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.

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

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.