VERMEIL: Sometimes called "gold over sterling," our vermeil is a gold-plated sterling silver. It is one of the most desirable kinds of gold-plated metals and can come in 14kt-18kt yellow, white, or rose.

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.

TOURMALINE: the "gemstone of the rainbow" comes in a dizzying array of colors and is usually created from more than a dozen elements, making it perfect for jewelry. The most popular tourmaline is deep pink, and a true favorite is watermelon... a gem of green and pink together.

OVAL: An elliptical shape that resembles an egg.

SQUARE: A symmetrical shape with four equal sides.

Diamond: The hardest and most brilliant of all gemstones, a diamond can make the heart race with its pure and fiery spark. An ancient symbol of love, a diamond is the preferred gemstone for tokens of affection, such as rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Diamond is the birthstone for April.

ROSE-CUT: An antique gemstone cut dating back to the 1500s, with a flat back and a faceted top.

Color Grade I-J: Near-colorless

EMERALD: the birthstone of May, and from the beryl mineral family, the emerald has been a prized possession of royalty since ancient times and a good quality emerald can be as or even more expensive than a fine diamond of the same carat. Emeralds are considered the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary.