Stainless Steel Jewelry Dictionary

Stainless Steel Jewelry Dictionary

Jewelry Dictionary: All about Stainless Steel. Solve your most frequently asked questions and discover everything about this durable and elegant material. Explore and find the meaning behind the most important terms in stainless steel jewelry.

A | C | E | M | R | T | V

TO

• Finish: In jewelry, it is the treatment given to the surface that gives it a different appearance and texture to the touch. Some are:
• Hammered Finish: Worked with small hammer blows
• Polished Finish: Smooth and shiny surface, reflecting light like a mirror.
• Brushed or Matte Finish: Smooth, opaque texture on the surface with fine brushes.
• Stainless Steel: A metal material composed primarily of iron, chromium, and nickel. It is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, making it ideal for long-lasting, low-maintenance jewelry. Its finish can be shiny, matte, or even textured, depending on the design.
• Alloy: Combination of metals to create a more resistant material or one with specific characteristics (e.g. 18k gold).
• Amber: Fossilized resin with warm hues, often containing inclusions such as insects or plants.
• Engagement ring: A piece of jewelry that symbolizes the promise of marriage, commonly with diamonds or other precious stones.
• Tree of Life: Its meaning is the connection between earth and sky, growth and life. It symbolizes the interconnection of all life in the universe.

B

• Clasp: Mechanism used to close necklaces, bracelets or decorative brooches.

C

• Carat (carat): Unit of weight used to measure precious gems, equivalent to 200 milligrams.
• Chain (types) Popular chains in jewelry:
• Link: Classic design of small pieces connected to each other.
• Snake: Smooth and continuous surface, ideal for an elegant style.
• Of beads: Composed of small spheres joined together.
• Herringbone: Interlocking links that create a herringbone pattern.
• Foxtail chain: Interlocking flat links, with a compact design.
• Figaro chain: A combination of short and long links
• Marine chain: Inspired by nautical chains, with oval links.
• Venetian Chain: Small, square links create a refined finish.
• Plating: Thin layer of precious metal (such as gold or silver) over another base metal.
• Clasp: Hook system to secure the jewel Types of clasps for bracelets and necklaces. Most common clasps:
• Lobster clasp: Strong and widely used in bracelets and necklaces.
• Spring ring clasp: Simple and easy to use, ideal for lightweight pieces.
• Sliding clasp: Allows you to adjust the length of the jewel.
• Magnetic closure: Easy to open and close, perfect for those looking for convenience.
• Box clasp (or safe): Design used in high-end jewelry.
• Hook closure: Traditional and simple, very common in minimalist designs.
• Zirconia: Zirconia is a gem, not a precious stone. It is synthetic in origin and stands out for its transparency, brilliance and luminosity.
• Stainless Steel Grades: 304 Steel: Versatile and corrosion resistant, common in jewelry. and Surgical Steel (316L): Hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin.
• How to tell if my jewelry is stainless steel: Genuine stainless steel has a smooth finish and does not rust or discolor over time. An easy way to identify it is with a magnet: stainless steel is usually slightly magnetic. In addition, it is heavier to the touch than other similar materials, such as aluminum.
• Stainless Steel Care: Clean with warm water and mild soap. Use a microfiber cloth to maintain its shine. Tip: Store your jewelry separately to avoid scratches.

D

• Diamond: A precious stone made of crystallized carbon, known for its hardness and brilliance.
• Difference between stainless steel and surgical steel: Surgical steel (316L) contains less nickel than other alloys, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or for body piercings. Both are durable, but surgical steel is considered a higher quality in jewelry.
• Contemporary Design: Modern jewelry style with clean lines and innovative shapes.
• Durability: Key feature of stainless steel, known for being resistant to knocks, scratches and the passage of time

AND

• Emerald: Green gemstone, one of the most valuable.
• Setting: Technique for holding stones in jewelry, such as claw or pavé setting.
• Link: Rings linked together repeatedly to form a chain, necklace or bracelet. Depending on their design, they can be: snake, beaded, herringbone, foxtail, flat links, Figaro, marine or nautical, with oval links and Venetian, among many other designs. (See chain)
• Minimalist Style: In jewelry it is characterized by simple designs and clean lines.
• Vintage Style: Inspired by styles from bygone eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian.
• Bohemian Style: Relaxed and natural designs, often with elements such as feathers, unpolished stones, or leather.
• Stainless steel is sustainable: Yes! It is recyclable and its durability reduces the need for replacement. Furthermore, its modern production tends to be more environmentally responsible compared to other precious metals.
• Stainless steel can rust: Not in the traditional way. Thanks to the chromium in its composition, stainless steel forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion. However, if exposed to harsh chemicals for long periods, it can become superficially stained.

H

• Hypoallergenic in Stainless Steel: Yes, most stainless steel jewelry is safe for sensitive skin due to its low reactivity. However, in rare cases, nickel-containing alloys can cause irritation.

Yo

• Infinity: Its meaning is eternity, continuity and endless love. Its horizontal "8" shape symbolizes the unlimited.

M

• Materials: In jewelry the most common are white gold, stainless steel, and small stones such as zircons.

EITHER

• Gold: A bright yellow metal, highly malleable and resistant to corrosion. There are varieties of this metal.
• Yellow Gold: Alloy of pure gold with copper and silver.
• White Gold: Alloy of gold with white metals such as palladium or nickel.
• Rose Gold: Alloy of gold with copper, which gives it its pink hue.

P

• Earrings closures: Depending on the type of earring, there are:
• Pressure closure: Common in small earrings such as studs.
• Screw cap: Similar to pressure cap, but more secure because it is screwed on.
• Hook clasp (or French style): Curved, used on dangling earrings.
• Omega clasp: Combines a lever with a clip for added security.
• Clip closure: Ideal for non-piercing earrings.
• Hoop closure: On rings, where it closes with a rod that fits into the hoop.
• Hook closure: With an elongated design that prevents them from coming out easily.
• Pearl: Organic jewel produced by oysters or mollusks. It can be natural or cultured.
• Silver: A white, shiny metal, more abundant and cheaper than gold.
• Sterling Silver: Silver alloy with 92.5% purity, common in jewelry.
• Platinum: A greyish white metal that is extremely durable and resistant to tarnishing. It is rarer and heavier than gold, which increases its value.
• Properties of stainless steel: Resistance to corrosion and stains. It does not lose its color or rust, even in contact with water.

R

• Rhodium: Metal used to give a shiny finish and protect white gold or silver jewelry.
• Durability: One of the most notable features of stainless steel is its resistance to rust, corrosion, and scratches. This makes it a popular choice for everyday jewelry.
• PVD Coating: Process that applies an ultra-thin and durable coating on stainless steel, offering finishes in colors such as gold or black. Advantage: Greater wear resistance.

T

• Trends : Stainless steel jewelry has gained popularity in recent years for its combination of durability, modern design and affordable price.

V

• Design Versatility: Stainless steel jewelry comes in modern, minimalist, and classic styles, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Z

• Sapphire : Precious stone, usually blue, although it exists in other colors.

This dictionary is a living resource. We will be adding more terms and answers over time, so check back soon. Do you have any questions? Write to us here and we will update our dictionary.

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