to make the same inclusions grow in order to create or intensify a star effect.
High‐Polish Finish
A high‐polish finish is metal with a shiny, reflective surface.
Hinged Back
The hinged back is very popular in hoop earrings. This back style features a hinged piece of metal that goes through the ear and snaps into a latch on the opposite side of the earring.
Ideal‐Cut
An ideal‐cut diamond features a series of prisms and mirrors. The way light is returned out of the top of the diamond (not its sides or bottom) determines how brilliant and fiery a diamond is. “Ideal” is not just an adjective ‐ it’s become the industry standard for the set of proportions, ratios and angles known as the American Ideal Cut.
Imitation
An imitation is a gem look‐alike. Unlike a synthetic, an imitation (or simulant) doesn’t have the same chemistry, structure, or properties as the gem it resembles. Appearance is the only similarity.
Imperfection
An imperfection is a term for a negative clarity characteristic, such as a carbon inclusion in a diamond.
Inclusions
An inclusion is the natural birthmark inside a stone that can affect its flow of light and also add uniqueness and character. Inclusions vary in size, shape, quantity, position and colour.
Independently Certified
Independent certification is a process where diamonds, regardless of the seller, have received an appraisal of value from a trusted and authoritative source outside of the organization.
Invisible Setting
An invisible setting features several stones mounted together by metal beneath the stones. The metal cannot be seen from above, making the stones appear as if they have no setting at all.
Ion‐Plated
Ion plating is one the most advanced protective surface finishing processes. Ion plating makes gold and other metals more durable, more wear resistant and also has a higher brightness. It can also add colour to a metal.
Iridescence
Iridescence is the rainbow‐like colours that sometimes appear when light is reflected and refracted through structural layers.
Irradiation
Irradiation is the science of exposing a gem to high‐energy radiation or bombardment with subatomic particles to change its colour. This treatment is routine for smoky quartz and blue topaz. Except in very rare cases, the treatment leaves no significant radioactivity.
Karat
Karat is the standard measurement of gold purity. Pure gold is 24 karat and therefore, the amount of gold in an alloy is based on 24 parts. For example, 14K is 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloying metal.
Lab‐Created
A lab‐created gemstone is one produced in a laboratory setting. Lab‐created stones have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural gemstones.
Laser‐Inscribed
A diamond can be microscopically inscribed on its girdle with its unique GIA Report Number, a personal message, or any other text, symbols or logos.
Light return
Light return is the total intensity of light reflected by a faceted gem.
Loose Diamond
A loose diamond is one that is sold independently of a ring. It can be purchased in any cut or size.
Loupe
A loupe is a magnification tool used by jewellers to analyze gemstones and other jewellery materials. Diamonds and colour stones are always evaluated at 10x magnification and in the face-up position.
Lustre
Lustre indicates the sharpness of light reflections from a pearl. This is one of the pearl value factors, and it is a critical component of every pearl’s beauty.
MM
MM or mm is the abbreviation for millimeter, the standard unit of measurement for jewellery dimensions. For an approximate conversion to inches, see below. 3mm is approximately 1/8 inch 6mm is approximately 1/4 inch 13mm is approximately 1/2 inch 19mm is approximately 3/4 inch 25mm is approximately 1 inch 50mm is approximately 2 inches 75mm is approximately 3 inches
Marquise Cut
A marquise cut is a type of cut in which the stone is elongated and pointed at both ends. A marquise cut stone is longer than it is wide.
Matte Finish
A matte finish is one that is grainy and non‐reflective.
Metals
Most jewellery is made of metal. Common metals include gold, silver, platinum and titanium. Metals can be used in pure form or combined with other metals to increase durability.
Milgrain
Milgrain is a decorative detailing technique in which a beaded design is impressed into the metal.
Mohs Hardness Scale
The Mohs Hardness Scale is used to measure the degree to which a stone or mineral is resistant to scratches. Hardness is measured from 1 to 10, with 10 (diamonds) being the hardest.
Natural Fancy Colour Diamonds
Natural fancy colour diamonds feature a deep body colour, including brown, yellow, blue, violet, orange, pink and red. Fancy colour diamonds are unusual and therefore highly valued. They are rated Z+ on the colour scale and have nine saturation levels from Faint to Fancy Vivid.
Natural Gem
Natural gemstones are those that are mined from the earth rather than created. Natural gemstones are extremely rare. This often adds to their value and appeal. Synthetic or lab-created gemstones are made of the same material as natural gemstones, so they share the same chemical and optical properties.
Near‐Colourless
Near‐colourless diamonds have little or no colour visible to the naked eye. Near‐colourless diamonds are classified as G, H, I or J on the colour scale.
Nick Setting
The nick setting is similar to the channel setting. Stones are placed in a row, with metal bordering either side. In a nick setting, small prongs are nicked from the surrounding metal to secure the stones.
Nickel
Nickel is a hard metal with a silver or white appearance that is often combined with other metals for added strength.
Pavilion
The pavilion is the lower part of a diamond, located between the girdle and the culet.
Pavé Setting
A pavé setting features multiple small stones set in a curved or flat surface and held in place by prongs. The prongs are created by hand from the surrounding metal with the use of a fine sharp graver’s tool. The tables of the stones will all be level with the jewellery surface.
Pear‐Shaped Cut
Also known as teardrop‐shaped cut, a pear‐shaped stone features a rounded edge on one end and a point on the other.
Pendant
A piece of jewellery that hangs from a chain worn around the neck.
Point (pt.)
(1) Weight: 0.pt (1/100) carat. (2) Cut: The pointed end of a pear, marquise, or other fancy shape.
Princess‐Cut
A princess‐cut diamond has a squared shape and beveled edges.
Promise Ring
A promise ring is used to signify a pledge or promise between two people. It is most commonly used as a pre‐engagement ring and replaces the tradition of exchanging class rings as a symbol of ‘going steady.’ Can be worn on the ring finger of either hand.
Prong Setting
A prong setting is one component of what is known to jewellers as a head, a claw‐shaped type of binding (typically 3, 4, or 6 individual prongs per head) that is welded or soldered to a jewellery item in order to mount (or set) a gemstone to the jewellery item.
Prongs
Prongs are pieces of metal used to secure diamonds and gemstones. Forming a basket‐like base, the ends of the prongs are bent over and shaped so that they rest against the gem to hold it snugly in place.
Property
A property is a gem characteristic produced by the combination of chemical composition and crystal structure. Gemologists normally observe or measure properties to identify gems. These include absorption spectrum, cleavage, fluorescence, hardness, optic character, pleochroism, refractive index, specific gravity, stability, toughness.
Pure Gold
Pure gold is gold that is not alloyed with other metals. The term karat is used to indicate the purity of gold present, with 24K being pure gold and lower ratings proportionally less.
Pure Platinum
Pure platinum that is not alloyed with any other metals. Platinum measurement is often expressed in percentages. In order for a metal to be considered platinum, it must contain 90% of the material at a minimum.
Radiant‐Cut
A radiant‐cut diamond or gemstone is an eight‐sided rectangular or square‐cut stone with approximately 70 facets.
Rhodium
Rhodium is a shiny platinum group metal that increases whiteness and strength of other metals. A rhodium finish also helps to prevent tarnishing.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is the result of combining pure gold with large amounts of copper. It may also be called pink gold.
Round Brilliant‐Cut
Diamond cutters developed the round brilliant cut over hundreds of years. The round cut brings out a diamond’s brilliance, dispersion and scintillation.
Satin Finish
Similar to a brushed‐finish, a satin‐finish adds texture with small grooves in the metal’s surface. This reduces the metal’s reflectivity and adds a desirable soft sheen.
Scintillation
Scintillation is the sparkle or flash emitted by diamonds when they are moved under light.
Screw Back
Screw backs are typically used for diamond earrings. This secure backing features small metal backs that screw onto the post.
Semi‐Mounting
A semi‐mounting is a ring that has everything except for the centre stone. A semi‐mounting allows customers to add the stone of their choice to complete the ring.
Semiprecious Gem
Semiprecious is a traditional classification that includes all gems other than “precious” gems (diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire, and pearl). Most professionals believe that the categories are misleading, and the term semiprecious is unfairly negative. But both terms (precious and semiprecious) are still widely used.
Setting
A setting is the way in which a gem is held. Prong, bezel and channel are all types of settings.
Silver
Silver is a type of metal used for jewellery. Silver is often combined with other metals to increase its strength. Sterling silver consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy.
Simulated (stone)
A simulated gemstone is a man‐made stone that resembles the colour of a birthstone.
Size
For diamonds, size means carat weight. For gemstones and pearl sizes, Zales uses millimeters (mm) as measurement.
Solder
Solder is the process of melting metal and joining it together to make, repair or adjust jewellery.
Solitaire
Solitaires are rings, earrings or necklaces that feature a single diamond.
Square‐Cut
A square‐cut stone is cut with a square outline. Facets are cut in ‘steps.’ Normally contains 57 facets.
Stability
Stability is considered the resistance to damage not directly related to hardness or toughness, including heat, sudden temperature change, intense light, moisture loss, and chemicals.
Stackable Ring
Stackable rings are slender bands (often matching) worn on one finger at once.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a strong metal used for jewellery that is less likely to rust or corrode than regular steel or other jewellery metals.
Step‐Cut
Step‐cut is a way in which diamonds are cut. Step‐cut diamonds feature rows of facets positioned in a step‐like fashion. Most step‐cut diamonds have four sides and a rectangular shape, such as emerald or baguette diamonds.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is a durable jewellery metal consisting of at least 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy.
Studs
Studs are post earrings with single gems or small clustres in simple settings for pierced ears.
Symmetry
Symmetry is the precision of a diamond’s cut.
Synthetic Stone
A synthetic stone is a coloured stone produced in a laboratory setting. Synthetic stones have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural gemstones. They may also be called lab-created stones.
Tarnish
Tarnish is simply the loss of lustre. Air and moisture can cause certain metals like sterling silver to tarnish.
Tension Setting
In a tension setting, a stone is held on either side by the metal of the setting, and appears to look as if it were floating in the air. Unlike other settings, the tension setting exposes almost the entire stone.
Three‐Piece Set/Trio
A three‐piece set, or a trio, is a coordinating bridal set that includes an engagement ring and wedding band for her, and a wedding band for him.
Titanium
Titanium is a popular jewellery metal, especially for wedding bands and watches. Titanium weighs 1/3 less than gold, but is extremely strong.
Toe Ring
A toe ring is circular in shape and can be designed with or without decorative accents like gemstones and diamonds. Toe rings are worn on the toes and can usually be adjusted for a comfortable, customized fit.
Tone
Tone is one of the three colour components. Tone is a colour’s lightness or darkness. For example, red and pink have different tones.
Total Weight/Total Ct. Weight
Total weight or total ct. weight is the combined weight of all gems in an item of jewellery.
Toughness
Toughness is the ability of a stone to resist pressure from impact.
Treatment
A treatment is an artificial process that improves a gem’s appearance or durability. Treatments for coloured gems include bleaching, coating, diffusion, dyeing, filling, heating, impregnation, and irradiation. May also be called enhancement.
Tri‐colour
Tri‐colour designs feature three colours of metal in one product. These can be the same metal, such as gold, or a combination of metals.
Triplet
A triplet is an assembled gem with three main components.
Tungsten/Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten is a fairly new metal in the jewellery industry, often used for wedding bands. Tungsten is resistant to corrosion and four times harder than titanium.
Two‐Tone
Two‐toned designs feature two colours of metal in one product. These can be the same metal, such as gold, or a combination of metals.
Ultrasonic cleaner
An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that cleans jewellery by sending high frequency sound waves through a detergent solution. Ultrasonic cleaners can damage some coloured gems.
Vermeil
Vermeil is a jewellery metal made of sterling silver coated or plated with gold.
Vintage‐Style
Vintage‐style jewellery is made with an antique or vintage‐style finish.
Water Resistant
Water resistance is the feature of a watch that denies water and moisture from penetrating inside its case. No watch is completely waterproof, but several can withstand rain and splashing. Water resistance is measured in ATMs (atmospheric pressure). This number is usually printed on the back of the case.
Wedding Band
Symbolic of everlasting love and commitment, wedding bands are exchanged between the bride and groom on the wedding day.
White Diamond
White is the body colour most traditionally associated with diamonds. White diamonds are graded on a scale from colourless to slightly yellow, where diamonds that are closer to colourless are more valuable.
White Gold
White gold is created by combining pure gold with a copper, zinc and nickel (or palladium) alloy.
Yellow Gold
Pure gold is 24K, which is too soft for gold jewellery. By combining it with copper and silver, yellow gold retains a rich yellow color while increasing its durability.
Zinc
Zinc is an alloy metal. It is mixed with gold, silver, and copper to produce various shades of gold. Combining zinc with gold and certain other alloys results in white gold.
