Tonal Amber and Howlite Cluster Drop Earrings 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.

AMBER: An organic gemstone formed from fossilized tree resin, amber delights with warm honey tones and natural fossil inclusions. Most of the gem quality amber used in pendants and fine jewelry comes from the Baltic region and dates back 35 to 40 million years.

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

CABOCHON: A style of cutting gemstones to achieve a smooth, domed surface with an absence of facets.

HOWLITE: Naturally white with a distinctive marbleized appearance, howlite lends rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets a Southwestern flair. This stone, thought to relieve stress and insomnia, is a relatively recent discovery from the late 1800's.