Definitions of Words Used on this Site

Adjustable: Necklaces or bracelets that attach at different parts of the chain to allow for different size users.

Aurora Borealis: Aurora Borealis, also referred to as “Northern Lights”, are glass rhinestones that have a unique lustrous coating, illuminating a variety of colors. Aurora Borealis specifically refers to the paper-thin metallic coating that is dispersed onto crystals or glass beads, producing a gorgeous, dazzling, color of the rainbow shine.

Baguette: A rhinestone or gem cut in to a long and narrow shape.

Bakelite: Bakelite is a thermosetting resin, that is, once molded, it retains its shape even if heated or subjected to various solvents. Originally made for cooking, it was incorporated in to jewelry in the early part of the 20th century.

Bangle: A rigid bracelet or anklet, especially one with no clasp.

Brooch: A type of pin that is usually larger and more opulent.

Cameo: A cameo is a hard or precious gemstone—often agate or onyx—carved in relief so that the figures project from a supporting background. The most common motif of antique cameo jewelry depicts a profile of a face or mythical creature.

Choker: A type of necklace that is worn securely around the throat that is typically secured partially up the throat.

Clip: Clips are earrings that, through one mechanism or another, are attached to your ear by applying a little pressure to it from both sides of the earlobe.

Dangle: A necklace or earrings that literally have a portion dangling from the main piece.

Enamel: Enamel is a natural form of quartz. In simple terms, enameling involves a glass paste being applied to metal and then heated to fuse it to the surface. The finish of the enamel can be translucent or opaque depending on the temperature used to melt the glass.

Medal with a Gold Tone: Metal that has a gold tone, or color, finish on it. Unless otherwise stated, any reference to a gold metal on this site refers to a metal tone not a precious metal.

Hook: A fastener made up of a large or small hook that catches on to a link or bead.

Lucite: A transparent or translucent plastic, any of a class of methyl methacrylate ester polymers, usually colored, and used as part of necklaces, earrings and pins.

Milkstone: Galalith or milkstone is a milk casein product that resembles bakelite or celluloid. Sometimes erroneously referred to as “French Bakelite,” this substance was developed in 1895 by German chemists seeking to create a “whiteboard” to replace the heavy slate “blackboards” used in schools.

Mother of Pearl: Nacre also known as mother of pearl, is an organic–inorganic composite material produced by some mollusks as an inner shell layer; it is also the material of which pearls are composed. It is strong, resilient, and iridescent.

Open Back: Jewelry that is open in the back of the setting that allows for light to enter rhinestones or other material from the back, giving the piece brighter appearance.

Pendant: A pendant is a loose-hanging piece of jewelry, generally attached by a small loop to a necklace, which may be known as a "pendant necklace". A pendant earring is an earring with a piece hanging down.

Pierced: An earring that has a simple post on the back that slides through the hole on a pierced earlobe.

Pin: A piece of jewelry that has a pin and hook on the back that allows you to attach it to clothing or other accessories.

Pot Metal: Pot metal, also known as monkey metal, white metal or die-cast zinc, is a colloquial term that refers to alloys that consist of inexpensive, low-melting point metals used to make fast, inexpensive castings. The term "pot metal" came about due to the practice at automobile factories in the early 20th century of gathering up all non-ferrous metal scraps from the manufacturing processes and throwing them into one pot to be melted and then formed into cast products. 

Rhinestone: A rhinestone, paste or diamante is a diamond simulant originally made from rock crystal but since the 19th century from crystal glass or polymers such as acrylic.

Screwback: Screw back earrings are characterized by their secure screw design. The post features a threaded design that screws into the earring back and is used to clamp the earlobe to the earring.