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."

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.

CARNELIAN: A brownish-red mineral, carnelian has been used for centuries to make engraved gems and signet rings, intaglios and especially seal rings, because hot wax does not adhere to it. Its name comes from the Latin word for cherry, since the lush red color of the carnelian so resembles the vivid red fruit.

OVAL: An elliptical shape that resembles an egg.

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.)

TIGER'S EYE: Golden bands ripple across the surface of tiger's eye creating a magical dance of light. Thought to be a calming stone, tiger's eye adds a warm, mesmerizing glow to rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

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.

RHODONITE: A favorite gemstone of tsarist Russia, rhodonite's deep pink to mauve color is sometimes intermixed with flecks of black or grey for a striking mottled effect. Rhodonite gemstones add a rosy tone to rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.