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Alloy
A mixture of two or more metals created to enhance the strength and/or appearance of a particular metal.

Alternative Metals
Metals used in jewelry that are slightly less rare than platinum and gold. Examples are: palladium, titanium, stainless steel, tungsten, and cobalt.

Amethyst
A purple form of quartz. Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the traditional gift for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

Ankle Bracelet/Anklet
A bracelet style worn around the ankle.

Anniversary Band
An anniversary band is a ring that represents the renewal of your marriage or partnership commitment. This type of ring can be used to complement a wedding ring and is usually given as a gift to mark an anniversary.

Anniversary Rings
An anniversary ring represents a renewal of your marriage or partnership commitment. This type of ring includes many styles including eternity bands and three-stone designs that can be worn alone.

Anodized
An "anode" is the positive end of an electrical circuit. In the anodization process, a metal object is placed in an acid bath and an electrical current is passed through the tank. The process causes oxygen atoms to bond to the surface of the metal giving it a thin protective film and a lustrous sheen. Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and tantalum are often anodized.

Antique
Antique jewelry is jewelry that is more than100 years or more old.

Antiquing
A process of darkening the recessed areas of gold or silver jewelry to enhance the visibility of the engraving, resulting in an antique look.

Articulated
Jewelry constructed with hinges to make it flexible; jewelry with moveable parts.

Art Deco
Originally a French movement in the 1920s reacting against the ornate Art Nouveau style which preceded WWI. Jewelry, like other areas of fashion, became a realm in which women felt free to express their individuality. Styles became bolder and sharper with brighter colors and straighter lines. A signature characteristic of Art Deco jewelry is the use of futuristic motifs and geometric forms, reflecting the confident and free-thinking spirit of the times. The soaring Empire State Building perfectly embodies the the Art Deco era.

Art Nouveau
The Art Nouveau (literally “New Art”) era, lasting from 1890 to 1910, overlapped with the Edwardian and Victorian eras and was relatively brief, though it made a lasting contribution to the meaning of magnificent jewelry. Art Nouveau jewelers took extra care to craft exquisite jewelry. 

Art Moderne
Art Moderne style is an extension of Art Deco design and is associated with the later period of Art Deco style. Art Moderne can be dated from the late 1920s to the start of WWII. Art Moderne style is geometric, colors are bright and bold.

Asscher Cut
The "Asscher cut diamond" was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a stepped square cut, often called the "square emerald cut" like an emerald cut with cropped corners. Asscher cuts have an old world sophistication. Asscher cut diamonds have step-cut faceting rather than brilliant-cut faceting, very elegant. The short, octagonal cut was a hallmark of the '20s and '30s and has a distinct Art Deco feel.Royals and Celebrities are fans of the Asshcer Cut, including; Pippa Middleton, Gwenyth Paltrow, Zooey Deschanel, and Jessica Alba.

Aquamarine
An icy blue‐green mineral from the beryl family. Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March and the classic gemstone choice for the 19th wedding anniversary.

Aurora Borealis
The term "aurora borealis" is Latin and means "Northern Lights". Aurora borealis stones have a special iridescent coating that shines with a rainbow of colors.