Diamond Jewelry Glossary (General)

Art Deco: A popular design style from the 1920s and 1930s that is characterized by geometric shapes and bold lines.
Bezel setting: A ring setting that holds a diamond in place with metal that surrounds the diamond.
Blemish: A natural external flaw in a diamond, such as a scratch or a chip.
Carat: A unit of measurement for the weight of a diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams.
Certification: A document issued by a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA, that verifies the carat weight, cut, color, and clarity of a diamond.
Clarity: Refers to the presence of internal and external flaws in a diamond, known as inclusions and blemishes. The clarity is graded on a scale from “Flawless” to “Included”.
Color: Refers to the presence of color in a diamond, with the most valuable diamonds being colorless. The color is graded on a scale from “D” (colorless) to “Z” (light yellow or brown).
Cut: Refers to the angles, proportions, and symmetry of a diamond, which can affect its sparkle and brilliance. The cut is graded on a scale from “Excellent” to “Poor”.
Diamond simulant: A diamond imitator, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, that is used to simulate the appearance of a diamond.
Estate: Refers to a diamond or piece of diamond jewelry that was previously owned.
Fluorescence: Refers to the way a diamond glows under ultraviolet light. Some diamonds have a strong fluorescence, which can lower their value.
Four C’s: A term used to describe the four characteristics of a diamond that determine its value: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
Halo setting: A ring setting that features a central diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds.
Inclusion: A natural internal flaw in a diamond, such as a crystal or a feather.
Pave setting: A ring setting that features small diamonds set closely together to create a “paved” effect.
Prong setting: A ring setting that holds a diamond in place with metal prongs.
Solitaire: A diamond engagement ring that features a single diamond as the center stone.
Vintage: Refers to a diamond or piece of diamond jewelry that was made more than 20 years ago.

Lab Grown Diamonds:

Carbon footprint: The amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere as a result of the production of a lab-grown diamond.
Cost: Lab-grown diamonds are generally less expensive than natural diamonds of similar quality because they do not have the same scarcity value.
Cultured diamond: Another term for a lab-grown diamond.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): A process used to grow lab-grown diamonds, in which a diamond seed is placed in a chamber and exposed to a mixture of gases, which causes carbon atoms to deposit on the seed and form a diamond.
Diamond certification: A document issued by a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA, that verifies the carat weight, cut, color, and clarity of a lab-grown diamond.
Durability: Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable and long-lasting as natural diamonds.
Ethical diamond: A diamond that is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Lab-grown diamonds are considered to be more ethical than natural diamonds because they do not involve the displacement of communities or the destruction of ecosystems.
Four C’s: A term used to describe the four characteristics of a diamond that determine its value: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, so they are graded using the same system.
Future: As technology continues to improve, it is likely that lab-grown diamonds will become even more prevalent in the jewelry market.
Grading reports: Lab-grown diamonds are graded by reputable gemological laboratories such as GIA, IGI, and HRD.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): A process used to grow lab-grown diamonds, in which a diamond seed is placed in a press and exposed to high pressure and high temperature, which causes carbon atoms to deposit on the seed and form a diamond.
Identification: Lab-grown diamonds are often identifiable by a laser inscription on the girdle, or a microscopic inscription on the diamond itself.
Jewelers: Many jewelers now carry lab-grown diamond jewelry options, and it is becoming a common option for consumers.
Jewelry industry: Lab-grown diamonds are increasingly being used in the jewelry industry because they are more ethically, environmentally and socially responsible than mined diamonds.
Jewelry: Lab-grown diamonds can be used to create the same types of jewelry as natural diamonds, including engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings.
Lab-grown diamond: A diamond that is created in a laboratory using advanced technology, as opposed to a natural diamond that is mined from the earth.
Man-made diamond: Another term for a lab-grown diamond.
Synthetic diamond: Another term for a lab-grown diamond.

Natural Diamonds:

Alluvial mining: A method of mining natural diamonds that involves sifting through gravel and sand in riverbeds and along coastlines to find diamonds that have been washed downstream from their original source.
Artisanal mining: Small-scale, informal mining that is often done by hand and that is not subject to the same regulations as large-scale industrial mining.
Blemish: A natural external flaw in a diamond, such as a scratch or a chip.
Blood diamond: Another term for a conflict diamond.
Carat: A unit of measurement for the weight of a diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams.
Certification: A document issued by a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA, that verifies the carat weight, cut, color, and clarity of a diamond.
Clarity: Refers to the presence of internal and external flaws in a diamond, known as inclusions and blemishes. The clarity is graded on a scale from “Flawless” to “Included”.
Color: Refers to the presence of color in a diamond, with the most valuable diamonds being colorless. The color is graded on a scale from “D” (colorless) to “Z” (light yellow or brown).
Cut: Refers to the angles, proportions, and symmetry of a diamond, which can affect its sparkle and brilliance. The cut is graded on a scale from “Excellent” to “Poor”.
Diamond cutting: The process of shaping a rough diamond into a polished, faceted gemstone.
Diamond polishing: The process of smoothing and polishing the facets of a diamond to enhance its sparkle and brilliance.
Diamond trading: The buying and selling of rough and polished diamonds on the global market.
Ethical diamond: A diamond that is mined, cut, and traded in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Fluorescence: Refers to the way a diamond glows under ultraviolet light. Some diamonds have a strong fluorescence, which can lower their value.
Four C’s: A term used to describe the four characteristics of a diamond that determine its value: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
Inclusion: A natural internal flaw in a diamond, such as a crystal or a feather.
Kimberley Process: An international certification scheme that is used to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, or diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments.
Kimberlite: A type of rock that is formed deep in the earth and is the most common host rock for natural diamonds.
Lamproite: A type of rock that is formed deep in the earth and is another host rock for natural diamonds.
Natural diamond: A diamond that is formed by geological processes in the earth, as opposed to a lab-grown diamond that is created in a laboratory. Natural diamonds are often referred as “Real Diamonds”
Pipe mining: A method of mining natural diamonds that involves excavating a large, open pit in the ground and extracting diamonds from the kimberlite or lamproite that is found there.
Rough diamond: A diamond that has been mined from the earth but has not yet been cut and polished.
Underground mining: A method of mining natural diamonds that involves excavating tunnels and chambers deep beneath the earth’s surface and extracting diamonds from the kimberlite or lamproite that is found there.

Diamond Wedding Rings:

Band: The metal part of the ring that goes around the finger, can be made of different metals such as gold, platinum, titanium, or white gold.
Cobalt: A type of metal that is similar to tungsten in appearance and durability, and is often used in men’s wedding bands.
Comfort fit: A type of ring that has a slightly curved interior to provide a more comfortable fit on the finger.
Diamond: A precious gemstone that is often used in engagement rings and wedding bands.
Engagement ring: A ring that is given to a person as a symbol of an upcoming marriage proposal.
Engraving: Personalized message or design that is engraved into the metal of a ring.
Eternity ring: A ring that has a continuous band of diamonds or other gemstones that symbolizes the infinity of love.
Filigree: An intricate and delicate pattern of metal work that is often used in vintage and antique-style rings.
Gemstone: A decorative stone that is used in rings, can be a diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby, etc.
Handmade: A ring that is made by hand by a craftsperson or jeweler, often using traditional techniques.
Inlay: A decorative strip or layer of a different material that is set into the band of a ring, such as wood, mother of pearl, or abalone shell.
Matching sets: A matching engagement ring and wedding band that are designed to fit together and complement each other.
Milgrain: A small, raised edge of metal that is often used to give a ring a vintage or antique-style look.
Palladium: A precious metal that is similar to platinum in appearance and durability, but is less dense and less expensive.
Platinum: A precious metal that is often used in wedding rings and is known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing.
Rose gold: A type of gold that has a pink or rose color and is alloyed with copper.
Setting: The way in which a gemstone is set into a ring, can be prong setting, bezel setting, pave setting, and many other types.
Tungsten: A type of metal that is known for its durability and resistance to scratching, and is often used in men’s wedding bands.
Wedding band: A ring that is worn by a married person to symbolize their commitment to their spouse.
Wedding ring: A ring that symbolizes the commitment and love between two people, typically exchanged during a wedding ceremony.
White gold: A type of gold that is alloyed with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or manganese to give it a white color.
Yellow gold: A type of gold that has a yellow color and is alloyed with other metals such as copper or silver.

Diamond Earrings

Chandelier earring: An earring that features multiple strands or chains that hang down from the earlobe.
Dangle earring: An earring that hangs down from the earlobe and typically has a gemstone or ornament at the bottom.
Diamond earring: An earring that features a diamond as the centerpiece.
Drop earring: An earring that hangs down from the earlobe and typically has a gemstone or ornament at the bottom.
Ear cuff: A type of earring that wraps around the ear cartilage and does not require a piercing.
Earring back: A small piece of metal or plastic that is used to secure an earring to the ear.
Earring clasp: The mechanism used to secure an earring to the ear, such as a butterfly back or lever back.
Earring jacket: A small piece of jewelry that is worn over a stud earring to add some extra style or sparkle.
Earring setting: The way in which a gemstone is set into an earring, can be prong setting, bezel setting, pave setting, and many other types.
Earring stud: The decorative part of a stud earring, can be a gemstone, pearl, or other ornament.
Earring wire: The wire or post that is used to attach an earring to the ear.
Earring: A piece of jewelry that is worn on the earlobe or ear cartilage.
Fishhook earring: An earring that features a wire that is bent into a fishhook shape and is worn through a piercing in the earlobe.
Gemstone earring: An earring that features a gemstone as the centerpiece.
Gold earring: An earring that is made of gold.
Handmade earring: An earring that is made by hand by a craftsperson or jeweler, often using traditional techniques.
Hoop earring: An earring that consists of a circular or semi-circular wire or band that is worn through a piercing in the earlobe.
Lever-back earring: An earring that features a lever mechanism that securely attaches the earring to the earlobe.
Pearl earring: An earring that features a pearl as the centerpiece.
Platinum earring: An earring that is made of platinum.
Silver earring: An earring that is made of silver.
Stud earring: An earring that consists of a single gemstone or ornament that is attached to a post and held in place by a clutch or butterfly back.

Diamond Bracelets

Anklet: A piece of jewelry that is worn around the ankle.
Bangle: A type of bracelet that is made of a solid metal and has no clasp, it is worn by sliding it over the hand.
Beaded bracelet: A bracelet that consists of beads strung on a cord or wire.
Bracelet: A piece of jewelry that is worn around the wrist.
Chain bracelet: A bracelet that consists of a chain and a clasp, can be made of different metals such as gold, silver, or platinum.
Charm bracelet: A bracelet that features small decorative ornaments that dangle from the chain, can be made of different metals such as gold, silver, or platinum.
Cuff: A type of bracelet that is made of a solid metal and has an opening that allows it to be put on or taken off.
Diamond bracelet: A bracelet that features diamonds as the centerpiece.
Gemstone bracelet: A bracelet that features gemstones as the centerpiece.
Gold bracelet: A bracelet that is made of gold.
Handmade bracelet: A bracelet that is made by hand by a craftsperson or jewel
ID bracelet: A bracelet that features an identification plate that can be engraved with a name or other personal information.
Link bracelet: A bracelet that is made up of interconnected links, can be made of different metals such as gold, silver, or platinum.
Locket bracelet: A bracelet that features a small compartment that can hold a photo or other small item.
Medical alert bracelet: A bracelet that is worn by people with medical conditions to alert first responders and medical personnel of their condition.
Pearl bracelet: A bracelet that features pearls as the centerpiece.
Platinum bracelet: A bracelet that is made of platinum.
Silver bracelet: A bracelet that is made of silver.
Tennis bracelet: A type of bracelet that features diamonds or other gemstones that are set in a continuous line around the bracelet.
Wrap bracelet: A bracelet that wraps around the wrist several times, can be made of different materials such as leather, cord, or beads.

Diamonds Necklaces

Chain necklace: A necklace that consists of a chain and a clasp, can be made of different metals such as gold, silver, or platinum.
Chatelaine: A necklace that features a series of small chains or ribbons that can be used to hold small items such as keys, scissors, or a watch.
Choker: A necklace that sits tightly around the base of the neck.
Collar: A necklace that sits closely around the base of the neck.
Cross necklace: A necklace that features a cross as a pendant.
Diamond necklace: A necklace that features diamonds as the centerpiece.
Gemstone necklace: A necklace that features gemstones as the centerpiece.
Gold necklace: A necklace that is made of gold.
Handmade necklace: A necklace that is made by hand by a craftsperson or jeweler, often using traditional techniques.
Lariat: A necklace that has no clasp and is worn by draping it over the head.
Link necklace: A necklace that is made up of interconnected links, can be made of different metals such as gold, silver, or platinum.
Locket necklace: A necklace that features a small compartment that can hold a photo or other small item.
Necklace: A piece of jewelry that is worn around the neck.
Pearl necklace: A necklace that features pearls as the centerpiece.
Pendant: An ornament that hangs from a necklace, can be a gemstone, a locket, or a charm.
Platinum necklace: A necklace that is made of platinum.
Silver necklace: A necklace that is made of silver.
Statement necklace: A necklace that is designed to make a statement and can be worn as a centerpiece of an outfit.
Y-necklace: A necklace that features a Y-shaped pendant that hangs from the chain.
Dog tag necklace: A necklace that features a metal tag that can be engraved with a name or other personal information.
Fringe necklace: A necklace that features a series of small chains or tassels that hang down from the chain.
Graduated necklace: A necklace that features beads or pearls that are graduated in size, with the largest bead or pearl at the center.
Lanyard necklace: A lanyard necklace is a necklace that features a cord or ribbon that is worn around the neck and can be used to hold a small item such as a badge, ID, or keys. It’s often used in workplaces, conventions or events to display identification or access cards.
Medallion necklace: A necklace that features a large, decorative medallion as a pendant.
Multi-strand necklace: A necklace that features multiple strands of beads, pearls, or gemstones that are woven or strung together.
Rope necklace: A necklace that features a cord or twisted wire that is worn around the neck.
Torsade necklace: A necklace that features multiple strands of beads or pearls that are twisted together.