18KT: Karat (abbreviated kt or K) is a unit that indicates the purity of gold in the metal. 18kt is 75% gold. In Europe, 18K yellow gold is most favored and used in jewelry.

YELLOW GOLD: Gold is a precious metal with a natural yellow color. It is quite soft and often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. The purity of the metal is indicated by a unit called a "karat," with 24kt having the highest percentage of natural gold.

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."

POST/CLUTCH: An earring with a post insert and a slide-on clutch backing to hold it in place.

QUARTZ: From the icy shimmer of rock crystal quartz to the delicate pink of rose quartz to the moody hues of smoky quartz, this gemstone offers something for everyone. Quartz, found in endless colors and varieties, is a popular choice for bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings.

BRIOLETTE: A three-dimensional teardrop gemstone bead with triangular facets all around.

OVAL: An elliptical shape that resembles an egg.

CHALCEDONY: a family of minerals that is often milky gray or bluish in color. Chalcedony includes a number of stones including onyx (black), carnelian (waxy red), agate (wide ranging palette) and bloodstone (brownish red.)

MOONSTONE: named for the white reflection that mimics the reflection of moonshine. Typically polished and featuring a cabochon cut, moonstone's light-catching shimmer is perfect for fine jewelry. In Europe, moonstone is the birthstone for June.

LABRADORITE: A unique mineral named for the Canadian region where it was discovered. Labradorite glows with an aura called labradorescence, causing it to shift in color depending on the viewing angle.

SHIELD: A contoured and pointed figure inspired by the shape of a battle shield or coat of arms.