This month we thought we would explain some common jewellery terms - That you may have heard but not known exactly what they meant!Carat scale: This is the system that is used to measure the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 carat and all other standards are lower fractions of this – like 18 & 9.
Carat weight: The word Carat is also used as the scale to measure the weight of a diamond. A smaller diamond may actually weight more, so does not indicate size alone.
Brilliant Cut: A 58 facet cut diamond. This is the ‘round’ shaped diamond which is one of the most popular cuts today.
Emerald Cut: A rectangular gem cut often used for emeralds (hence the name) but also for diamonds and other stones.
Princess Cut: A square-cut diamond equivalent to a brilliant cut. This is the square solitare look that is very popular.
Facet: A facet is one of the flat surfaces of a gem. Faceting is the cutting and polishing of the surface of a stone
Filigree: Gold or silver wire that has been twisted into patterns and soldered into place.
Rhodium plated: Rhodium plating is silvery-white in colour and used to harden the surface it covers and to create a brighter, more polished look to gold, especially white gold.
Channel Setting: A setting in which several stones are held in by two parallel gold or other precious metal borders - there is no metal between the individual stones.
Claw Setting: A claw setting is one in which a series of metal prongs (called claws) holds a stone securely in a setting. This is the most popular setting for solitaire diamonds.
Rubover: A stylish setting for gemstones in which the gold or other precious metal is formed into a rim that surrounds the stone and holds it in.
Titanium: A dark grey metal that is very light and strong, more used for men’s jewellery.
Trilogy Ring: A ring set with three diamonds to symbolise the three stages of a relationship, your past, your present and your future.
By The team @ slynkey.com - Christchurch
