Judith Ripka "Jardin" Mother-of-Pearl Flower Drop Necklace in Sterling Silver. 16"

STERLING SILVER: Also known as "Standard Silver," sterling silver is silver alloyed with other metals to increase the hardness and durability. Generally, sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Some sterling silver jewelry is plated with 14kt-18kt gold and referred to as "vermeil," or "gold over sterling."

CABLE: One of the most popular and classic of chain styles, created from interlocking oval links unvarying in size.

LOBSTER CLASP: named after the pinching style of the hook, this clasp is often shaped like a lobster's claw. Use your finger to work the lever to open the clasp.

MOTHER-OF-PEARL: Glowing with an iridescent beauty, mother-of-pearl has been showcased in jewelry designs for thousands of years. As mother-of-pearl is a natural substance, it may vary in appearance, and its distinctive shimmer lends a quiet elegance to fine jewelry.

PEAR: Similar to the outline of a pear fruit, this is a round shape that comes to a point on one side.

CABOCHON: A style of cutting gemstones to achieve a smooth, domed surface with an absence of facets.