semi-precious gemstones Historically, a term used for all colored gemstones
beyond rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, but a term that has recently gone out
of favor as other gemstones have increased in value and popularity.
shill bidding The process of bidding on one’s own auction to drive up the
price.
simulated gemstones Colored crystals or glass cut and polished to look like
gemstones for costume jewelry. Sometimes called simulants.
sniping Placing a last-second bid for an auction item in order to beat out
the competition.
solitaire A single gemstone set in a piece of jewelry—often a term describing
rings, but also used for necklaces.
South Sea pearls Cultured pearls that originate from Australia, Indonesia,
the Philippines, and surrounding areas; they often come in white, ivory, or
golden colors and range in size from around 10 millimeters to as large as 20
millimeters.
spam An unwanted e-mail from an unknown sender, usually advertising a
product.
sterling silver A silver alloy that is made up of at least 92.5 percent silver.
synthetic A diamond or gemstone that has been produced in a controlled
laboratory environment that simulates the conditions present when gemstones
are formed in the earth; synthetic gemstones (also called lab-created)
have the exact same optical, physical, and chemical properties as their natural
equivalents.
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Glossary Appendix A
T
table The flat surface on top of a cut diamond or gemstone.
tension setting A jewelry setting in which the tension in a piece of metal
acts as a spring to hold the gemstone in place.
U–V
underkarating The practice of selling precious metal jewelry that is
stamped with the legally required hallmarks but is actually of lesser quality
than the stamp indicates.
Victorian A style of jewelry designed circa 1837 to 1900, characterized by
romantic styles and religious motifs.
vintage Jewelry that is at least 20 years old; this term is most often applied
to collectible costume jewelry, while “estate” jewelry is more often used for
fine jewelry.
W
windowed The phenomenon of being able to see directly through a gemstone
from the top to the bottom due to poorly cut angles on the gemstone’s
pavilion.
wire transfer A service that transmits funds directly from the payer’s bank
account into the payee’s.
A-F