Jewelry terms A

AGATE

Agate is a translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz. It is used as a semiprecious stone when it is of desirable quality and color. Green agates are sometimes used in jewelry.

ALBERT CHAIN

A double or single watch chain with a T-bar that connects to a buttonhole, available in several lengths and link configurations. This kind of chain was made famous by Prince Albert, who was Queen Victoria's consort, and is consequently called in his honor. Today, necklaces made of these chains are commonly worn.

ALLOY

A metal or metal and another element combined to form an alloy. A mixture of pure gold and one or more other metals makes up all gold that is less than 24 carats. Sterling silver is an alloy made up of copper (7.5%) and 92.5 percent pure silver. The goal of alloying is typically to create a better version of the primary metal. It can be improved in terms of hardness, tarnish susceptibility, color, cost, or other desirable properties.

AMULET

Any item that is thought to ward off harm or provide luck is known as an amulet or good luck charm. Occasionally, when referring to jewelry, the word "amulet" is misused to refer to a "pendant," a purely decorative object fastened to a necklace. It all depends on the piece's purpose, however a pendant may be a particular kind of amulet.

AMETHYST

Amethyst, a semiprecious stone, is often used in jewelry. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. 

ANTIQUE JEWELRY

A piece of jewelry which was created 100 or more years ago.

APPRAISAL 

A monetary evaluation, performed for insurance purposes. A certified gemologist is suitably qualified person to perform a valuation. 

ART DECO JEWELRY

The name given to a creative movement that emerged from the 1925 Paris, France Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs and Industriels Modernes. This amazing exhibition displayed the new modern design that had already begun to gain popularity in chic European towns. The 1920s and 1930s were the years when the French Arts Décoratifs were popularized as the "Art Deco" or "Deco" period. The design used parallel lines, symmetrical motifs, and geometric designs. These ornamental symbols would later have an impact on many different visual arts, including architecture, paintings, sculpture, fashion, and of course jewelry.

Art Nouveau

Between roughly 1895 and 1910, Art Nouveau ("new art") jewelry was produced in France. It followed the "overwrought" forms of the Victorian era, which came to an end with Queen Victoria's death in 1901, and stood in stark contrast to the popular Edwardian designs of the time.

ASSAY

An assay is a process used to determine the purity of precious metals and to test that precious metals have been created to the specific purity they are stated to have.

ASCHERON 

Luxury jewelry brand located in Dublin, Ireland. Creating fine gemstone and diamond jewelry. Sold in over 40 countries worldwide.