Antique jewelry glossary

Welcome to our extensive antique jewelry glossary with around 1,500 jewelry related entries.If you feel you are missing an explanation, feel free to let us know and we will add it.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z     all

Jewelry

Any decorative article, including any jewel, that is made of metal, gemstones or certain organic materials, of high quality and with artistry or superior craftsmanship and intended to be worn or carried on the person for personal adornment or, in the broader sense of the term, used by a person for some purpose closely identified with his convenience or pleasure rather than only for a utilitarian purpose.

It includes ancient, primitive, and modern objects of such character. Only by a loosely used extension of the term does it include costume jewelry or junk jewelry.

The French distinguish bijouterie, joaillerie, and orfèvrerie.

From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson