Understanding Jewellery
Here at Andrew Smith Jewellers we understand not all clients are fully familiar with popular jewellery terms so we have put together this handy little guide!
Metals & Materials
White Gold
Gold alloy mixed with white metals (such as palladium) and usually rhodium-plated to give a bright white finish.
Yellow Gold
Pure gold mixed with metals like copper and silver to improve strength while retaining its warm yellow colour.
Rose Gold
Gold alloyed with copper, giving it a soft pink or blush tone.
Platinum
A naturally white, dense, and highly durable precious metal. Rare, hypoallergenic, and ideal for securing diamonds.
18ct Gold
Contains 75% pure gold. A premium standard offering durability while maintaining high gold content.
14ct Gold
Contains 58.5% pure gold. Slightly harder and often used for everyday wear.
Diamond Cuts (Shape, not quality)
Round Brilliant Cut
The most popular diamond cut, designed to maximise sparkle.
Princess Cut
A square or rectangular cut with sharp corners, offering a modern, brilliant look.
Marquise Cut
An elongated oval shape with pointed ends, designed to make the diamond appear larger.
Oval Cut
An elongated round shape that enhances finger length and brilliance.
Emerald Cut
A rectangular step-cut with clean lines and a hall-of-mirrors effect.
Cushion Cut
A square or rectangular cut with rounded corners, combining brilliance with a soft vintage feel.
Baguette Cut
A long, rectangular step-cut diamond often used as side stones.
Jewellery Styles & Design Terms
Claw Setting
Metal prongs that hold a gemstone securely while allowing light to enter from multiple angles.
Six-Claw / Four-Claw Setting
Refers to the number of claws securing the stone; more claws generally offer greater security.
Bezel Setting
A metal rim that fully surrounds the stone for a sleek, protective finish.
Channel Set
Diamonds set flush between metal rails, often used on ring shoulders.
Pavé Setting
Small diamonds set closely together with minimal visible metal.
Daisy Cluster
A cluster design where a central diamond is surrounded by smaller stones, resembling a flower.
Art Deco Style
Inspired by the 1920s–30s, featuring bold geometry, contrast, and symmetry.
Vintage Style
Designs inspired by earlier eras, often with intricate detailing.
Diamond & Gemstone
Diamond
A precious gemstone formed from carbon, prized for its brilliance, hardness, and durability.
Solitaire
A jewellery design featuring a single central stone, typically a diamond.
Diamond Cluster
Multiple diamonds set together to create a larger overall visual impact.
Centre Stone
The main focal gemstone in a piece of jewellery.
Accent Diamonds / Shoulder Diamonds
Smaller diamonds set alongside or around the centre stone for added sparkle.
Carat (ct)
A unit of weight for gemstones.