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."

CURB: A chain of special curved links that interlock even while laid flat. The links can all be the same size or be graduated towards the center.

LOBSTER CLASP: named after the pinching style of the hook, this clasp is often shaped like a lobster's claw. Use your finger to work the lever to open the clasp.

HINGED: A bale with a hinge. The hinge allows the pendant to be placed on and taken off a chain easily and without sliding. Ideal for putting pendants on chains that have large clasps.

ONYX: A favorite of the ancient Greeks and Romans, this gemstone adds a sophisticated shine to rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. A dyed form of chalcedony, onyx is most popularly found in black although it can be green, white or red, as well.

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.

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.)

OVAL: An elliptical shape that resembles an egg.

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

LABRADORITE: A unique mineral named for the Canadian region where it was discovered. Labradorite glows with an aura called labradorescence, causing it to shift in color depending on the viewing angle.

ZIRCON: Gem-quality zircon is a transparent crystal from the mineral zirconium silicate. It comes in a variety of colors, most popularly blue and colorless. Contrary to common belief, zircon is not Cubic Zirconia; it is a naturally occurring gemstone with different properties.