What is the difference between a cable chain and a curb chain? What does 925 sterling silver mean? Is gold-colored jewelry actually gold-plated? Jewelry descriptions can be confusing when the same product page mentions metals, link styles, clasps, coatings, gemstones, and hallmarks.
This A–Z jewelry glossary explains more than 108 everyday jewelry terms in clear American English. Use it to understand necklace and bracelet types, compare materials, decode quality markings, and shop with more confidence. We also explain the key differences that matter most before you buy.
For example, 925 describes silver purity, rhodium-plated identifies a surface finish, and Figaro describes a link pattern. None of these details alone tells you everything about a piece of jewelry.
Jewelry glossary: jump to a letter or topic
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6 essential jewelry terms to understand before you buy
Before jumping to the alphabetized definitions, these six topics will help you read product descriptions accurately and choose jewelry based on more than appearance alone.
1. Jewelry metals and finishes: what is your jewelry made of?
Start with the base material, not its color. Silver-tone jewelry may be sterling silver, stainless steel, or a different alloy coated to look silver. The same applies to gold-tone finishes.
Sterling silver (925): at least 92.5% silver, often alloyed with copper. It can tarnish and may be polished with appropriate care.
Stainless steel: a corrosion-resistant alloy often chosen for everyday jewelry. Its durability depends on grade, exposure, and any decorative coating.
14K and 18K gold: 14K contains about 58.3% gold (commonly designated 585); 18K contains 75% gold (750). The other metals influence color and wear characteristics.
Gold-plated, gold-filled, and gold vermeil: different constructions and descriptions. A gold color alone does not establish any of them.
US-specific note: the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides guides for how sellers describe precious-metal jewelry. Do not apply French minimum coating thickness rules to US products. See the FTC Jewelry Guides (16 CFR Part 23) for the applicable framework.
2. Jewelry chain types: how to recognize the links
A chain’s link pattern affects its look, flexibility, feel, and sometimes how it behaves under wear. Chain width alone is not enough to compare two styles.
Cable chain: a classic succession of round or oval links.
Curb chain: links twisted and flattened so they sit relatively flat.
Figaro chain: a repeated pattern of short links followed by a longer link.
Rolo chain: regularly spaced, rounded links, often more visibly circular.
Snake chain: closely fitted elements that create a nearly smooth surface; avoid sharp kinks.
Box chain: geometric, square-looking links, also known as a Venetian chain.
If you are wearing a pendant, look at the chain’s strength, diameter, and compatibility with the pendant bail. Our guide to choosing a men’s necklace includes practical notes on chain lengths, thickness, and styles.
3. Jewelry clasps and findings: how the pieces connect
The clasp can make a bracelet easy or frustrating to put on. A decorative closure is not necessarily the most secure choice for every activity.
Lobster clasp: a spring-loaded hook, widely used on bracelets and necklaces.
Spring ring clasp: a small circular closure with a lever.
Toggle clasp: a bar that passes through a ring; often decorative.
Barrel or screw clasp: threaded pieces that twist together.
A bail connects a pendant to a chain, while a jump ring joins individual components. Check the bail opening before combining a separately purchased pendant and chain.
4. Gemstones, synthetic stones, and settings
Gemstone names and setting styles mean different things. A synthetic gemstone has essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as the corresponding natural gemstone, while a simulant imitates the appearance of another material.
Natural zircon is a mineral gemstone. Cubic zirconia (CZ) is laboratory-made and is often used as a diamond alternative. A cabochon refers to a smooth domed cut, not a specific gemstone variety. Bezel and prong settings refer to different ways of securing a stone.
5. Karats, carats, stamps, and metal purity
These similar words have different meanings. Karat (K) measures the gold content of an alloy: 18K gold is 18 parts gold out of 24, or 75%. Carat (ct) measures a gemstone’s weight: one carat is 0.20 gram.
Numbers such as 925 and 750 express precious-metal fineness in parts per thousand. Quality marks such as 14K, 18K, or 925 can help identify composition, but a stamp alone is not proof of authenticity. US marking practices differ from compulsory assay systems used in some other countries.
6. Types of jewelry: shapes, placement, and fit
Hoop earrings form a circle or arc; ear cuffs sit along the outer ear; bangles and cuffs are rigid wrist styles; lockets can hold a keepsake. Body chains, anklets, and arm cuffs are designed for other areas of the body, so sizing and movement are important.
Explore examples in our arm bracelet collection or browse the alphabetized definitions below when you need a quick explanation.
A–Z jewelry glossary: definitions and terminology
Letter A
Adjustable ring
A ring with an opening or adjustable feature that allows a limited size change. Repeated bending can weaken the metal.
Alloy
A metal combined with other elements to change properties such as strength, color, or corrosion resistance. 18K gold is an alloy.
Anklet
A flexible chain or other piece of jewelry worn around the ankle.
Arm cuff
A rigid or semi-rigid bracelet worn around the upper arm, rather than the wrist.
Letter B
Bail
The loop or fitting that connects a pendant to a necklace chain; its opening must accommodate the chain.
Bangle
A rigid bracelet, circular or oval, that largely retains its shape. It may be open or closed.
Barrel clasp
A clasp whose two threaded parts screw together to secure a necklace or bracelet.
Bezel setting
A gemstone setting in which a rim of metal surrounds the stone's edge.
Body chain
Decorative connected chains worn across the torso, waist, back, or other parts of the body.
Box chain
A chain made of geometric, box-shaped links; also known as a Venetian chain.
Brass
An alloy primarily made from copper and zinc, often used as a jewelry base metal.
Byzantine chain
An intricate chain made from interwoven links that create a dense, textured appearance.
Letter C
Cable chain
A classic chain of regularly sized round or oval links connected in sequence; often called a trace chain.
Cabochon
A gemstone cut with a smooth, usually rounded top rather than a faceted crown.
Carat (gemstone)
A unit of gemstone weight; one metric carat equals 0.20 gram. It is not a direct measure of visible size.
Chain link
One individual component of a chain, often round, oval, or geometric.
Chain style
The repeated pattern and arrangement of links or segments that create a chain, such as curb, cable, or Figaro.
Charm
A small decorative element, often removable, attached to a bracelet or necklace.
Choker
A short necklace worn close to the neck; exact lengths vary with the design and wearer.
Clasp
The device used to open and close a necklace or bracelet.
Clip-on earrings
Earrings secured by pressure rather than through a pierced ear.
Coffee bean chain
A chain with rounded or open elements resembling coffee beans, often known as a Gucci-style link.
Cubic zirconia (CZ)
A laboratory-made crystalline form of zirconium dioxide commonly used as a diamond simulant. It is not the natural mineral zircon.
Cuff bracelet
A relatively wide, usually rigid bracelet often open at one side.
Curb chain
A chain with links that are typically twisted and flattened so they lie relatively flat.
Letter D
Dangle earrings
Earrings with a component that hangs below the earlobe.
Diamond simulant
A material made to resemble diamond visually, such as cubic zirconia, without being a diamond.
Letter E
Ear climber
An earring designed to follow the contour of the ear upward from the lobe.
Ear cuff
Jewelry that grips the outer edge of the ear, commonly without a piercing.
Earring back
The component securing an earring post behind the ear, such as a butterfly clutch or screw back.
Electroplating
An electrochemical process used to deposit a layer of metal onto a conductive surface.
Enamel
A colored decorative finish; traditional vitreous enamel is fused glass, while other products may use resin-like coatings.
Engraving
A design, name, symbol, or inscription cut or marked into a jewelry surface mechanically or with a laser.
Letter F
Figaro chain
A chain pattern repeating one elongated link and several shorter links, commonly three.
Filigree
Openwork ornamentation formed from fine metal wires, often twisted and joined together.
Finish
A final surface treatment such as polishing, brushing, plating, or rhodium coating.
In the US, jewelry made with a sterling silver base plated with gold or gold alloy meeting FTC criteria, including a minimum equivalent of 2.5 microns of fine gold and at least 10K fineness.
Gold-filled
A base-metal item mechanically bonded to a substantial layer of gold alloy; the term has specific US marketing standards and is not the same as ordinary gold plating.
Gold-plated
A base-metal jewelry item coated with gold. In the US, accurate disclosure of the coating and its durability matters; no universal 3-micron minimum applies to every use of this term.
Letter H
Hallmark
A mark associated with metal quality, origin, or a maker. In the US, a quality mark is not necessarily a government assay stamp.
Hematite
An iron oxide mineral with a dark gray to black metallic appearance, often used as beads.
Hinged clasp
A hinged closure or locking mechanism used on some hoop earrings and rigid bracelets.
Hoop earrings
Earrings forming full or partial rings, available in various diameters and widths.
Hypoallergenic
A marketing description implying a reduced likelihood of allergic reactions, never an absolute allergy-free guarantee.
Letter I
Infinity jewelry
A design incorporating the infinity symbol, often used on necklaces, rings, and bracelets.
Iridescence
A play of color that changes with the viewing angle, found in some pearls and gemstones.
Letter J
Jump ring
A small metal ring, open or soldered, that connects a clasp, charm, pendant, or chain.
Letter K
Karat (gold)
The US unit for the proportion of gold in an alloy: 18K means 18 parts gold out of 24, or 75%.
Letter L
Layering
Wearing multiple necklaces, bracelets, or rings together to vary length, size, and texture.
Lobster clasp
A spring-loaded hook-shaped clasp common on necklaces and bracelets.
Locket
A pendant, often round or oval, that can open to hold a photo or other small memento.
Letter M
Magnetic clasp
A closure held by magnets; convenient to fasten, but its security depends on design and use.
Mangalsutra
A marriage-associated necklace in several Indian traditions; its designs and customs vary by community.
Mariner chain
A chain made with oval links that commonly have a bar across their center, inspired by anchor chains.
Metal purity
The proportion of precious metal in an alloy, often expressed in parts per thousand or karats.
Micron
One-thousandth of a millimeter (µm), commonly used to describe coating thickness.
Multi-strand necklace
A necklace composed of multiple chains or strands joined as one piece.
A traditional nose ornament worn in parts of India, including for certain wedding ceremonies.
Necklace extender
A short chain or accessory used to adjust a necklace’s wearable length.
Nickel
A metal that can trigger contact dermatitis; the amount released by jewelry can matter more than a vague allergy-free claim.
Letter O
Oxidation
A chemical change to a metal's surface. Silver tarnish often involves reactions with sulfur-containing compounds.
Letter P
Paperclip chain
A chain with elongated rectangular or oval links resembling paper clips.
Pavé setting
A setting in which many small stones are placed close together, creating a continuous field of sparkle.
Pendant
A decorative component hanging from a chain or necklace, often attached with a bail.
Piercing
A body perforation made to wear jewelry; also commonly refers to jewelry made for that opening.
Pinky ring
A ring worn on the little finger, available in signet and other styles.
Prong setting
A setting using small metal prongs to hold a stone while leaving more of its surface exposed.
PVD coating
Physical vapor deposition: a group of vacuum coating methods. Durability depends on the coating and manufacturing process, not the acronym alone.
Letter Q
Quartz
A mineral family that includes amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz.
Letter R
Rhodium plating
A thin coating of bright white rhodium applied to jewelry, often silver or white gold.
Ring guard
An accessory or design element used to help adjust the fit of a ring.
Ring shank
The band portion of a ring that circles the finger.
Ring size
A standardized measure of ring fit; in the US, sizes are usually expressed as numbers or half sizes.
Rolo chain
A chain of fairly round, regularly spaced links, sometimes called a belcher chain.
Rope chain
A chain with twisting, spiral-like links that resemble a rope.
Rose gold
A gold alloy in which copper contributes to the characteristic pinkish color.
Letter S
Screw-back earrings
Earrings with a threaded backing that screws onto the post.
Signet ring
A ring with a flat or raised face historically used to carry a seal; now made in many contemporary styles.
Singapore chain
A fine twisted chain whose spiral pattern reflects light from multiple angles.
Snake chain
A tightly assembled chain with an almost continuous surface; sharp kinks can damage it.
Solid gold
Jewelry made from gold alloy throughout rather than gold coating on a base metal. It does not necessarily mean 24K pure gold.
Split ring
A small spiral ring similar to a tiny key ring, used to attach components without soldering.
Spring ring clasp
A small circular clasp whose opening is operated by a spring-loaded lever.
Stainless steel
An iron-based alloy containing chromium that resists corrosion; 316L is one common jewelry grade.
Stamping
Shaping sheet metal or making an impression using a die or other stamping tool.
Sterling silver (925)
Silver alloy containing at least 92.5% silver, with the remainder typically other metals such as copper; it may tarnish.
Stud earrings
Small earrings that sit close to the earlobe, typically held by a post and backing.
Synthetic gemstone
A laboratory-grown gem with essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as the corresponding natural gem; different from an imitation.
Visual jewelry guide: recognize common styles at a glance
Chain types: compare common link patterns such as cable, curb, Figaro, rolo, snake, and box. The labels printed within the original illustration may use French terminology; the glossary above provides the corresponding US terms.
Clasp types: compare lobster, spring ring, toggle, and threaded closures. The original illustration may contain French labels.
Metal construction: illustration of solid gold alloy and gold coatings. Drawings are schematic, not to scale; US gold-vermeil standards differ from French standards, and any French thickness labels in the original artwork should not be treated as US regulatory advice.
How to use this jewelry dictionary before buying
Check the metal and any coating first. Next, verify the chain style, width, length, clasp, and fit. If you are buying a ring, use the seller’s US size chart; if you are adding a pendant, compare the chain width with the bail opening. Do not assume that words like “waterproof,” “hypoallergenic,” or “gold color” describe a material guarantee.
What is the difference between a chain link and a chain style?
A link is an individual component of a chain. The chain style describes the arrangement or shape of repeated links, such as curb, cable, or Figaro.
What does 925 mean on jewelry?
925 indicates a silver alloy containing at least 92.5% silver, commonly called sterling silver. A mark by itself does not prove that an item is authentic.
Is gold-filled the same as gold-plated?
No. Gold-filled jewelry has gold alloy mechanically bonded to a base metal and is described under specific US trade practices; ordinary gold plating typically uses an electroplated coating.
What is the difference between gold vermeil and gold-plated jewelry?
In US usage, vermeil has a sterling silver base and must meet FTC gold-coating criteria. General gold-plated items may use other base metals.
What is the difference between karat and carat?
Karat (K) expresses gold fineness, while carat (ct) measures gemstone weight. One metric carat equals 0.20 gram.
Are zircon and cubic zirconia the same?
No. Zircon is a natural mineral gemstone; cubic zirconia is a manufactured material often used to simulate diamond.
Is stainless steel jewelry always waterproof and hypoallergenic?
No. Corrosion resistance depends on the grade and exposure, while allergies depend on the wearer and the materials in contact with their skin.
The bottom line
Jewelry terminology can describe a material, design, coating, gemstone cut, or quality marking. Learning the difference helps you compare products accurately and choose pieces that fit your style and routine. When a technical claim matters, prioritize the full material disclosure over a catchy label.
