3.00 ct. t.w. Multi-Gemstone Parakeet Pendant Necklace in 18kt Gold Over Sterling. 18"

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."

SPRINGRING CLASP: Invented in the early 1900s this diminutive device is highly effective. It's a hollow circular metal fastener with a spring opening. This keeps the clasp closed.

SAPPHIRE: A favorite gemstone of ancient priests and royalty, the sapphire radiates sophistication and grace. This prized gem comes in every hue of blue, plus the more unexpected shades of pink, yellow, green and orange, and is September's birthstone.

TSAVORITE: Tsavorite is a deep green variety of garnet. First uncovered in the 1960's in Tanzania, it was given its name on account of the discovery of mines in Kenya's Tsavo National Park in the early 1970's.

ZIRCON: Gem-quality zircon is a transparent crystal from the mineral zirconium silicate. It comes in a variety of colors, most popularly blue and colorless. Contrary to common belief, zircon is not Cubic Zirconia; it is a naturally occurring gemstone with different properties.