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."

AQUAMARINE: The birthstone of March, harbinger of spring, aquamarine's powers of revelation are legendary. Usually cut as a brilliant or a step cut, and a member of the beryl family, aquamarine can be found in a range of pale blue hues and aqua green colors.

SQUARE: A symmetrical shape with four equal sides.

MARQUISE: An elliptical shape that comes to a point at the top and bottom. Sometimes referred to as a "navette."

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