Lapis and White Chalcedony Drop Earrings with .20 ct. t.w. Sapphires in Sterling

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.

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.

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

CHALCEDONY: a family of minerals that is often milky gray or bluish in color. Chalcedony includes a number of stones including onyx (black), carnelian (waxy red), agate (wide ranging palette) and bloodstone (brownish red.)

SAPPHIRE: A favorite gemstone of ancient priests and royalty, the sapphire radiates sophistication and grace. This prized gem comes in every hue of blue, plus the more unexpected shades of pink, yellow, green and orange, and is September's birthstone.