Glossary of Jewelry Terms
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Aigrette: A hair ornament consisting of a feather plume, or a spray of glitter,
often accentuated by either a jewel or a buckle. Worn in the hair or attached
to a head band, aigrettes were popular in the 1920’s through the early
1930’s.
Alloy: Combination of metals fused together. A base metal mixed with a precious
ore to make it workable, to harden it, or to change its color.
Amethyst: Ranked among the most precious stones, until the eighteenth century
when a large South American deposit was found in 1760. Its purple color is
thought to be caused by iron and is still very popular. For more information
about the history of amethysts, visit Fabulous Facets Gem History (use your
browser's "back" key to return here)
Anneal (verb): The process of hardening glass, pottery, or metal by alternately
heating and pounding it
Anodized: An "anode" is the positive end of an electrical circuit.
In the anodization process, a metal object is placed in an acid bath and an
electrical current is passed through the tank. The process causes oxygen atoms
to bond to the surface of the metal giving it a thin protective film and a
lustrous sheen. Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and tantalum are often anodized.
Antique: Any object that is 100 years or more old.
Antiquing: A process of darkening the recessed areas of gold or silver jewelry
to enhance the visibility of the engraving, thus lending the look of age or
natural patination. Platinum cannot be antiqued.
Arabesque: Flowing scroll work, epitomized by curlicues in low relief
Articulated: Jewelry constructed with hinges to make it flexible; jewelry
with moveable parts
Art Deco: Originally a French movement in the 1920s reacting against the ornate
art nouveau style which preceded WWI. Popular in the US the style laid emphasis
on bold geometric patterns and abstract forms.
Art Nouveau: Art movement widespread throughout Europe from around 1880-1910
particularly in the decorative and applied arts characterized by sinuous, organic
forms and elaborately curving lines
Assay: The process of establishing the standards of purity of gold, silver
and other alloys reach the required legal standard without actually analyzing
the total composition of the alloy. After successful assay the article is hallmarked
outside the US. dvb regularly assays its finished pieces to ensure standards
are maintained though it is not a legal requirement in the US
Asscher Cut Diamond Shape: The "Asscher cut diamond" was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a stepped square cut, often called the "square emerald cut" and like an emerald cut, the Asscher has cropped corners.
Until recently, very few stores carried Asscher cut diamonds. But the Asscher cut has rapidly gained popularity as it was featured on the television show "Sex & and the City" and stars such as Kate Hudson have received Asscher-cuts as engagement rings.
Art Moderne (1935-1945):
Art Nouveau: Art movement widespread throughout Europe from around 1880-1910
particularly in the decorative and applied arts characterized by sinuous, organic
forms and elaborately curving lines
Arts and Crafts: An artistic design movement that began in the late 1800s
by jewelry designers who felt that their work should look handmade. Although
some pieces were made of gold, silver was more commonly used to emphasize the
craftsmanship of the piece rather than the intrinsic value of the components.
Pieces purposely look hand-made, incorporating hammer marks and using less
expensive stones like moonstone, mother of pearl, agates, or amber in simple
cabochon settings. The Arts and Crafts movement also revived the art of enamel
work.
Aurora Borealis: The term "aurora borealis" is Latin and means "Northern
Lights". Aurora borealis rhinestones are glass stones that have a special
iridescent coating that shines with many colors (iridescent).
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