14KT: Karat (abbreviated kt or K) is a unit that indicates the purity of gold in the metal. 14kt is 58.33% gold. In the United States, 14K 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.

LEVER: An earring backing with a hook-shaped insert and a hinged leverback to hold it in place.

SYNTHETIC TURQUOISE: A gemstone that is created in a laboratory to mimic the actual properties of a natural turquoise. Commonly known as "created turquoise," it features the same opacity and vibrant greenish blue hue, but is more affordable than a turquoise found in nature.

OVAL: An elliptical shape that resembles an egg.

SLICE: A thin, usually flat piece cut from a gemstone. Often has a free-form shape and reveals the natural beauty of a gemstone's interior.

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.

BRILLIANT: A gemstone cut to enhance brilliance without sacrificing much carat weight. Typically has 58 facets.

Color Grade I-J: Near-colorless

ROCK CRYSTAL: A sparkling, clear gemstone, rock crystal has been valued for thousands of years for its beautiful shine and versatility. For jewelry designs, rock crystal can be cut to offer the same icy appeal of a diamond, at a fraction of the cost.

QUARTZ: From the icy shimmer of rock crystal quartz to the delicate pink of rose quartz to the moody hues of smoky quartz, this gemstone offers something for everyone. Quartz, found in endless colors and varieties, is a popular choice for bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings.

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