Glossary

This is a list of some of the terms and abbreviations used.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Safety catch

One of several means of securing a brooch to a garment. A safety catch has a swiveling head that locks the tip of the pin stem into the "C" catch.

Sapphire

A highly valued member of the corundum species. Sapphires are any color of corundum other then red (ruby). Unless otherwise noted the color of a sapphire is blue, when is is another color the hue precedes sapphire (pink sapphire, purple sapphire, etc.).

Satin finish

A series of tiny parallel lines scratched onto a surface with a wire brush or polishing tool to produce texture. Satin finish is also called "brushed" or "matte" finish.

Scissors cut

A type of step cut.

Seed pearls

Tiny natural pearls weighing under 1/4 grain, usually less than 2 mm in diameter.

Shank

Part of the ring that circles the finger and to which the setting is attached.

Shoulder

The part of a ring between the shank and the center of the setting.

Signet

A ring with a flat surface used to engrave initials, insignias or family crests.

Silver tone

Jewelry with the look of silver.

Silvery finish

Jewelry done in a finish so that it has the look of silver.

Single cut

A cutting style for a round gemstone with 18 facets: 8 crown, 8 pavilion, a table and a culet which is sometimes omitted.

Snake chain

A type of chain with links that fit together to form a bendable, often tubular chain.

Solitaire

Spring Clasp

A spring ring (also known as a bolt ring) is a hollow circular metal fastening ring with a spring opening. A tiny spring keeps the arm of this clasp closed. It is used to attach two other rings or links of a necklace or bracelet.

Square cut

A style of gem cutting resembling the emerald cut.

Square setting

A style of gem cutting resembling the emerald cut.

Stack ring

Rings which are designed to wear two or more on the same finger.

Stackable

Jewelry worn in an orderly pile, especially arranged in layers.

Stainless steel

Steel containing chromium and are resistant to rust and corrosion.

Step cut

A gem cut with a varying number of sloping parallel rows of four-sided facets which give the impression of steps.

Sterling silver

An alloy of 92.5 percent silver and other metal, usually copper used for strength.

Stippled finish

A technique in which the design is formed by a series of pricks made with a steel punch.

Stone

Term used for any gemstone.

Stud earrings

Also called studs, small post style pierced earrings, sometimes set with gemstones.

Studs

Worn on men's tuxedo shirts instead of buttons. Also, a term used to describe stud earrings.

Top