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."

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

JADE: Available in many nuances of green, plus black, red, brown and white, jade has been treasured for its beauty and strength since prehistoric times. Prized above all other gemstones in ancient China, jade jewelry continues to captivate with a Far East mystique.

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

CABOCHON: A style of cutting gemstones to achieve a smooth, domed surface with an absence of facets.

SIMULATED TURQUOISE: A simulated turquoise is an artificial stone made to imitate real turquoise. Known as "faux turquoise," is does not actually hold any of the physical properties of turquoise, as it could be made from acrylic, plastic, or resin. Faux turquoise, typically found in fashion jewelry, is very affordable and can create the same vibrant look for less.