Definition of Jewellery Terms A - C

Definition of Jewellery Terms A - C

What is Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Aurora Borealis etc?
Here we have a short guide to common jewellery terms:

A jour :  An opening in a gemstone setting that allows light to pass through the stone form both sides

Aguette: This is a gemstone often a diamond, cut in a rectagular narow shape. Small diamonds cut in this way are frequently used as accents

Ajoure: Design with holes punched, drilled or cut into a piece of metal rather than wires which have been bent or formed into the design as is done with filigree.

Aguette: This is a gemstone often a diamond, cut in a rectagular narow shape. Small diamonds cut in this way are frequently used as accents

Anodising :Technique used to modify or dye the surface of a metal (usually titanium) using electrolyis.

Art Deco: This style was popular during the early twentieth century from the 1910's . It originated in France and and is characterised by geometric angles
and designs.

Art Nouveau: A style which typically had free form flowing imagery based on organic forms such as seen in It was popular in the late 19th century. 

Aurora Borealis: Term for a particular type of rhinestone crystal with an iridescent finish. A process created by Swarovski and Christian Dior in 1955.

Arts and Crafts: A movement that emphasised the natural quality and beauty of materials. It was popular during the late 19th century.

Baguette: Small rectangular shaped stones with facets

Bar brooch or pin: Long narrow brooch or pin often set with gemstones

Baroque Pearl: Sometimes also referred to as a "potato pearl", this is an irregularly shaped pearl or stone that was favoured by the designer Miriam Haskell.

Base metal: The more common non precious metals such as copper and tin, as well as their alloys, including nickel siver. They may be plated with silver or gold.

Bevel Cut: Where the surface has been cut at an angle of less than 90 degrees

Briollete: A drop shaped stone often used in earrings with diamond shaped or triangular facets all the way round.

Bezel: A band with a flange or groove. A bezel setting involves a metal band that encircles the gemstone or crystal and extends slightly above it and hold the stone in place.

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