Jewelry & Appraisal Terms
Whether you’re exploring the world of jewelry for the first time or simply want a better understanding of appraisal terms, this glossary is here to help. Jewelry has a language of its own, and knowing key terms can be invaluable, especially when it comes to understanding your jewelry’s value, condition, and unique qualities. Here, you’ll find clear definitions for the most commonly used terms in jewelry and appraisal, so you can make informed decisions and fully appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece.
A
Appraisal Value
The appraisal value is the estimated worth of a piece of jewelry based on various factors such as material quality, craftsmanship, and market demand. This value is typically used for insurance or resale purposes.
Assessed Value
Assessed value refers to the monetary value placed on a piece of jewelry by an appraiser, often for tax or insurance purposes. It takes into account the jewelry’s market value, rarity, and condition.
Authorized Dealer
An authorized dealer is a jewelry retailer certified to sell products from a specific brand or designer. These dealers typically offer pieces with warranty and after-sales services authorized by the manufacturer.
B
Bench Jeweler
A bench jeweler is a skilled artisan responsible for repairing, resizing, and customizing jewelry. They use specialized tools to work with metals, gemstones, and settings to restore or enhance pieces.
Brilliant Cut
The brilliant cut is a cutting style primarily used for diamonds that maximizes sparkle by utilizing numerous facets to reflect light. This cut is most commonly associated with round diamonds, providing superior brilliance and fire.
C
Certificate of Authenticity
A certificate of authenticity is a document provided by the jeweler or manufacturer that verifies the legitimacy of a piece of jewelry or gemstone. This certificate may include details about the piece’s origin, materials, and any specific characteristics that contribute to its value.
Certified Gemologist
A certified gemologist has completed specialized training in gemology and has earned a certification from a recognized institute, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Their expertise allows them to accurately assess and appraise gemstones.
Cluster Setting
A cluster setting refers to a design where multiple smaller stones are grouped together to form a larger, more impactful appearance. This setting style is often used to create the illusion of a larger central gemstone.
Colorless
Colorless refers to gemstones, especially diamonds, that exhibit no visible color. A colorless diamond is considered the highest quality in terms of color grading and is typically more valuable than those with noticeable color.
Clarity Grade
Clarity grade is a measure of a gemstone’s purity based on the size, number, and visibility of inclusions or blemishes. Higher clarity grades indicate fewer or no visible imperfections, which can increase a gemstone’s value.
Color Grading
Color grading is the process of evaluating a gemstone’s hue, saturation, and tone. For diamonds, this grading typically ranges from colorless to yellow, with colorless diamonds being more valuable.
Conflict-Free
Conflict-free refers to diamonds or gemstones that have been sourced without funding armed conflict or violating human rights. Ethical sourcing practices ensure that the stones come from regions where mining activities do not contribute to violence or exploitation.
Carat
Carat is the unit of weight used to measure gemstones, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. Larger gemstones generally have a higher value due to their greater carat weight, though other factors like cut and clarity also contribute.
D
Diamond Cut Grade
Diamond cut grade refers to how well a diamond’s facets are proportioned and polished to reflect light. A higher cut grade results in more brilliance, and diamonds with excellent cuts are more valuable.
Diamond Report
A diamond report is a detailed document issued by a gemological laboratory that provides an assessment of a diamond’s characteristics. This includes its cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, and it helps buyers make informed purchasing decisions.
Diamond Shape
The diamond shape refers to the overall outline or silhouette of the stone, such as round, oval, or princess. Different shapes have distinct visual appeal, and certain shapes can influence the price of a diamond.
F
Fluorescence
Fluorescence refers to the visible glow emitted by a diamond or gemstone when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. While this can be a unique characteristic, diamonds with strong fluorescence may appear cloudy or milky under certain lighting conditions, which can influence their value.
Full Cut
A full cut refers to a diamond or gemstone that has been cut to the traditional proportions, typically with 57 or 58 facets. This cut maximizes a stone’s brilliance by allowing it to reflect the most light.
Facet Arrangement
Facet arrangement refers to the placement and number of flat surfaces on a gemstone that influence its brilliance and symmetry. Proper facet arrangement can enhance a gemstone’s visual appeal and overall value.
Fine Jewelry
Fine jewelry refers to high-quality jewelry made from precious metals, such as gold, platinum, or silver, and gemstones like diamonds and sapphires. This type of jewelry is often crafted with attention to detail and is typically valued for its craftsmanship and durability.
G
Gemstone Treatment
Gemstone treatment involves any process used to enhance or modify the appearance of a gemstone. Common treatments include heat treatment, laser drilling, or coating to improve color, clarity, or overall quality.
Gemstone Facets
Facets are the flat surfaces that are cut into a gemstone to improve its light reflection. The number and arrangement of these facets significantly impact the gemstone’s brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
H
Hallmarking
Hallmarking is the process of stamping jewelry with official marks to indicate the purity of the metal or its authenticity. These marks are often required by law and help consumers verify the quality and value of the jewelry.
Heavy Metal
Heavy metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are often used in jewelry for their strength, malleability, and resistance to tarnish. These metals contribute to the durability and overall value of high-quality jewelry pieces.
I
Ideal Cut
An ideal cut refers to a diamond that has been cut to perfect proportions, maximizing its brilliance and sparkle. Ideal cuts are the most desirable and typically command a higher price due to their superior light performance.
Inclusions
Inclusions are internal flaws or imperfections found within a gemstone, including air bubbles, cracks, or other irregularities. The presence of inclusions can affect the clarity and value of a gemstone, with fewer inclusions generally increasing its worth.
Intrinsic Value
Intrinsic value is the inherent worth of a piece of jewelry based on its material composition, such as the weight of the precious metals or gemstones. It does not include factors like design or craftsmanship.
J
Jewelry Appraisal Fee
The jewelry appraisal fee is the cost a client pays for having their jewelry evaluated by a professional appraiser. This fee typically covers the appraiser’s time, expertise, and any written documentation provided.
Jewelry Valuation
Jewelry valuation is the process of determining the worth of a piece of jewelry based on its material, craftsmanship, and market demand. It is often required for insurance purposes, estate planning, or resale.
Jewelry Certificate
A jewelry certificate provides detailed information about the authenticity, characteristics, and quality of a piece of jewelry. This document is often issued by the jeweler or an independent gemological laboratory.
K
Karat Gold
Karat gold refers to the purity of gold, with 24 karats being pure gold. Jewelry made with higher karat gold has a richer yellow color but may be softer and more prone to scratching.
L
Labradorite
Labradorite is a gemstone known for its distinctive play of colors, often displaying flashes of blue, green, and gold. This iridescent effect makes it a popular choice for unique jewelry designs.
Lapidary
Lapidary is the art of cutting, shaping, and polishing gemstones. Skilled lapidaries use specialized tools to enhance the appearance and value of gemstones, preparing them for use in jewelry.
Laser Inscription
Laser inscription is a microscopic engraving on a gemstone or piece of jewelry, often used for identification or security purposes. It can include the gemstone’s certificate number or other identifying information.
Luxury Jewelry
Luxury jewelry is high-end jewelry made from precious metals and gemstones, often designed with intricate craftsmanship. These pieces are typically priced at a premium due to their quality, rarity, and exclusivity.
M
Melee Diamonds
Melee diamonds are small, typically round diamonds that are used as accent stones in jewelry. These diamonds are often less expensive than larger diamonds and are commonly found in settings like pavé or halo designs.
Metal Alloy
A metal alloy is a mixture of two or more metals, created to enhance properties like strength, durability, or color. Jewelry designers often use alloys like 14K gold or sterling silver to create pieces with desired characteristics.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a gemstone that closely resembles a diamond but is made of silicon carbide. Known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, moissanite is often used as a more affordable alternative to diamonds.
N
Nickel-Free
Nickel-free jewelry is crafted without the inclusion of nickel, which is a common allergen for many people. This type of jewelry is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or nickel allergies, offering a hypoallergenic option in gold, silver, or platinum pieces.
O
Overtone
Overtone refers to the secondary color that a gemstone exhibits in addition to its primary color. This is especially relevant in colored gemstones like sapphires, where the overtone can affect the overall hue and value of the stone.
P
Pavé Setting
Pavé setting involves setting many small diamonds or gemstones very close together, with tiny beads or metal beads holding each stone in place. This technique creates a smooth, continuous surface of stones, often seen in engagement rings or bands.
Platinum Jewelry
Platinum jewelry is made from platinum, a precious metal known for its strength, purity, and natural white sheen. Platinum is highly resistant to tarnishing and is often used for fine jewelry, particularly engagement rings.
Pre-Owned Jewelry
Pre-owned jewelry refers to pieces that have been previously owned and may be resold, often at a lower price than new jewelry. Many people seek pre-owned jewelry for its uniqueness or to find high-quality pieces at a more affordable cost. See also estate jewelry
Price Per Carat
Price per carat is a pricing metric commonly used for diamonds and other gemstones, indicating how much each carat of the stone costs. Generally, the price per carat increases as the size, quality, and rarity of the gemstone improve.
Push-Back Earring Backs
Push-back earring backs are a type of earring closure mechanism that involves a small metal post with a backing that is pushed into place to secure the earring. These are one of the most common and secure types of earring backs.
R
Raw Gemstone
A raw gemstone is an uncut, untreated, or unpolished gemstone in its natural form. These stones require further cutting, shaping, and polishing to reveal their true beauty and potential for use in jewelry.
Ring Sizing
Ring sizing refers to the process of adjusting a ring’s size to fit the wearer properly. It can involve either resizing a ring to make it larger or smaller, depending on the person’s finger measurements.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is a pinkish-hued alloy of gold, created by mixing gold with copper. It has gained popularity in jewelry due to its warm, romantic appearance and unique color, making it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
S
Sapphire
Sapphire is a precious gemstone most commonly known for its vibrant blue color, although it can come in a variety of colors. This gemstone is highly durable and valued for its beauty and long-lasting brilliance, often used in engagement rings.
Setting Style
Setting style refers to the design and method used to secure gemstones in jewelry. Common setting styles include prong, bezel, channel, and pave, each with its own aesthetic and practical benefits depending on the type of jewelry.
Synthetic Diamond
A synthetic diamond is a man-made diamond created using high-pressure, high-temperature methods or chemical vapor deposition. While it has the same physical and chemical properties as a natural diamond, it is typically less expensive and more ethically sourced.
T
Tension Setting
A tension setting is a type of jewelry setting where the gemstone appears to be “floating” within the band, held in place by the pressure of the metal. This modern setting style is often used for engagement rings, creating a unique and striking look.
Total Carat Weight (TCW)
Total Carat Weight (TCW) is the combined weight of all the gemstones in a piece of jewelry. It is commonly used to describe multi-stone rings, necklaces, or earrings, where the carat weight of each stone is added together to give the total.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a gemstone that comes in a wide variety of colors, including green, pink, and blue. Known for its versatility and vibrant hues, tourmaline is often used in rings, earrings, and necklaces.
Trillion Cut
The trillion cut is a triangular-shaped gemstone cut, known for its distinctive geometric appearance and brilliant sparkle. This cut is often used for accent stones or as the central stone in jewelry designs, particularly for engagement rings.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is a highly durable, scratch-resistant metal often used in jewelry, particularly in wedding bands. Known for its strength and modern appearance, tungsten carbide is ideal for people who lead an active lifestyle.
V
Valuation Certificate
A valuation certificate is an official document provided by a certified appraiser that assesses the value of a piece of jewelry. This certificate includes details such as the material, craftsmanship, and market value of the jewelry, and is often used for insurance purposes.
Vintage Jewelry
Vintage jewelry refers to pieces that are at least 20 years old but are not necessarily antique. These pieces may include designs from past fashion trends and are often sought after for their unique style and quality.
W
Watch Appraisal
Watch appraisal is the process of determining the value of a timepiece, taking into account factors such as brand, model, age, condition, and rarity. This type of appraisal is useful for insurance purposes, resale, or estate planning.
White Gold
White gold is a gold alloy mixed with metals like palladium or nickel to give it a silvery appearance. It is often used in engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry for a sophisticated, modern look.
Y
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is the natural, yellow-colored form of gold, often used in fine jewelry. Known for its timeless appeal, yellow gold is a popular choice for engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets.