Understanding industry jargon helps retailers communicate clearly with manufacturers and customers alike. Here’s a curated glossary of essential terms every jewelry retailer should know
Fundamental Manufacturing Terms
- Alloy
A combination of two or more metals blended to increase strength, durability, or alter color. Popular examples include sterling silver (silver and copper) and various gold alloys.
- Base Metal
Non-precious metals (like copper or brass) used as the core for plated jewelry, making products more affordable.
- 3D Model
A digital representation of a jewelry piece, often created via computer-aided design (CAD), to visualize and refine designs prior to manufacturing.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Software technology that allows designers to create intricate digital models, ensuring precision before physical production.
- Casting
The process of pouring molten metal into a mold to form specific jewelry shapes. It's a key manufacturing step for mass production or custom pieces.
- Electroplating
A technique that uses electrical current to coat jewelry with a thin layer of precious metal (like gold or rhodium) to enhance appearance and durability.
- Enameling
Application of colored, glassy material (often powdered glass) to the metal surface, then fused with heat, adding vibrant, durable color accents.
Gem and Setting Terminology
- Carat
A measurement unit for diamond and gemstone weight. One carat equals 200mg.
- Gemstone Setting
The method by which stones are affixed to jewelry. Types include prong, bezel, channel, and tension settings, each offering different aesthetics and security.
- Bezel
A metal rim that surrounds and secures a gemstone, often found in rings and pendants.
- Tension Setting
A stone held in place by pressure from the surrounding metal, creating the illusion that it’s floating.
- Cabochon
A gemstone that’s been polished with a convex top and flat base, rather than being faceted.
Metalwork and Assembly
- Soldering
Joining two or more metal parts by melting a filler metal (the solder) that binds them as it cools - essential for repairs and assembly.
- Annealing
Heating and then slowly cooling metal to soften it, relieve internal stresses, and make it easier to work into intricate shapes.
- Quenching
Rapid cooling (typically in water) of heated metal to harden it, often following annealing or soldering.
- Pickle Solution
A mild acid bath used after soldering or casting to clean metal, removing oxides and flux.
- Die Striking
Forming metal parts by striking a metal sheet with an engraved die, creating precise and detailed components.
Surface Treatments
- Rhodium Plating
A process of coating jewelry—often white gold—with rhodium, a platinum-family metal, to produce a bright white, tarnish-resistant finish.
- Patina
An intentional coloration or tarnish applied to metal surfaces for aesthetic effect or to highlight design features.
Findings, Finishing, and Other Key Terms
- Findings
Components such as clasps, hooks, pins, and rings used to assemble and finish jewelry pieces.
- Finishing
The series of steps (polishing, buffing, tumbling) that refine the jewelry’s appearance and surface texture after basic manufacturing is complete.
- Tumbling
Polishing parts en masse by gently rolling them in a barrel with abrasives, resulting in a smooth, shiny finish.
- Vermeil
Sterling silver coated with a layer of gold, offering the look of gold at a lower price point.
- White Label
Manufacturing arrangement allows retailers to brand and sell jewelry produced by another company as their own design.
Popular Style Terms
- Cluster
Multiple gemstones set closely together for a dramatic effect, commonly found in rings and earrings.
- Halo
A central gemstone encircled by a “halo” of smaller stones for added sparkle and visual impact.
- Pavé
Surfaces of a jewelry piece covered in tiny, closely set stones, resulting in a continuous, dazzling look.
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