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General
adamantineHaving a luster like that of a diamond
aigretteA piece of jewellery shaped like a feather that is usually worn on the hair or on a hat
art decoA style of jewellery that originated in Paris and was popular from the mid 1920s to the 1930s. Art Deco jewellery is characterised by hard lines and angles rather than curves
art nouveauA style of jewellery popluar from the late nineteenth century until about 1918. Art nouveau jewellery is characterised by gentle curves and organic designs
assayA test of the purity or fineness of an alloy, carried out by an official organization.
assay markThe official mark or series of marks on a piece of jewellery that identifies the purity or fineness of the alloy used in it as well as its maker or designer. Also known as a hallmark
asterismThe luminous property that some gemstones like Star Sapphires have, whereby their inclusions are aligned in such a way that they reflect light in the pattern of a 4, 6 or 12 rayed star
bailThe finding on top of a pendant that allows it to be attached to a necklace
bandA ring of uniform width, which may or may not be set with gemstones
bandeauA piece of jewellery in the form of a narrow band that is usually worn on the forehead
bangleA rigid bracelet, which can either be work by opening with a clasp and hinge, or by slipping directly over the hand
baretteA piece of jewellery that is usually worn on the hair
belle epoqueFrench for 'beautiful period'. A style of jewellery popular during the Edwardian period, or the reign in England of Edward VII during the first decade of the twentieth century. Belle Epoque jewellery is characterised by its delicacy and elegance, use of filagree work, bow motifs and pearls and diamonds
bibA short necklace, usually with pendants or other ornaments hanging from the front . Also known as a collarette
bodkinA heavily jeweled ornament for the hair, popular during the Renaissance period
braceletA piece of jewellery worn around the wrist. Various types of bracelets include bangles, cuffs, expansion bracelets, spiral bracelets and link bracelets
butterflyThe finding at the back of a earring that is screwed or slid onto the earring to attach it securely to the ear. Also known as a scroll
cabochonA stone that has a smooth, rounded or dome-like surface that has been cut and polished but does not have facets
cameoA miniature relief carving on a stone, almost always a portrait of a woman in side-profile. Two colour cameos are achieved by layering a different coloured substrate under the stone that will be carved
caratThe standard measure of weight used for gemstones, introduced in 1907. One carat (ct.) is equivalent to 0.2 grams. A carat is divided into 100 points
carbuncleA cabochon garnet
champlevéFrench for 'raised field'. A technique in which enamel is filled in recesses that have been carved or stamped into a metal substrate
chatelaineA belt or girdle that is used to suspend various implements including an etui
chatonA gemstone that has been set with a backing of reflective metal foil
chatoyanceThe luminous property that some gemstones have, whereby their inclusions are aligned in such a way that they reflect light in thin bands that make the stone resemble a cat or tiger's eye. This effect is usually only seen in cabochon stones
claspA fastening mechanism that opens and closes to attach and detach the two ends of a piece of jewellery like a bracelet or necklace. The assay mark and maker's assay are usually inscribed on the clasp of a piece of jewellery. Some common types of clasps include the spring right, the barrel, the lobster claw and the hook and eye.
clawA metal prong that securely holds a gemstone in its setting
cloudA type of inclusion in gemstones that looks like a milky area or cloud. Clouds are usually clusters of smaller inclusions
cocktail ringA large or oversized ring set with precious or semiprecious stones
collaretteSee bib
collierA wide necklace that encircles the neck from the collar bone to the chin
colour changeSee dichroism
composite suiteA piece of jewellery that is composed of more than one part, where each part may be worn separately or together as a single piece
cuffA rigid and relatively wide bracelet, resembling the cuff of the shirt
demiluneA gemstone that is shaped like a half moon
demi-parureA small matching set or suite of jewellery, usually comprising a necklace and a bracelet, or a pair of earrings and a brooch
diademA semi-circular or circular piece of jewellery worn on the head. Also known as a tiara
dichroismThe luminous property that some minerals and gemostones have, whereby they appear to have more than one colour particularly when viewed from different angles. Also known as colour change
enamelA substance made of powdered glass and colouring agents can be fused onto various metals and is used to decorate pieces of jewellery.
enhancedA gemstone that has been treated to improve one or more of its characteristics including colour, clarity and strength. Some common enhancements are heating, oiling or coating the surface, irradiation, filling cracks and dyeing
eternity ringA narrow ring with diamonds or gemstones set all around it
etuiA small ornamental case, often shaped like a cylinder, meant to carry small items like spectacles. Also known as a necessaire
featherA type of inclusion in gemstones that starts at its surface and extends to its interiors, also known as a fracture
ferroniereA piece of jewellery in the form of a narrow band with a single central gemstone that is usually worn on the forehead
findingA functional component of a piece of jewellery, including settings, joints, clasps, hooks and backs
finenessThe proportion of silver or gold in their alloys, usually experessed in parts per thousand
fine goldPure gold, rather than an alloy with only a certain percentage of gold
fine silverPure silver, rather than an alloy with only a certain percentage of silver
fireThe luminous property that some gemstones like opals have, whereby they appear to have several vivd colours within them
flawAn imperfection in a gemstone, including fissures, cracks, inclusions of other minerals and air or liquid filled cavities. Flaws usually reduce the value of a gemstone, except in some rare cases
floaterA necklace where gemstones or pearls are strung on almost invisible string, so that they appear to float on the neck
flourescenceThe luminous property that some gemstones like diamonds have, whereby they emit light or radiation when exposed to ultraviolet light
foilbackA gemstone that has a thin metallic foil backing it to make it more reflective and enhance its sparkle
fractureSee feather
gerlotA relatively small, but long gemstone or pearl pendant
gimmel ringA ring made up of two or more linked hoops that fit together and appear as a single ring
girandoleA piece of jewellery in which three pear shaped gemstones or pearls hang from a larger one or a decorative motif like a bow, most commonly seen in earrings and brooches
graduatedA series of pearls or gemstones, most commonly in the form of a necklace, arranged by size from smallest at either end, to largest in the center
hallmarkSee assay mark
hardnessThe measure of how resistant a gemstone is to being scratched. The Mohs Scale of hardness ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest. Diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs Scale
heat treatmentA method of enhancing the colour of gemstones by heating them to a very high temperature
inclusionA small particle of another mineral, liquid, gas or some foreign matter that is contained within a gemstone
inlayThe decorative practice of embedding a material such as polished stone or glass in another material like metal, where the surface of both is perfectly level
iridescenceThe luminous property that some gemstones like opal and moonstone have, whereby they appear to contain many different and changing colours
jabotA jewelled tie pin, popular during the Art Deco period
karatThe unit of measure for the fineness of gold. Fine gold is 24 karat (Kt). Other common standards are 18Kt (750 fineness), 14Kt (583 fineness), and 10Kt gold (417 fineness)
knotA type of inclusion at the surface of polished gemstones that appears as a minute bump
lapidaryA person who cuts and polishes gemstones
lavalierA long pendant with a dangling stone meant to hang from a necklace
ligneA unit of measure used to determine the width of a bracelet. 40 lignes are equal to 1 inch
loupeA device used by jewellers and lapidaries to magnify and inspect gemstones, ususally to the power of 10
lusterThe sheen of a gemstone or pearl, or the nature and intensity of the light it reflects
mandrelA graduated, marked cone that is used to measure the size of rings. A ring is placed on the cone and its size is taken as the level on the cone where is fits snugly. The measure of ring size varies in different countries
MinaudièreA small, hard vanity case made of metal or wood that is carried in the hand and may be set with gemstones
mixed cutA gemstone in which the cut or style of faceting above and below the girdle differ from each other
Mohs ScaleSee hardness
necessaireSee etui
necklaceA piece of jewellery that is worn around the neck. Various types of necklaces, based on their length, include choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope
negligeeA long necklace that terminates in tassles or drops of irregular length
oilingA method of enhancing the colour of gemstones and masking their inclusions by applying mineral oil on it
pampillesA cascade of drop shaped gemstone or pearl pendants, intended to resemble raindrops
parureFrench for 'personal ornamentation'. A matching set or suite of jewellery, usually comprising four or more pieces including a necklace, a pair of earrings, a brooch and one or two bracelets
passamenteriePieces of jewellery whose design is inspired by the trimmings on antique furniture like cords
pendaloqueA brilliant cut gemstone that is shaped like a pear or tear drop, and usually suspended from a smaller stone separated from it by a motif like a bow
pleochroicThe luminous property that some minerals and gemostones have, whereby they appear to have more than two colours particularly when viewed from different angles
pomanderA small, ornamental bottle containing perfume or other aromatics that is usually worn as a pendant
ringA piece of jewellery that is work around the finger.
rivièreA choker length necklace that is usually made up of a continuous line of graduated or equal sized gemstones
sautoirA necklace longer than thirty inches that usually has a pendant or other ornament at its end, and was popular during the Belle Epoque period
scatter pinA group of small pins or brooches that are usually worn together
scrollSee butterfly
settingThe method of securing a gemstone to a piece of jewellery, usually metallic. There are nummerous kinds of settings, inlcuding arcade, bezel, channel, coronet, collet, chaton, and pave
sévignéA piece of jewellery usually in the shape of a bow, worn as a bodice ornament
solitaireA simple piece of jewellery, usually a ring, set with a single gemstone, most often a diamond
stomacherA large, triangualr piece of jewellery, usually extending from the neck to the waist and worn as a bodice ornament
tiaraSee diadem
tie barA piece of men's jewellery used to clasp the two parts of a necktie together
torsadeSee bayadère
trapichismThe property that some gemstones have, whereby they appear to have star shaped rays emanating from their center due to the presence of black carbon impurities within them
tremblerA piece of jewellery that has some of its parts set on stiff wires or springs so that they move when they are worn
troy weightA system of measure for the weight of precious metals. 1 troy pound is equal to 12 troy ounces or 240 pennyweights (Dwt) or 576 grains
vermeilGold plated or gilded silver
vinaigretteA small ornamental bottle, meant to carry smelling salts or other aromatics
Indian adosaA historical term for flawless diamonds
almasSee heera
amrapaliA style of handcrafted silver and gold jewellery. Amrapali was the name of a royal courtesan of the Vaishali Republic in India (around 500 BC) who was considered the most beautiful and cultured lady of her time
anguthiA ring, or piece of jewellery worn around the finger. Also known as angushtari
angushtariA earring, or piece of jewellery worn on the ears
antiyanSee bali
anwatA toe ring, specifically for the big toe
anwat paonA toe ring, or piece of jewellery worn around the toes. Also known as bichhua
baglusSee baksua
baliA earring, usually in the shape of a circle
baluA nose ornament, or piece of jewellery worn on the nose. Also known as besar, nath and nathni
baksuaA piece of jewellery worn at the waist as a buckle. Also known as baglus
bazubandAn armlet or arm band, or piece of jewellery worn around the upper arm. Also known as bhujband, dand and joshan
besarSee balu
bhujbandSee bazuband
bichhuaSee anwat paon
binduSee moti
bulakA nose ornament, usually suspended from the septum
bullaA pendant. Also known as dhuk-dhuki and padak
carapuchSpinel
chakriyanA pair of earrings, usually in the form of studs
challaA ring, usually in the form of a broad and heavy band set with gemstones or pearls
champakaliA type of necklace that is designed to appear like buds of the champa or frangipani flower that have been strung together
chandbalaAlso known as pankhiyan
chauA historical Indian unit of measurement used for pearls. Also known as chov
chintakA necklace, usually of choker length and designed to hug the neck
chovSee chau
chowkarayA style of setting gemstones or pearls in a cluster of four
chudamaniA piece of jewellery worn on top of the head. Also known as chudaratna
chudaratnaSee chudamani
chudoA bangle, or rigid piece of jewellery worn around the wrist. Also known as kangan, kangni, kada, karay and patri
churA bracelet, or piece of jewellery worn around the wrist. Also known as dasti and dastband
dandSee bazuband
dastbandSee chur
dastiSee chur
dhuk-dhukiSee bulla
gajrahA bracelet traditionally made of gold and pearls
ghariyalWatch
goshwaraGemstones or pearls suspended as drops in a piece of jewellery
gundiyanButtons
harA necklace, or piece of jewellery worn around the neck
heeraDiamond. Also known as ilmas or almas
ilmasSee heera
indranilaSee nilam
jadauSee kundan
jadtarSee kundan
jhumkekaranphool
jhumarA piece of bridal jewellery worn on the head
jighaSee sarpech
joshanSee bazuband
kalghiA piece of jewellery, usually in the shape of a single plume, worn as a turban ornament
kanganSee chudo
kangniSee chudo
kadaSee chudo
karaySee chudo
koftgariA style of jewellery created by engraving a pattern on a metal surface and then laying fine gold or silver wire in the grooves. Also known as false damascening
kundanKundan refers to fine or highly refined gold foils, and and is sometimes used to describe the champleve style of setting gemstones with such foils rather than claws or rims in recesses that have been hollowed out in gold and surfaced with coloured minerals. This setting technique or style is also known as jadau or jadtar
laldiSee larli
larli Spinel; sometimes used for ruby. Also known as laldi
lu luA pair of earrings, usually in the form of drops or hanging pendants
maangtikaSee tika
manikyaRuby. Also known as yakhoot
marakatSee panna
marvareedSee moti
meenaEnamel
meenakaariThe art of decorating or embellishing metal with different coloured enamel, often used to ornament traditional Indian jewellery
motiPearl. Also known as bindu and marvareed
nagiSee ratna
nathSee balu
nathniSee balu. Nathnis are usually smaller varieties of nose ornaments
navratanLiterally 'nine stones'. A style of jewellery in which nine types of precious and semiprecious gemstones are used, corresponding to the nine planets of Vedic astrology. The gemstones are ruby, pearl, red coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite and cat's eye
nilamBlue sapphire. Also known as indranila
nugSee ratna
pachchikamA style of jewellery in which polki or uncut diamonds are foil backed and set in silver
padakSee bulla
paizebSee payal
pankhiyanSee chandbala
pannaEmerald. Also known as marakat and zamarrud
parabA flat, table cut diamond
patriSee chudo
payalAn anklet, or piece of jewellery usually worn around the ankle. Also known as paizeb and tora paon
polkiA diamond that has few facets and appears to have little fire or brilliance. Sometimes used to refer to unpolished or rough diamonds. Polkis are frequently used in kundan and jadau jewellery
poonakSee rati
pukhrajYellow sapphire
ratiA unit of weight used to measure gemstones and pearls in India. One rati is equivalent to 0.91 carats, but is known to vary slightly across different regions. Also known as poonak
ratnaGemstone. Also known as nagi and nug
rawakamA style of jewellery that uses solid granules of precious metals like gold or silver as decorative elements
sankhConch shell
sarpattiA piece of jewellery, usually in the shape of a horizontal band, worn as a turban ornament
sarpechA piece of jewellery, usually in the shape of a plume in the center of a horizontal band, worn as a turban ornament. Also known as jigha
tankA unit of weight used to measure gemstones and pearls in India. One tank is equivalent to 24 ratis or 72 grains
taveezAmulet
tikkaSee teeka
teekaA piece of bridal jewellery usually worn on the head, with a pendant hanging on the forehead. Also known as tikka or maangtika
thappaA style of jewellery created by melting metal and then hammering it into the desired shape
thewaA style of jewellery in which sheets of 24 karat gold foil are patterned by piercing and then applied to coloured glass that is foil backed and mounted in settings
tolaA unit of weight used to measure precious metals in India. One tola was traditionally the weight of 100 tola seeds; today, one tola is equivalent to 1.66 grams or 0.375 troy ounces
toraChain
tora paonSee payal
turraA jewelled tassle with a stem, usually worn as a turban ornament
vankiA rigid arm band, or piece of jewellery worn around the upper arm
vilandiSee polki
yakhootSee manikya; sometimes used for spinel
zabarjadPeridot
zamarrudSee panna
DiamondsbortA term for industrial grade diamonds, usually used in cutting applications
brillianceThe brightness that appears to emanate from within a diamond, due to the reflection of light that falls on the table back through the same facet
canaryA common descriptive term for deep yellow coloured diamonds
carat weightThe weight of a diamond measured in carats. One carat (ct.) is equivalent to 0.2 grams. A carat is divided into 100 points
carbonadoA rare, almost opaque black diamond of industrial grade, usually used in cutting and grinding applications. Most of the known carbonado diamonds have been found in Brazil
champagneA common descriptive term for light brown or pinkish brown coloured diamonds
clarityThe clearness of a diamond, or the measure of the amount of flaws and inclusions of other minerals in a diamond. The clarity scale for diamonds ranges from F (internally and externally flawless) to I3 (having several inclusions that can be seen by the naked eye and detract from the beauty and durability of the stone). For the entire scale, click here. The clarity of diamonds is usually examined using a ten-power loupe, which magnifies the stone to ten times its size
coffeeA common descriptive term for deep brown coloured diamonds
colourA measure of the saturation of a diamond. The diamond colour scale ia alphabetic, ranging from D (transparent or completely colourless) to Z (having a visible yellow tinge). Fancy, or deeply coloured diamonds are rated on a different scale, and are most commonly black, yellow, orange and brown. Other rarer colours include pink, purple, blue, red and green. For more information on diamond colour, click here
cognacA common descriptive term for orangy brown coloured diamonds
crownThe part of a cut diamond that lies above the girdle
crown angleThe angle at which the main facets of a diamond's crown instersect with the plane of its girdle
culetThe small facet that forms the base of a brilliant cut diamond or gemstone and prevents it from being chipped
cutThe way in which a diamond has been faceted and proportioned, including but not limited to its shape. For more information on various diamond cuts and shapes, click here
depthThe height of a diamond, measured from the table to the culet, expressed in milimeters
depth percentageThe ratio of a diamond's depth to its width
diameterThe measure of a diamond's girdle, or its widest perimeter
diamond guageAn instrument used to measure a diamond's length, width and depth in milimeters
dispersionThe luminous property of a diamond, whereby it splits white light into its component wavelengths or colours. Also known as fire
exhausted minesMines that no longer produce diamonds, as their supply has been exhausted. Some important exhausted mines include Golconda in India, Kimberly in South Africa and Mirna in Russia
facetOne of the several smooth, flat faces on the surface of a cut diamond
fireSee dispersion
flouresecenceThe luminous property that some diamonds have, whereby they emit light or radiation when exposed to ultraviolet light
girdleThe widest perimeter of a cut diamond, which may or may nor be polished or faceted and divides the crown from the pavilion
grainA unit of weight used for diamonds and natural pearls. One grain is equal to 0.25 carats or 25 points
irradiatedA diamond that has been exposed to radiation in a cyclotron to change its colour to a pale green or aquamarine
méléeA diamond that weighs less than 0.2 carats or 20 points
naturalA type of inclusion where tiny areas of unpolished surface of the original rough diamond remain on a polished diamond
pavilionThe part of a cut diamond that lies below the girdle
pavilion angleThe angle at which the main facets of a diamond's pavilion instersect with the plane of its girdle
pointOne hundredth of a carat, or 0.002 grams
scintillationThe luminescence or flashes of light that are produced by a diamond when it is exposed to radiation of any kind
symmetryThe alignment of a diamond's facets, relative to its axes of symmetry, used as an indicator of the quality of a diamond's cut
tableThe usually large, flat facet that forms the top of a cut diamond or gemstone
table percentageThe ratio of the diameter of a diamond's table to it's entire diameter
PearlsabasA unit of weight historically used to measure natural pearls in Persia. One abas is eqivalent to 0.91 carats
akoyaThe Japanese term for natural or cultured pearls that come from the akoya-gai mollusk
akoya keshi pearlA small pearl that is produced by the akoya-gai mollusk as a byproduct of cultured akoya pearl production
alabaster pearlAn imitation pearl made from an alabaster bead that has been coated with lusterous laquer
antilles pearlAn imitation pearl made from the spindle of a turbo shell
awabiThe Japanese term for pearls that come from abalone shells
baroque Irregularly shaped pearls, which may be natural or cultured
basra pearlA natural saltwater pearl sourced from the Persian Gulf and named after the town of Basra in Iraq. These pearls are not harvested any longer
bayadèreA pearl necklace composed of several strands that have are twisted or intertwined. Also known as torsade
biwa pearlFreshwater pearls sourced from Lake Biwa in Japan. Biwa pearls are usually irregular in shape and more lustrous than other freshwater pearl varieties
black pearlA pearl produced by a black-lipped oyster found in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The various colours of black pearls include grey, peacock green, purple and dark brown, and they can have additional overtones of blue, green, pink, gold or silver. The colour of black pearls depends on the combination of minerals in the oyster's environment, which it injests. Also known as Tahitian pearls
blister pearlBlister pearls, also known as bouton or mabe pearls, are those pearls that remain attached to the mollusk's shell during their development. These pearls need to be physically cut from the shells, resulting in a hemispherical or dome shape
bodycolourThe primary colour of the surface of a natural or cultured pearl
bouton pearlSee blister pearls
circled pearlA pearl with raised rings around its surface, caused by the pearl's rotation during its development in the mollusk
colourThe combination of bodycolour and overtone of a pearl. Colour is one of the factors considered when grading natural and cultured pearls
condariA unit of weight historically used to measure natural pearls in China. Condari was based on the weight of a grain of rice
cultured pearlA pearl produced by a mollusk as a result of a foreign object, usually a minute piece of mother of pearl, that has been artificaially introduced or nucleated into its shell
dust pearlThe historical term used for seed pearls
freshwater pearlThose pearls that are harvested from mollusks living in freshwater, usually irregular in shape
hammer pearlA natural dark brown or black pearl produced in the hammer-shell mollusk
hinge pearlA natural pearl found near the hinge of a mollusk, usually irregular and elongated in shape
imitation pearlA material that simulates the appearance of a natural or cultured pearl, but does not possess its physical properties
irridescenceThe luminous property of pearls, whereby their layers of nacre splits white light into its component colours giving their surface a shimmering or irridescent appearance
lusterThe sheen or surface brilliance of a pearl, or the quantity and quality of light it reflects. The luster of a pearl depends on the thickness of its nacre. Luster is one of the factors considered when grading natural and cultured pearls
mabe pearlA cultured hemispherical bouton or blister pearl
mississippi river pearlFreshwater pearls sourced from the Mississippi River in the United States. Mississippi River pearls are usually irregular and elongated in shape
mommeA unit of weight used to measure cultured pearls in Japan. One momme is equivalent to 3.75 grams
nacreThe crystalline substance made of aragonite and calcite crystals bound together by conchiolin, which mollusks like oysters secrete around foreign objects within their shells, layers of which eventually form a pearl
natural pearlA pearl produced by a mollusk as a result of a foreign object that has naturally entered its shell
non-nacreous pearlA natural pearl that does not have a nacreous surface layer, like pearls produced by clams, conches and scallops
orientA characteristic of the irridescence or luster of natural and cultured pearls
overtoneThe secondary colour of the surface of a natural or cultured pearl, created when the layers of nacre split white light into its component colours
peacockA rare variety of black or Tahitian pearls that have a dark green colour and overtones ranging from pink to purple
rice pearlA small, irregular freshwater pearl that resembles a grain of rice, usually having a textured surface rather than a smooth one
ropeA string of pearls that is more than forty inches long, usually doubled or tripled and worn as a necklace
saltwater pearlThose pearls that are harvested from mollusks living in saltwater
seed pearlA natural, round pearl that weighs less than 0.25 grains, and measures less than 2mm in diameter
shapeThe overall shape of a pearl ranging from perfect round to baroque. Cultured pearls are also available in fancy shapes like hearts, dragons, flowers and crosses based on the shape of the nucleus that is implanted in them. Shape is one of the factors considered when grading natural and cultured pearls
sizeThe measure of a pearl's diameter, expressed in milimeters. Size is one of the factors considered when grading natural and cultured pearls
south sea pearlA natural or cultured pearl produced by the mollusk Pinctada maxima, usually having a yellow or gold bodycolour
surfaceThe smoothness of a pearl, which may be interrupted by blemishes or flaws. The number of blemishes, along with their size and location affect the value of a pearl. Surface is one of the factors considered when grading natural and cultured pearls
tahitian pearlSee black pearls
wax pearlA hollow glass bead that has been filled with wax to resemble a pearl
StonesagateA semiprecious gemstone that is a variety of microcrystalline quartz, and is found in a wide range of colours ranging from black and red to greeen and blue and white. Various colours of agate may appear in the same stone as flecks or bands. Agate has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale
alexandriteA semiprecious gemstone that is from the beryl family and appears to have different colours depending on the light it is viewed in, ranging from red to blue and green. Alexandrite has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs Scale
amberThe translucent, fossilized sap or resin of conifer trees that ranges in colour from white and pale yellow to deep red, black and blue. Amber is used in jewellery and has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs Scale
amethystA semiprecious gemstone that is a variety of crystalline quartz and ranges in colour from green to pale purple to deep violet. Amethysts may be opaque or tanslucent
aquamarineA transparent semiprecious stone from the beryl family that is light green or blue and may be faceted or cut as a cabochon. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale
berylA mineral that comes in several colours including green, blue and red. Emerald, aquamarine and morganite are all forms of beryl. Beryl has a hardness ranging from 7 to 8 on the Mohs Scale
citrineFrench for 'lemon'. A semiprecious type of quartz that ranges in colour from pale yellow to deep gold. Citrines have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs Scale
coralThe hard calcium carbonate structure secreted by marine animals, also called coral, that can be cut, polished and used to make jewellery. Coral can come in several colours including pink, orange, red, white and black. Coral has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs Scale
corundumA mineral that comes in several colours including ruby and sapphire, depending on the metallic oxides that it contains. Corundum that does not contain any oxides is colourless and known as pure corundum or white sapphire. Rubies contain chromic oxide, blue sapphires contain oxides of titanium and yellow sapphires contain ferric oxide. Corundum has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Scale
emeraldA hard, green compound of beryl that is coloured by chromium and vanadium impurities. Emeralds are commonly included or flawed, and therefore frequently oiled, irradiated or dyed to enhance their colour. Emeralds may also be synthetically created in a laboratory. Emeralds have a hardness of about 7.5 on the Mohs Scale
garnetA group of semiprecious stones that range in colour from red to green and yellow. Garnets have a hardness of 6-8 on the Mohs Scale
jadeA semiprecious gemstone of either jadeite or nephrite that can be either translucent or opaque, and ranges in colour from green, white and lilac to brown and black. Nephrie can be carved into several different shapes and is often used in applications other than jewellery. Jadeite, used for jewellery, is classified into types from A to C, based on its colour and enhancements
moonstoneA translucent gemstone ranging in colour from whitish-blue to orange. Moonstones are almost always cut as cabochons and were popular in Art Nouveau jewellery. They have a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale
mother of pearlThe irridescent coating found on the inside of abalone or oyster shells that is used in jewellery as well as other applications
obsidianA lustrous compund of silica found in volcanic lava flows that is usually black, but can be found in grey, red, brown and green varieties. Obsidian has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs Scale
onyxA semiprecious stone that is a form of agate, usually with parallel bands of black and white
opalAn irridescent semiprecious stone with inclusions of many colours that give it fire, and a high water content. Opals have a hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs Scale
peridotA yellowish-green semiprecious stone, usually from the volcanic island of St. John in the Red Sea. Peridots have also been discovered in meteorites. Peridots have a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs Scale
rubyA precious gemstone from the corundum family that range in colour from light pink to deep red. Rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Scale
rock crystalA transparent or translucent semiprecious gemstone. Rock crystal is the purest form of the crystalline mineral, quartz.
sapphireA precious gemstone from the corundum family that is available in several colours including blue, green, yellow, pink, purple and white, depending on the metallic oxides it contains. Sapphires have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs Scale
spinelA hard, semiprecious gemstone that ranges in colour from red to black, often resembling a ruby. Spinels can also be blue, green and yellow, depending on the concentration of iron compounds within them. Spinels have a hardness of 8 on the Mohs Scale
topazA semiprecious gemstone that can be found in the colours blue, brown, yellow and pink. Other colours of topaz can be created through enhancements like heat treatment. Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs Scales
tourmalineA semiprecious gemstone that is available in a wide range of colours, and that can appear to have more than one colour in itself. Tourmaline has a hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs Scale
turquoiseA semiprecious gemstone of bluish-green colour that is made of a copper and aluminium compound with a high water content. Turquoise is named after Turkey, where it was thought to have been discovered. Turquoise has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs Scale
zirconA semiprecious gemstone that ranges in colour from brown and violet to blue, red and colourless. Zircon has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs Scale
WatchesapertureThe space on the face of a watch in which the date is displayed
analogA watch that uses hands to show the time rather than an LCD display
atmosphereThe unit of pressure used to describe the water resistance of a watch
atomic time standardA watch that sets its time automatically by receiving radio signals from an extremely accurate atomic clock
automaticA watch that uses the movements of the wearers hand to move an oscillating weight within it, keeping the mainspring wound, eliminating the need to manually wind it. Also known as kinetic
balance wheelThe regulating organ of a watch, which vibrates on a spiral hairspring whose lengthening or shortening causes the balance wheel to move faster or slower, advancing or retarding the watch
bezelThe ring that surrounds the face of the watch and holds its protective crystal in place. Bezels may rotate around the face of the watch, to calculate elapsed time amongst other applications
caliberA descriptive term for the size and configuration of the movement of a watch, its shape and its origin
caseThe chasis or body of a watch, which houses its mechanism and to which its strap or band is fixed
case backThe cover on the back of a watch, which protects its mechanism. The case back is usually inscribed with the watch maker's mark and other information regarding the watch
chronographThe stopwatch or timer mechanism of a watch that can be started, paused, stopped and reset independently from the watch. Also refers to multifunction watches built for sporting applications that have two or three dials on their face to measure seconds, minutes and hours
chronometerA watch that is certified to satisfy official standards of precision by having been set under various position and temperature conditions
complicationA watch function other than basic time keeping. Some popular complications include chronographs, minute repeaters, tourbillions and perpetual calendars
correctorThe system in which the crown of a watch is used to set its time
crownThe knob or button that extends from the case of a watch and is used to set its time and date
crystalThe transparent, protective cover over the face of a watch. Crystals may be made out of acrylic, a hard composite of minerals, or sapphire. Also known as glass
deployment buckleA clasp with three parts that folds in the shape of the letter Z. When it is flat or open, the watch strap is wide enough to slip over the hand, and when it is folded or closed, the watch fits snugly around the wrist. Also known as a fold over buckle
dialThe visible surface of a watch that lies below its crystal and on top of its mechanism, usually inscribed with markings used to tell the time. Also known as face
digitalA watch that uses an LCD display to show the time rather than hands
dual timerA watch that measures the time of at least one other location in addition to the current local time
eco driveA watch that is powered by natural or artificial light rather than a battery, and recharges consantly to run eternally
faceSee dial
flybackAn additional hand on chronograph watches that can be independently stopped to record the fist finsih time or a lap time. When restarted, the flyback catches up with the second hand that continued to move when it was stopped
fold over buckleSee deployment buckle
glassSee crystal
handsThe pointing devices of an analog watch that circle around its dial indicating the time and any other speacial feature the watch may have. The various styles of hands include alpha, baton, dauphine, luminous and skeleton, amongst others
horologyThe science of measuring time, including the design and construction of timepieces
jewelA synthetic sapphire or ruby that functions as a bearing for the gears of an analog watch. The number of jewels in a watch determines its precision and quality
keeperThe loop on a leather watch strap that secures its end in place after the buckle has been fastened
kineticSee automatic
LCDThe liquid crystal display on which the time and other features of a digital watch appear
lugThe projection on each side of a watch's case to which the watch strap or bracelet is attached
mechanicalA watch whose movement is based on the vibrations of a mainspring that is wound by hand or automatically, by the movement of the wearer
minute repeaterA complication that allows a watch to strike the time in hours, quarters or seconds by means of a push piece control on the side of its case
moon phaseA complication that allows a watch to indicate the current phase of the moon through an aperture on its dial
movementThe inner mechanisms of a watch that allow it to keep time. The movement of a watch may be quartz or mechanical
perpetual calendarA complication that automatically adjusts a watch's calendar to accommodate leap years and months with different lengths
quartzA watch whose movement is based on the vibrations of a minute piece of crystal that can be activated by a battery or light
skeleton caseA watch with a transparent dial or caseback, allowing its movement to be viewed
solid stateA watch with no moving parts
spring barThe telescoping metal pin that fixes a watch strap or bracelt to the lugs on the watch's case
subdialA small dial on the face of the watch used in complications like a chronograph to record elapsed time or the date amongst other features
tachometerA complication that measures the speed of the wearer's travel using a numeric scale on the bezel of a chronograph
tonneauA watch with a barrel shaped case that has two convex sides
tourbillionA complication in mechanical watches that eliminates any error in timekeeping that might be cause by shifts in location due to variations in gravity
water resistanceA measure of the durability of a watch when put into contact with water. Water resistance is measured in atmosphers (ATM), where one ATM is equal to 10 meters of water pressure or 1 bar