Complimentary Worldwide Shipping

Glossary

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Acanthus	Ornament based on the leaves of the Mediterranean acanthus plant. Originally used to decorate the capital or Corinthian columns in ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
Acrostic Jewellry	Jewellery where the first letter of each gemstone in the piece is used to spell a word. Popular in the Georgian and Victorian periods.
Acrylic	A plastic resin used by contemporary jewellers since the 1960’s that comes in a variety of colours and opacities.
Agate	A formation of chalcedony that results in coloured layers alternating with milky white layers.
Aigrette	A hair ornament, usually jewelled, that would hold a plume of feathers or a splay of flowers.
Ajouré	Open pattern formed from cutting out metal thus allowing light travel through a stone displaying its full colour.
Albert chain	A double or single watch chain, in varying lengths and links featuring a T-bar which is used to attach to a buttonhole. This style of chain was popularised by Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria and was therefore named after him. These chains are now regularly worn as necklaces.
Alexandrite	A variety of chrysoberyl named after Tsar Alexander II. The stone is extremely light sensitive appearing a blueish green in daylight and a purplish red in incandescent light.
Alloy	A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements.
Amazonstone	Amazonite. A variety of green microcline. Colours range from a yellow green to a blue green and may have small white streaks.
Ammonite	An extinct sea creature often found as fossils with flat spiral shells.
Ankh-sign	Egyptian hieroglyphic for Life.
Annealing	Removing brittleness by reheating metal.
Antique	An item, article or object which was created over one hundred years ago.
Archaeological style	Jewelry in the 19th Century that took direct inspiration from archeological discoveries of the time.
Art Deco	The name given to a artistic movement that was derived from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes which took place in Paris, France. This incredible exhibition showcased the new modern style that had already started to win favour in stylish European cities. Coined the 'Art Deco' or 'Deco' period shortened from the French Arts Décoratifs, the era spanned the 1920s and 1930s. The style included geometric patterns, symmetrical motifs and parallel lines. These decorative symbols would go on to influence a wide variety of visual arts including architecture, paintings, sculpture, fashion and of course jewellery. Jewellery items made during the Art Deco period stand out due to the quality of craftsmanship, the unique design, the pairing of unusal gemstones and the use of platinum.
Art Nouveau	Inspired by free-floating forms in the natural world.
Asterism	An optical phenomenon where light reflects from small parallel inclusions on a stone that cross paths and appear like a six pointed star. This can be seen in stones cut ‘en cabochon’.
Austro-Hungarian	A constitutional monarchy which was one of central Europe's major powers between 1867 to 1918.