14KT: Karat (abbreviated kt or K) is a unit that indicates the purity of gold in the metal. 14kt is 58.33% gold. In the United States, 14K 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.

OPAL: With an iridescent luster that can reveal a beautiful kaleidoscope of color, the opal has inspired many myths and legends. A white opal with swirls of soft pastel shades is popular for jewelry, but opals also come in black and blue. Opal is the gemstone for October birthdays.

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.

EMERALD: the birthstone of May, and from the beryl mineral family, the emerald has been a prized possession of royalty since ancient times and a good quality emerald can be as or even more expensive than a fine diamond of the same carat. Emeralds are considered the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary.

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

OLD EUROPEAN CUT: An old-fashioned gemstone cut dating back to the 1800s. With a round shape and 58 facets, it is considered the precursor to the modern brilliant-cut. However, it has a greater depth and smaller table than the brilliant-cut of today.

TSAVORITE: Tsavorite is a deep green variety of garnet. First uncovered in the 1960's in Tanzania, it was given its name on account of the discovery of mines in Kenya's Tsavo National Park in the early 1970's.

BRILLIANT: A gemstone cut to enhance brilliance without sacrificing much carat weight. Typically has 58 facets.

Diamond: The hardest and most brilliant of all gemstones, a diamond can make the heart race with its pure and fiery spark. An ancient symbol of love, a diamond is the preferred gemstone for tokens of affection, such as rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Diamond is the birthstone for April.

Color Grade H-I: Near-colorless