Jewellery Jargon - What does it all mean?
We know that jewellery jargon can sound like a foreign language, so we have put together a comprehensive list to help you along your jewellery journey. These are terms that we find ourselves using all the time, from types of jewellery, to sizing and findings. This list will get you talking like a pro in no time!
Types of Earrings:
Drop Earrings - An earring style where the earring hangs below the wearer's earlobe but does not move freely.
Dangly Earrings - Similar to drop earrings, but hang below the earlobe and swing back and forth and/or side to side. They may be quite short or hang all the way down to graze your shoulders.
Hoops - Earrings which are in a hoop form, with part of the earring going through an ear piercing to hold it in place. They can be very simple circles of wire or much more elaborate and bulky designs.
Huggies - A variation of the hoop earring but much smaller, it encircles the earlobe and is thicker than a standard hoop. The effect is that the earring 'hugs' the earlobe.
Half Hoop - Earrings which appear to be hoops that curl around the ear but are not completely circular.
Stud Earrings - Studs are made for pierced ears and are constructed with a metal post which is placed through the piercing and secured in place on the back of the ear with an earring (butterfly) back.
Pull-through Earrings - These earrings thread through your piercing, and have a chain attachment that dangles downwards with a metal post at the end.
Two-way earrings - As the name suggests, these are earrings which can be worn in different ways. This gives you versatility and means that you get two looks in one!
Climbers - Ear climbers arch beautifully up the ear, starting from the bottom of the ear. Ear climbers have a silver bar running up behind the ear that can be squeezed together so that the earrings stay in place.
Ear Cuff - An ear cuff is a piece of jewellery that is worn around the outer edge of your ear. It simply slips over the cartilage and gives a similar look to that of a helix or snug piercing.
Clip-ons - Clip on earrings are perfect for people who do not have their ears pierced, or who struggle with allergic reactions to metals. They clip closed around your lobe and sit comfortably.
Types of Bracelets:
Linked bracelet - A bracelet consisting of linked pieces, either links or linked stones.
Bangle - This is solid bracelet. You can either slip it on to your wrist or open it like a clasp.
Cuff - Unlike bangles that are a closed circle, cuff bracelets do not close. There is a gap located on one side that allows them to be slipped on, sideways onto the wrist. Depending on the material used, cuffs can be adjusted slightly to fit.
Rings:
Ring Size - This is a letter or number giving the size of a ring which will fit your finger: the size determines the circumference or diameter of the inside of the ring. There are several systems for indicating ring sizes around the world, but the most common are UK, USA and EU measuring systems. At Silver Scene, we use the UK system which is measured on an alphabetic scale ranging from A to Z+ with half sizes in between.
When shopping online it is essential to know the ring size for the person you are buying for. Be aware that rings with a thicker band tend to fit slightly smaller than thinner bands. We recommend shopping in person where you can for rings, because by trying them on you are able to find your perfect fit!
Ring Sizer - These are used to determine finger size. Usually a large ring with lots of rings attached, varying in size in whole and half sizes. Try the different rings on until you find the most comfortable fit, making sure that the ring will come off the finger, but not too easily where you risk loosing it.
Ring Mandrel - This is a large, tapered tool made from steel which is perfect for forming, shaping and reshaping rings.
If you'd like to know your ring size, just pop in to your local Silver Scene and we will be happy to measure your finger.
Chains:
Chain Length - In the UK, chains are normally measured in inches. At Silver Scene, we offer a wide range of sizes from as short as 14", perfect for a child or as a choker on most adults, all the way up to 30". If you'd like to learn more about our different types of chain, read our blog "How to choose the perfect chain"
Findings:
Jump Ring - This is a very simple and widely used jewellery part: it’s simply a ring which is used as a connector for clasps, pendants, beads, ear wires, etc.
Bail - A finding that is usually used to hang pendants or charms from a necklace. It can be as simple as a jump ring made of wire, or a more complex and detailed design.
Lobster Clasp - A sturdy type of clasp which has a lobster claw shape, and features a tiny spring inside for its operation.
Toggle Clasp/ T-Bar - When a bracelet or necklace has a ring on one end and a short bar in the other. You secure it by sticking the bar through the ring so that it sits horizontally across, preventing release.
Bolt Ring – A circular clasp that works by simply pushing down on the lever to create an opening to attach a jump ring.
