Jewelry/Watch Glossary

A jump ring is a small, circular or oval metal loop used to connect jewelry components. In its open form, the ring is cut at one point so it can...

A tension setting is a style of gemstone mounting where the stone appears to float between the two ends of the metal band, held in place entirely by the compressive...

Re-shanking is the process of replacing the lower band portion of a ring - the section that wraps around the finger and bears the most daily contact - when it...

A flush setting is a jewelry setting style in which a gemstone is recessed directly into the metal band so that its surface sits level with - or very slightly...

Platinum is a naturally white precious metal and one of the rarest materials used in fine jewelry. It is denser and heavier than gold, completely hypoallergenic, and does not require...

Filigree is an ornamental metalworking technique in which fine, twisted threads or beads of precious metal wire are bent, curled, and soldered together to create intricate, lace-like open patterns. Most...

A cathedral setting is a ring mounting style in which the metal of the shank arches upward on either side of the center stone before connecting to the head of...

A solitaire setting is the most classic and widely recognized ring style in fine jewelry: a single center stone mounted on a plain band, designed so the stone commands every...

An inclusion is an internal characteristic present within a gemstone, formed naturally during the crystal growth process deep within the earth. Inclusions take many forms: tiny mineral crystals trapped inside...