Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious newbie to the world of jewellery, things may appear a bit quirky, almost like a foreign land with its own language. Don't you worry; we're here to make that jargon your new best friend. So go ahead, whip out those magnifying glasses, and let's decode this sparkling dictionary!
5 Jewellery Jargons You Should Know
1. Carats and Karats: More Than Carrots
First off, let's drive away the confusion between carats and karats. No, we're not talking about the crunchy orange vegetable. We're talking about units of measurement for our truly precious gems and metals.
Carats (ct)
- Definition: Carats measure the weight of gemstones.
- Impact: A gemstone's carat weight can dramatically impact its value and appearance. Generally speaking, the bigger the carat weight, the larger, and therefore more valuable, a gemstone is.
Our beautifully designed 9ct Yellow Gold Oval Engraved Signet Ring is a great example of how this carat weight really can add elegance and desirability to a piece.
Karats (K or kt)
- Definition: Karats measure the purity of gold.
- Measurement: Pure gold is 24 karats; this means it is 100% gold. However, pure gold is incredibly soft and easily damaged, so most is combined with other metals—called alloys—to make it stronger and more hard-wearing.
Key differences:
Carats (ct): When referring to gemstones, this would point out their weight.
Karats (K or kt): The purity of gold.
Knowing what carats and karats really stand for is important when purchasing fine jewellery. The carat weight of your stone will point you toward the perfect gemstone. The karat purity in gold can lead you toward much stronger and finer pieces.
2. Clarity: Not Just for Diamonds
When we talk about clarity, we refer to the transparency and inclusions of a gemstone. It is similar to the birthmarks of the gem—very small natural imperfections that can give character or diminish value.
What is Clarity?
Clarity is how clear a stone is of inclusions on the inside and blemishes on its outside. Imperfections may be viewed as the birthmarks of a gem, created during its growth process. A few inclusions give character to the gem and identity, but too many or highly visible ones may hurt its beauty and value.
Why it matters?
- Aesthetic Appeal: Fewer inclusions mean that the gem would be cleaner and more brilliant. It is the case that high-clarity stones catch and reflect light better, which makes them sparkle more intensely.
- Value: The value is that the more superior the clarity grade, the rarer it is, and consequently, the more valuable. For example, flawless diamonds are highly valued because they seldom exist.
- Durability: Sometimes, inclusions can make a gemstone more susceptible to breakage. A gem with fewer or no inclusions is generally more durable.
Clarity is not exclusively reserved for diamonds. For instance, the emerald in our Emerald And Diamond Cluster Ring has a high clarity grade, making the green hue more vivid and eye-catching.
3. Cut: The Gem's Dance Moves
When one mentions cut, they are talking about the actual art of cutting the gem for maximum brilliance. The cut refers to the angles, proportions, facets, and finish that, together, allow a gem to reflect light, thus developing its sparkle.
It refers to how a gemstone has been cut and faceted from its raw form. It's not about the gem's shape like round, oval, or pear, but more about the quality of the craftsmanship involved in cutting it. A well-cut gemstone will reflect light from one facet to another and back to the viewer's eye, which when combined, creates maximum brilliance.
How to Assess the Cut?
Besides evaluating the overall appearance of a gemstone cut, the following should be considered:
- Symmetry: Are the facets aligned and in proportion? Good symmetry means that the light is going to reflect from the diamond evenly.
- Proportions: Is the depth and table size ideal? Proper proportions prevent the light from leaking out of the diamond.
- Polish: Is the finish smooth? Good polish brings out the brilliance.
A well-cut stone catches the light just right—much like our exquisite 9ct Solid White Gold 0.15ct Diamond and 0.6ct Round Sapphire Pendant.
The round cut of this sapphire ensures that it radiates optimum brilliance and fire. The 0.15ct diamond, cut to brilliant perfection, adds that extra touch of sparkle.
4. Pavé: Bling It On
Pavé is a setting where small gemstones are set so closely together that they become continuous glittery surfaces, so to speak, much like cobblestones of sparkle.
Why Pavé is the Pinnacle of Sparkle?
- Continuous Shine: The minute stones in a pavé setting are set very close to one another; therefore, there is, in effect, a plane of unbroken sparkle that sends out rays from every point and makes it truly dazzling.
- Maximised Brilliance: Setting stones close together makes each stone appear more brilliant than one big stone, so an increased brilliance compared to a big single stone.
- Chic setting: Pavé is perfect for accentuating larger stones or for covering whole pieces adding sophistication and glamour to rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Imagine a starry sky on the finger with our 18ct Solid White Gold 1.40ct Diamond Pave Set Full ET Ring, each little stone adding to the overall brilliance.
5. Patina: Vintage Vibes
Patina is a naturally occurring shine or surface layer formed on metals over time. It's not just about the physical changes but also the character and charm it imparts to jewellery. This unique layer forms due to exposure to elements like air, moisture, and skin oils, and can add depth, warmth, and an antique quality to your pieces.
Why it matters?
- Timeless Glamour: Patina is what makes second-hand jewellery absolutely inimitable and individualistic; every piece has the potential to be an heirloom.
- Subtle Beauty: Rather than fading, the patina gives depth to colour and fineness to designs with a mature and character-like quality.
- Personal Touch: Every patina-ed piece evolves its appearance, telling a story of its individual history and wear.
Now that you are armed with the ABCs of jewellery jargon, you will be able to dazzle at dinner parties and shine in showrooms with the knowledge you now possess. Each term used actually helps in adding that extra dimension to your understanding and appreciation for jewellery.
So next time you're crushing on something sparkly, you'll know if it's the carat weight calling your name, the cut that's got your attention, or the pave that's got you weak at the knees.
Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on our FJewellery blog. Whether you are in it for the bling or for the knowledge, we have got your back!