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."

WIRE: sometimes called "shepherd's hooks" or "fishhooks," earwires are a thin, hook-shaped earring backs. They thread onto the ear and can sometimes be squeezed into place or held on with a rubber clutch.

LAPIS LAZULI: This blue stone is comprised mainly of lazurite, often with white calcite inclusions and metallic pyrite flecks. Known as the stone of friendship and truth, lapis is said to encourage harmony in relationships.

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

CHECKERBOARD: A technique that creates a contrast of dark and light when light hits the pattern of square or diamond-shaped facets.