The Complete Jewellery Glossary: A–Z of Jewellery Terms
An A–Z jewellery glossary explaining more than 100 terms in plain language, from aad and AD stones to vermeil, white metal and zinc alloy, covering styles, materials, settings and findings.
HANSINI369 Editorial TeamUpdated · 7 min read
Jewellery has its own language, drawn from many cultures, crafts and centuries. This A–Z glossary explains common terms in plain language, with links to detailed guides. Bookmark it for whenever a product description or conversation leaves you puzzled.
Tip: For a searchable version with topic filters, illustrations and even more terms, use the Jewellery Encyclopedia.
A
- Aad
- A broad, collar-like necklace associated with Rajasthani jewellery. See Regional Indian Jewellery Styles.
- AD (American diamond)
- A common Indian market name for cubic zirconia. See Cubic Zirconia.
- Addigai
- A wide, close-fitting South Indian choker, often in temple style.
- Adjustable ring
- A ring with an open or flexible band that fits a range of sizes. See Adjustable Rings.
- Alloy
- A mixture of metals, such as brass (copper and zinc).
- Antique finish
- A deliberately aged, matte or shaded finish. See Antique-Finish Jewellery.
- Artificial jewellery
- Jewellery made from non-precious materials. See What Is Imitation Jewellery?
B
- Bail
- The loop or fitting that attaches a pendant to a chain.
- Bajuband
- An armlet worn on the upper arm.
- Bangle
- A rigid, circular bracelet. See Bangles and Kada.
- Baroque pearl
- An irregularly shaped pearl.
- Bezel setting
- A metal rim that surrounds a stone. See Stone Setting Techniques.
- Bib necklace
- A wide necklace covering part of the chest.
- Bichhiya
- Toe rings, associated with marriage in many Indian communities.
- Box chain
- A chain made of square links.
- Brass
- An alloy of copper and zinc. See Base Metals.
- Butterfly back
- A common push-on earring back.
C
- Cabochon
- A smooth, domed stone without facets.
- Cable chain
- A chain of uniform oval or round links.
- Chandbali
- A crescent-moon-shaped earring. See Chandbali Earrings.
- Chandelier earring
- A multi-tiered, branching earring.
- Channel setting
- Stones set in a row between metal walls.
- Choker
- A necklace that sits close around the neck. See Choker Necklaces.
- Clasp
- The fastening that joins the ends of a necklace or bracelet. See Clasps and Fastenings.
- Climber
- An earring that runs up the ear from the lobe.
- Cocktail ring
- A large statement ring. See Cocktail Rings.
- Costume jewellery
- Decorative jewellery made to complement an outfit; often non-precious. See Artificial vs Fashion vs Costume.
- Crimp bead
- A small metal bead flattened to secure beading wire.
- Cubic zirconia (CZ)
- A lab-made crystal used as a diamond simulant.
- Cuff
- A rigid bracelet with an opening.
D
- Dangle earring
- An earring that hangs and moves freely below the lobe.
- Die-casting
- Injecting molten metal under pressure into steel moulds.
- Dori
- A tie-cord used to fasten traditional necklaces.
- Drop earring
- An earring that hangs a short distance below the lobe.
E
- Ear cuff
- An ornament that wraps around the outer ear, usually without a piercing.
- Electroplating
- Depositing a thin metal layer using electricity. See How Plating Works.
- Enamel
- Coloured glass fused to metal, or a coloured coating resembling it. See Enamel Finishes.
- Eternity band
- A ring with stones set all around the band.
- Extender chain
- A short chain added to adjust necklace or bracelet length.
F
- Facet
- A flat, polished surface cut on a stone.
- Fashion jewellery
- Trend-led, affordable jewellery.
- Figaro chain
- A chain with a repeating pattern of short and long links.
- Filigree
- Delicate decorative work made from fine twisted wire.
- Findings
- Functional components such as clasps, hooks and jump rings. See Jewellery Components.
- Flash plating
- A very thin layer of plating.
- Foil backing
- Reflective foil behind a stone to increase brilliance.
- French hook
- A simple wire earring hook.
G
- Gauge
- A measure of wire thickness.
- Gold electroplate
- In US FTC guidance, gold of at least 10 karat electroplated to a minimum thickness equivalent to 0.175 microns of fine gold.
- Gold-filled
- A thicker gold layer mechanically bonded to a base metal; FTC guidance requires at least 1/20th of the metal weight.
- Gold-plated
- A thin gold layer over another metal. See Gold-Plated Jewellery.
- Gold-tone
- Gold-coloured, without implying gold content.
H
- Haath phool
- A hand ornament linking a ring to a bracelet.
- Hallmark
- An official mark certifying precious-metal purity.
- Haar
- A necklace, often long. "Rani haar" is a long, grand necklace.
- Head pin
- A wire with a flat end, used to make bead dangles.
- Herringbone chain
- A flat chain of slanted links.
- Hoop
- A circular or semi-circular earring. See Hoop Earrings.
- Huggie
- A small hoop that hugs the earlobe.
I – J
- Imitation jewellery
- Jewellery recreating the look of precious jewellery with non-precious materials.
- Jhumka
- A bell-shaped earring. See Jhumka Earrings.
- Jump ring
- A small metal ring used to connect components.
K
- Kada
- A thick, often openable bangle.
- Kamarbandh
- A waist belt worn over traditional outfits.
- Karat
- A measure of gold purity (24 karat is pure gold).
- Kasu mala
- A South Indian coin necklace.
- Kundan
- A historic Indian technique of setting stones with refined gold; "kundan-style" describes imitation versions. See Kundan Jewellery.
L
- Lacquer
- A clear protective coating. See Lacquer and Oxidised Finishes.
- Lariat
- A long, open-ended necklace.
- Lever back
- A hinged earring closure.
- Lobster clasp
- A spring-loaded clasp shaped like a lobster claw.
- Locket
- A pendant that opens to hold a keepsake.
- Lost-wax casting
- Casting metal using a wax model that is melted away. See Casting.
M
- Maang tikka
- A pendant worn on the hair parting.
- Matha patti
- A forehead ornament along the hairline.
- Matinee length
- A necklace of about 50–60 cm.
- Meenakari
- Indian enamel work. See Meenakari Jewellery.
- Micron
- One thousandth of a millimetre; used for plating thickness.
N
- Nath
- A nose ring, often large with a chain.
- Nickel
- A metal that is a common cause of skin allergy. See Nickel Sensitivities.
O
- Opera length
- A necklace of about 70–90 cm.
- Oxidised
- Deliberately darkened metal. See Oxidised Jewellery.
P
- Passa (jhoomar)
- A fan-shaped ornament worn on one side of the head.
- Pavé
- Many small stones set closely together.
- Payal
- Anklets.
- Pendant
- A hanging ornament on a chain.
- Polki
- Uncut or minimally cut diamonds; "polki-inspired" describes imitation looks. See Polki-Inspired Jewellery.
- Princess length
- A necklace of about 43–48 cm.
- Prong setting
- Metal claws holding a stone.
- PVD
- Physical vapour deposition, a thin, hard vacuum-applied coating.
R
- Rhinestone
- A glass or crystal stone with a reflective backing.
- Rhodium plating
- A bright white plating.
- Rope chain
- A twisted, rope-like chain.
S
- Sahara (ear chain)
- A chain that supports heavy earrings by looping over the ear or into the hair.
- Screw back
- A threaded earring back.
- Simulant
- A material that imitates a gemstone's appearance but is a different material.
- Snake chain
- A smooth, flexible tube-like chain.
- Sterling silver
- An alloy of 92.5% silver, often marked "925".
- Stud
- An earring that sits on the lobe. See Stud Earrings.
T
- Tarnish
- Discolouration caused by chemical reaction with the environment. See Prevent Tarnishing.
- Temple jewellery
- South Indian jewellery inspired by temple architecture and sacred imagery. See Temple Jewellery.
- Tennis bracelet
- A bracelet with a continuous line of matching stones.
- Threader
- A fine chain earring that threads through the piercing.
- Toggle clasp
- A bar-and-ring clasp.
V
- Vaddanam
- A South Indian waist belt.
- Vermeil
- In US FTC guidance, gold of at least 10 karat and about 2.5 microns thick over sterling silver.
W – Z
- White metal
- A broad term for light-coloured, low-melting alloys.
- Wire wrapping
- Shaping and wrapping wire to create jewellery. See Beading and Wire Wrapping.
- Zinc alloy
- A zinc-based alloy commonly used in die-cast fashion jewellery.
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Key takeaway
Jewellery terms become easy once you know the basics. Use this glossary whenever you read a product description, plan an outfit or start a design, and explore the linked guides for deeper understanding.
Sources and further reading
Written by
HANSINI369 Editorial Team
Our editors research jewellery types, materials, care and craft, and review guides when materials, standards or recommendations change. Read our editorial policy.
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