Every woman with a taste for fine accessories should be able to explain her choice in jewels. Below we simply scratch the surface with ten key terms to know.
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1. Baroque
adjective
Doesn’t like to play straight. This stone prefers to run its own path.
An irregular, rounded stone, glass or bead; also, an imitation pearl with an uneven or craggy shape and/or surface.
2. Cabochon
noun
Polished, smooth candy gems that seem to possess a special magic. Best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand.
A stone with a rounded surface, rather than one cut with facets. Commonly used with opaque to translucent stones such as opal, moonstone, jade and turquoise. Generally, gems that possess special properties, such as iridescence, are shaped as a cabochon to allow for their true essence to shine.
3. Chandelier
noun
XL danglers that will ensure your entrance is a memorable one.
Earrings featuring several connected parts, supporting gemstones, crystals and beads hanging freely from bottom loops.
4. Choker
noun
So much more than a 90s throwback. Its wearer is bold and plays the mystery card well.
A short, close fitting necklace; like a collar and approximately 15 inches long.
5. Demi-parure
noun
For when the only way to be is paired up.
A small matching set of jewelry consisting usually of a brooch and earrings, or a necklace and bracelet.
6. Gold filled
adjective
Misunderstood yet totally superior. In it for the long haul.
Gold-filled jewelry is more valuable than jewelry that is gold plated. When a piece is gold filled, it has a thick sheet of gold applied to a base metal, and is 50 - 100,000 times thicker than gold plating. In order to be referenced as gold filled, jewelry must have a gold content of at least 1/20th the total weight of the item. In contrast, gold plating involves a layer of gold applied to base metal, usually by electroplating. It is usually a very thin layer, only a few microns, and is likely to wear much more quickly than gold-filled.
7. Lavaliere
noun
A Duchess first wore me, she must have had good taste.
A chain or small link necklace that ends in a pendant or gemstone. First popularised by Duchesse de la Valliere, a mistress of King Louis XIV of France.
8. Parure
noun
An elaborate, matching spread of jewels, what more could you want?
A true parare constitutes a suite of jewelry with at least four matching pieces. A necklace, bracelets, earrings and belt or brooch. Was originally designed to be worn all at once, but we say wear it any way you want.
9. Sautoir
noun | pronounced: so-twore
Girls in the 70s attached gold medallions for a no fuss, opulent neck accessory. Pearls and the sautoir style are another winning match.
An extremely long neck chain, which falls just below the waistline and terminates with a tassel or jeweled pendant. Popular in the early 20th century and was a Jazz Age favourite.
10. Torsade
noun | pronounced: tor-sard
Some people mistake me for a choker, but I’m my own woman.
Short twisted strands of pearls ending in a clasp. Became popular during the 1980s.