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."

TEXTURED: A unique and varying finish with a tactile surface applied through various techniques, both by hand and with machinery.

AMETHYST: A natural variety of quartz, amethyst ranges in color from deep purple to pale lavender, and even to warm greens. Amethyst has been used during meditation to provide a sense of spiritual balance. Amethyst is the birthstone of February.

AQUAMARINE: The birthstone of March, harbinger of spring, aquamarine's powers of revelation are legendary. Usually cut as a brilliant or a step cut, and a member of the beryl family, aquamarine can be found in a range of pale blue hues and aqua green colors.

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

PERIDOT: the birthstone of the month of August, peridot is only found in one color: green. Historians are now convinced that some, if not all, of the emeralds that Cleopatra was famous for wearing were not actually emeralds but deep green peridot stones from Egypt.

MARQUISE: An elliptical shape that comes to a point at the top and bottom. Sometimes referred to as a "navette."

CITRINE: A member of the quartz family, citrine symbolizes cheerfulness and prosperity. Its name is derived from the French word citron meaning lemon. This sunny stone comes in colors from lemon yellow to amber brown, with its coloring agent attributed to iron. Citrine is the birthstone for November.

TRILLION: A variety of the modified brilliant-cut, sometimes called "trilliant" or "trillian." Features a faceted triangular shape, sometimes with curved edges.

RHODOLITE: Rhodolite charms in a range of feminine shades — from rose to raspberry to purplish-red. Lighter than a ruby, rhodolite garnets offer a lovely, romantic look. Rhodolite can be a delightful twist on the traditional January birthstone.