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- Earring back - A disk or bead that fits over an earring post and holds the earring securely in place
Electroplating - The process of covering a metal with a thin film of another metal. The metal is set in a chemical solution, through which an electric current flows to coat it with the other metal.
Emerald - A green beryl and one of the most valuable of all gemstones
Emerald cut - A rectangular or square cut, with rows of step cuts along the edges and at the corners
Enamel - Coloured, opaque glassy material fused onto metal, pottery or glass
Enhancer - A piece that can be clipped on to a chain or necklace to enhance its appearance
Epoxy - A resin used in strong glues and enamels
European wire - A curved wire which passes through a pierced ear and clasps shut
Extender chain - A chain which attaches to a necklace, bracelet etc to provide a longer length
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- Facet - A polished surface; a small plane cut into a surface to enhance its reflection of light
Faceted - A piece that has been cut with facets
Fancy cut - Gems cut in shapes other than the standard round brilliant shape; such as single cut marquise, emerald, pear, heart, oval, square, baguette, triangle, etc. Also called fancy shape
Figaro chain - Similar in style to a curb chain, but instead of uniform links, the links alternate in shape between long and round
Figure of eight safety catch - A type of safety catch in which a hinged wire in the shape of a figure eight snaps over the pin
Filigree - Lace-like ornamental work formed from intricately arranged inter-twined wires
Finish - The way the surface of a piece is polished or textured
Fish hook - A fishhook-shaped piece used to make earrings, with the hook end passing through the pierced ear
Fleur-de-lis - The royal insignia of France. Often used in ornamentation, with a design resembling a flower such as a lily or iris
Fluted - A surface ornamented by channels or grooves
Foldover clasp - A type of clasp in which a hinged part opens, fits through a ring and snaps closed to hold the ring in place
Freshwater pearl - An irregularly shaped pearl formed naturally by a mussel living in a lake or river
Full cut - see brilliant cut
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- Gallery - Metal in which stones are set
Garnet - A family of crystals whose name derives from their resemblance to red pomegranate seeds. A semi-precious stone, ranging in colour from true red to violet or very dark red. Often semi-opaque
Gem - A mineral, rock or other natural material which has been cut and polished for use in jewellery, and has the qualities of beauty, durability and rarity
Genuine pearl - A smooth, round growth formed naturally within the shell of a mollusc; used as a gem
Gilded - Covered with a thin layer of gold, or gold tone
Girdle - The outermost edge of a cut gem
Gold - A heavy, yellow, metallic element used for coins and jewellery since prehistoric times
Gold plated - A thin coating of electroplated or mechanically plated gold on top of another metal
Gold tone - Coloured to look like gold
Golden finish - A finish that looks like gold
Green gold - An alloy of gold, silver, zinc, and often cadmium
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- Half-hoop design - Earrings which appear to be hoop-shaped but are not completely circular
Hallmark - The mark stamped on some items of gold and silver to certify the purity of the metal
Hammered - Tapped with a small hammer to create a beaten texture
Herringbone chain - Formed from small, slanting links to give a flat effect
Hessonite - A variety of garnet which is yellowish brown in colour
Hidden box clasp - A box hidden under the final link of a chain. The opposite end of the chain has a tongue which snaps into the box, securing the clasp
High polish - A surface which is polished to a mirror-like finish
Hoop earring - A circular-shaped earring made from metal wire or tubing. Variations include hoops with charms and other ornaments
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