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   <<  >>

Terms for subject Jewelry (593 entries)

inverted	A shape that has been rotated 180 degrees. Usually an inversion refers to something that has been flipped up-side-down.
invisible clasp	An invisible clasp, or hidden clasp, refers to one that cannot be seen when closed. These types are often used in repeating patterns like tennis bracelets to ensure the design is not broken up by the clasp. Most invisible clasps are tensioners that are hidden by gemstones set along the top. One side slides into the other and remains completely hidden.
invisible setting	A technique developed in France nearly two hundred years ago wherein a group of gemstones are placed side by side without any visible setting. This is achieved by placing small grooves into each stone's girdle and slipping them carefully into the metal f
iolite	A silicate of alumina, iron, and magnesia having a bright blue color and vitreous luster.
iridescence	Reflection of light off internal features in a gem, giving rise to a rainbow like play of colors.
ironstone	A rock containing enough iron to permit commercial extraction; an iron ore.
irradiation	The process of bombarding a gemstone with X-rays, gamma rays or superheated streams of subatomic particles in an effort to change the stone's original color. It is a common acceptable practice and the method used to acquire the pristine vibrant color of jewelry quality gemstones.
jewelry steamer	Used to clean jewelry with steam.
jump ring	A jump ring is a piece of round or oval metal that is used at the end of a piece of jewelry to close the piece or to connect different part of the jewelry. Also called an O-ring, these small gold or silver circles are used in jewelry fabrication. The small wire circles can be used for adding gemstone beads to a piece, connecting links, as the female half of a jewelry’s closure, to connect pendants or charms to a chain, or fulfill any other need as a small connector. Jump rings, though a circle, can be opened by gently twisting one side down with a pair of jewelry pliers.
kaleidoscope pendant	,/strong> A pendant that has been fashioned to work like a kaleidoscope. Often, precious gemstones are used inside the metal cylinder instead of confetti or other materials.
kan	A Japanese commercial unit of weight, equals 1000 momme.
Keshi	Japanese word meaning something as tiny as you can imagine, such as a grain of sand; used originally for very small pearls; now used to refer to all-nacre baroque pearls produced when something goes wrong during the production of the pearl.
key pendant	A key, often an antique skeleton key, that has been placed on a chain as a pendant.
knife edge	Refers to a piece of jewelry wherein the item's metals meet to create a sharp edge. While sharp, the edge is nor sharper than a butter knife.
knife wire	A piece of wire that secures a gemstone that is so thin it is almost undetectable.
knot pendant	A pendant where the metal is twisted to form a knot. These pendants are often used in nautical jewelry or given as gifts to symbolize the bond between two people.
knot ring	A ring where the metal is twisted to form a knot. These types of rings are often used in nautical motifs or given to symbolize two beings tied to one another through love.
Koh-i-Noor diamond	108.92 carats, was originally a round stone of 186 carats belonging to the Indian Raj. It was bought in 1739 by the Shah of Persia, who called it "Mountain of Light" (Koh-i-Noor) It came into the possession of the East India Company in 1850, who represe
Labradoresence	Play of color in metallic hues.
lapidary	A craftsperson who cuts and polishes gemstones.