Explore our comprehensive A–Z glossary of fine jewellery and luxury adornment terms. Learn the meanings of popular gemstones, settings, styles, and techniques in one easy-to-use guide.
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Alloy: An alloy is a blend of two or more metals (or a metal and another element) to enhance properties over a single metal. In fine jewellery and luxury adornments, alloys boost strength, durability, and can adjust colour—e.g., gold with silver or copper for white or rose gold. They enable beautiful, long-lasting pieces that withstand everyday wear while maintaining their shine.
Aluminium: Lightweight yet strong, aluminium is loved for its modern, minimalist look and its ability to be anodised into vibrant colours. Unlike many metals, it doesn’t tarnish in the same way, making it low-maintenance for bold, contemporary designs. Designers use it for statement pieces that feel luxurious without the hefty price tag.
Amethyst: A purple variety of quartz ranging from lilac to deep violet. Prized for colour and perceived calming qualities, it’s a classic gemstone in fine jewellery. It brings elegance and distinctive character to many designs.
Amulet: An amulet is a charm worn like jewellery that people believe brings protection or good luck, often featuring symbolic motifs in precious metals or stones. In fine jewellery, amulets combine style with a touch of ancient tradition. They are meaningful as well as beautiful.
Art Deco: Art Deco is a design movement from the 1920s–1930s known for clean geometry, symmetry, and bold contrast. In fine jewellery, it often uses diamonds and platinum with striking, architectural lines. It blends modern flair with timeless glamour.
Art Nouveau: Originating in the late 19th century, Art Nouveau features flowing, nature-inspired forms. Jewellery often includes enamel work and colourful stones with curves that mimic vines or flowers. It celebrates organic beauty in an artistic way.
Aquamarine: A blue-green beryl whose name means “water of the sea.” Its clear, refreshing colour evokes tranquillity and suits contemporary and classic settings alike. It adds a cool, oceanic touch to fine jewellery.
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Baguette Cut:The baguette cut is that sleek, rectangular gemstone shape you often see flanking a big centre diamond on a ring. It’s all about clean lines and a refined, understated sparkle rather than intense brilliance. This cut is usually used for accent stones, adding a bit of architectural elegance to a design. Think of it as the sophisticated friend who doesn’t need to shout to make an impression.
Bail:A bail is the little loop or finding at the top of a pendant that lets it hang gracefully from a chain. It’s a small detail, but it can totally change how a piece sits and moves when worn. Some bails are simple and hidden, while others are decorative and become part of the design. In luxury pieces, even the bail is crafted with care—it’s the pendant’s elegant handshake with the necklace.
Bangle:A bangle is a solid, circular bracelet that slips over your hand and rests on your wrist—no clasps involved. They can be delicate gold circles or bold, gem-studded statement pieces. In fine jewellery, stacking bangles in different textures and metals creates a chic, effortless look. They’re timeless accessories that move beautifully as you do.
Bar Setting:A bar setting holds gemstones in place between vertical metal bars, letting plenty of light through the stones. It’s a modern, streamlined look that’s popular in eternity rings and bracelets. The stones sit snugly side by side, separated only by those slim bars of metal. It gives you sparkle with a bit of structure—elegant but not fussy.
Baroque Pearls:Baroque pearls are the rebels of the pearl world—they don’t follow the perfect round rule. Their organic, irregular shapes make each one completely unique, often looking sculptural and artistic. In luxury jewellery, they’re celebrated for their individuality and lustrous surfaces. Think less prim and proper, more bold and poetic.
Base Metal:Base metals are the non-precious metals like copper, brass, or zinc that form the core of many jewellery pieces. In fine jewellery, they’re often used underneath gold plating or as structural elements. They help keep a piece lightweight or more affordable without sacrificing style. Think of them as the supporting cast that makes the star—gold or gemstones—shine brighter.
Basket Setting:A basket setting uses slim metal prongs arranged like a tiny basket to cradle a gemstone securely. It allows light to hit the stone from multiple angles, boosting its sparkle. This type of setting is elegant and airy, often used for engagement rings and statement solitaires. It’s like giving the stone its own little throne with open sides.
Bezel:A bezel is a smooth, protective rim of metal that wraps around a gemstone’s edges. It gives a piece a sleek, contemporary look and keeps the stone safe from knocks and chips. Bezel settings are especially popular for people who want everyday luxury that’s a bit more practical. It’s clean, modern, and quietly confident.
Bib Necklace:A bib necklace is that dramatic, front-heavy style that sits across the chest like a luxurious piece of armour. It usually features multiple layers, gemstones, or intricate metalwork that draws the eye immediately. In fine jewellery, bib necklaces are statement-makers, often worn for galas, red carpets, or high-fashion moments. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t whisper—it commands the room.
Birthstone:Birthstones are gems tied to each month of the year, and people love wearing them as a personal touch. Whether it’s a deep garnet for January or a rich emerald for May, each stone carries its own symbolism and folklore. In luxury jewellery, birthstones often get an elegant upgrade with precious metal settings and fine craftsmanship. It’s a way to make a piece meaningful and chic at the same time.
Blackened Silver:Blackened silver is sterling silver that’s been oxidised or treated to give it a dark, moody finish. It’s perfect for adding depth and contrast, especially when paired with bright gemstones or gold accents. This finish gives pieces a slightly vintage or edgy feel, depending on the design. It’s like giving classic silver jewellery a bit of rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
Black Onyx:Black onyx is a smooth, jet-black gemstone that’s often used to add a touch of sleek elegance to fine jewellery. It’s actually a variety of chalcedony, prized for its deep, uniform colour and polished finish. Jewellers love working with it because it pairs beautifully with both gold and silver, giving designs a bold yet timeless look. Whether set in a statement ring or a delicate pendant, black onyx has a way of making any piece feel effortlessly sophisticated.
Bloomed Gold:Bloomed gold is a traditional surface treatment that gives gold jewellery a soft, matte, velvety look. It’s done through an acid process that strips away the alloy from the surface, revealing a pure gold glow. This technique was especially popular in antique pieces, giving them that subtle, rich finish you don’t see every day. It’s like gold with a quiet, elegant filter—less shiny, more sophisticated.
Blue Topaz:Blue topaz is a dazzling gemstone loved for its brilliant shades of sky to ocean blue, bringing a fresh, vibrant feel to fine jewellery. It’s actually a naturally clear stone that’s often carefully treated to achieve its striking colour. Designers adore it because it adds a splash of brightness that works beautifully in both everyday pieces and glamorous statement jewellery. Whether set in white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, blue topaz has a cool, breezy elegance that never goes out of style.
Bluing:Bluing is a traditional technique where steel is gently heated until it develops a rich blue hue, often used for watch hands and decorative jewellery elements. It’s subtle but adds a touch of old-world craftsmanship and depth to a piece. In fine jewellery, this finish contrasts beautifully with polished metals and sparkling stones. It’s like a little nod to antique luxury, tucked into the details.
Bolt Ring Clasp:A bolt ring clasp is that small, spring-loaded circle you twist to open and close necklaces and bracelets. It’s a classic fastening style—simple, secure, and widely used in both everyday and luxury jewellery. High-end versions are often made in gold or platinum and crafted with precise mechanics. It’s not flashy, but it’s the hardworking hero keeping your piece safely in place.
Book Chain:A book chain is a Victorian-era style of chain made from flat, rectagular links that look like the pages of a tiny book. It has a distinctive, almost architectural look that pairs beautifully with lockets or statement pendants. In fine jewellery, book chains are prized for their craftsmanship and vintage charm. It’s the kind of detail that instantly transports a piece to another era.
Box Chain:A box chain is made from square links that fit together to create a smooth, geometric-looking chain. It’s strong, sleek, and has a subtle shimmer that works well on its own or as a base for pendants. In luxury jewellery, box chains are often crafted in solid gold or platinum, giving them real weight and durability. Think of it as the clean-cut, reliable type that never goes out of style.
Box Clasp:A box clasp is a secure fastening mechanism where a tab slides into a box-like housing and clicks into place. You’ll often see it on fine tennis bracelets or high-end necklaces because it offers both safety and a seamless look. Many luxury box clasps are hidden or decorated to blend beautifully with the design. It’s the jewellery equivalent of a discreet but dependable lock.
Brass:Brass is a warm, golden-toned metal made from a mix of copper and zinc, often used as an affordable yet stylish alternative to gold in jewellery. It has a lovely vintage glow that suits both modern and classic designs, making it a favourite for statement pieces. While it’s durable and easy to shape, it can naturally develop a soft patina over time, adding to its charm. Whether polished to a high shine or left with a rustic finish, brass brings a rich, characterful touch to luxury adornments.
Bronze:Bronze is a warm, earthy metal made primarily from copper, often with a hint of tin, giving it a distinctive golden-brown hue. It’s cherished in jewellery for its rich, antique look that adds instant depth and character to any piece. Over time, it can develop a natural patina, which many people love for the unique, aged effect it creates. Whether polished to gleam or left to mellow, bronze brings a timeless, artisanal feel to fine jewellery and luxury adornments.
Brilliance:Brilliance is all about how much white light a diamond or gemstone reflects back to your eyes—basically, its sparkle factor. The more brilliant a stone, the more it seems to come alive when it catches the light. In fine jewellery, brilliance is a big deal because it affects how luxurious and “wow” a piece looks. It’s that dazzling glint that makes people stop and stare.
Brilliant Cut:The brilliant cut is the most popular diamond cut, designed with 57 or 58 facets to maximise sparkle and fire. It’s the classic round shape you see in most engagement rings and high-end pieces. Jewellers love it because it gives the stone a bright, lively personality from every angle. It’s basically the A-list celebrity of gemstone cuts—timeless, glamorous, and universally adored.
Briolette:A briolette is a pear-shaped gemstone covered in tiny triangular facets, often drilled at the top so it can dangle freely. It has an elegant, vintage feel and catches the light beautifully as it moves. In fine jewellery, briolettes are often used in earrings and pendant drops for that graceful, twinkling effect. It’s like a little droplet of light swinging elegantly with every turn.
Brooch:A brooch is a decorative pin designed to be worn on clothing, and it can range from dainty florals to dramatic statement pieces. Once considered old-fashioned, brooches have made a comeback in luxury fashion and fine jewellery. High-end versions often feature intricate metalwork, gemstones, or enamel detailing. It’s a piece that adds instant personality and a touch of refinement to any outfit.
Brocade:Brocade isn’t jewellery itself—it’s a richly patterned, often metallic fabric traditionally used to display or accent fine jewellery. Its luxurious texture and intricate designs make it the perfect backdrop for high-end pieces. Jewellers use brocade in cases, presentation boards, or even as inspiration for ornate metalwork. Think of it as the plush velvet stage on which the jewellery gets to shine.
Brushed Finish:A brushed finish is created by lightly rubbing the metal with an abrasive to give it a soft, satin-like texture. It tones down the shine, giving a piece a more modern, understated vibe. In fine jewellery, this finish is often used on gold or platinum to highlight the design without overwhelming it. It’s like giving the metal a gentle glow instead of a full-on sparkle.
Bubble Setting:A bubble setting is a contemporary way of grouping gemstones of different sizes close together so they look like little clusters of bubbles. It creates a playful yet luxurious effect, especially when done in gold with diamonds or coloured gems. The stones seem to float organically, giving the piece movement and texture. It’s a favourite in modern fine jewellery for those who love a fresh, artistic look.
Button Pearl:Button pearls are slightly flattened, dome-shaped pearls that look a bit like—yes—buttons. Their smooth tops and flat backs make them ideal for rings, earrings, and pieces that sit close to the skin. In luxury jewellery, they’re appreciated for their classic elegance and lustrous, even surface. Think of them as a polished twist on the traditional round pearl—refined but with a touch of individuality.
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Cabochon: A gemstone with a smooth, domed surface.
