Phillip Gavriel "Popcorn" Mother-Of-Pearl and Rock Crystal Quartz Drop Earrings with .30 ct. t.w. Black Spinel in Sterling Silver

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."

LEVER: An earring backing with a hook-shaped insert and a hinged leverback to hold it in place.

MOTHER-OF-PEARL: Glowing with an iridescent beauty, mother-of-pearl has been showcased in jewelry designs for thousands of years. As mother-of-pearl is a natural substance, it may vary in appearance, and its distinctive shimmer lends a quiet elegance to fine jewelry.

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.

ROCK CRYSTAL: A sparkling, clear gemstone, rock crystal has been valued for thousands of years for its beautiful shine and versatility. For jewelry designs, rock crystal can be cut to offer the same icy appeal of a diamond, at a fraction of the cost.

QUARTZ: From the icy shimmer of rock crystal quartz to the delicate pink of rose quartz to the moody hues of smoky quartz, this gemstone offers something for everyone. Quartz, found in endless colors and varieties, is a popular choice for bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings.

ROSE-CUT: An antique gemstone cut dating back to the 1500s, with a flat back and a faceted top.

SPINEL: This rare and durable gemstone, found in a beguiling shade of inky black, catches the eye when set in rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Spinel is also found in captivating tones of pink, purple and green. The red variety is beautiful in its own right and in ages past it was mistaken for a ruby.