This guide defines essential jewelry terms across materials, compliance, craftsmanship, and pricing to help sellers avoid legal risk and scale confidently.
Updated:
March 3, 2026
Author：
Yi Cui
In the jewelry industry, words carry as much weight as the metals they describe. A single misunderstood term can be the difference between a high-ticket sale and a costly legal or reputational error. For a seller, mastering the lexicon is not just about sounding professional. It is about establishing the authority required to command premium prices and build unshakable trust with a discerning clientele. This guide serves as the bridge between technical craftsmanship and retail excellence, transforming complex industry jargon into a powerful strategic asset for your brand's communication.
This reference is designed for jewelry sellers, private-label brand owners, ecommerce entrepreneurs, and wholesale buyers who need a reliable, business-focused guide to navigate the industry with confidence. At Branvas, we work with hundreds of first-time jewelry brand founders every year, and the terminology barrier is consistently one of the first obstacles we help them clear.
Rather than a simple A-Z list, this guide organizes essential terms into "utility buckets" that mirror the real-world lifecycle of a jewelry business, from sourcing raw materials to scaling your brand. Start with the section most relevant to your current stage, or read straight through for a complete foundation.
Most seller guides treat jewelry terminology like a vocabulary quiz. The real strategic point is different: for a business owner, terminology fluency is a legal and financial risk-management tool. Incorrect terminology in product listings, marketing materials, or supplier communications can trigger Federal Trade Commission (FTC) violations, customer disputes, and costly chargebacks. [1] The FTC's Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries are not suggestions. They are legally enforceable standards that hold the seller, not the manufacturer, responsible for the accuracy of claims made to the public.
We often see new sellers list "gold earrings" when the product is actually gold-plated. That distinction matters enormously under FTC rules and can destroy customer trust overnight. This is not just about semantics. It is about compliance and brand integrity.
To help founders navigate this complexity, we developed the Branvas Seller Vocabulary Readiness Framework (SVRF), a proprietary model that helps you self-audit your terminology fluency across the four key stages of building and scaling a jewelry brand.
The SVRF is a self-assessment model we use with our brand partners to map vocabulary mastery to the jewelry seller's business lifecycle. It breaks down the learning curve into four manageable stages, ensuring you have the right knowledge at the right time to protect and grow your business.
Stage 1 (Foundation) focuses on the physical product itself. Before you can sell anything, you must understand what you are buying from suppliers. This includes the precise differences between metal types, purity levels, and manufacturing processes. Getting this wrong can lead to ordering thousands of dollars in inventory that you cannot legally or ethically sell as described.
Stage 2 (Compliance) is about translating your product knowledge into legally sound product listings. This is where you apply the FTC's rules for marketing and labeling, ensuring every claim you make to a customer is accurate and defensible. [1] Skipping this stage exposes your business to significant legal and financial risk.
Stage 3 (Conversion) moves from compliance to commerce. Once your listings are legally sound, you can use more nuanced terminology to convey value, justify premium pricing, and increase your average order value (AOV). This is about using words to sell the story of your product's quality and craftsmanship.
Stage 4 (Scale) equips you for growth beyond direct-to-consumer sales. When you start dealing with wholesale inquiries, B2B partnerships, or more complex logistics, a new set of terms governing supply chain and manufacturing becomes essential for negotiating favorable terms and operating efficiently.
A worked example illustrates the framework's importance: A founder sourcing from a manufacturer asks for "18k gold earrings." Without understanding the distinction between 18k solid gold, 18k gold-filled, and 18k gold-plated (and their respective FTC definitions), she may receive and unknowingly resell a product that violates FTC disclosure requirements. Stage 1 fluency would have prevented this entirely.
This bucket contains the most critical terms for legal and financial risk management. Misunderstanding these terms is the number one reason new sellers face FTC compliance issues, customer disputes, and returns. Mastering this vocabulary is non-negotiable for anyone selling jewelry in the United States.
Solid Gold (and the Karat System)
"Solid gold" indicates that the entire item is made of a gold alloy throughout. It is not hollow or plated. The karat (k) system denotes the purity of the gold, with 24k being 99.9% pure. Common alloys used in jewelry include 18k (75% gold), 14k (58.3% gold), and 10k (41.7% gold). In the United States, 10k is the legal minimum purity that can be marketed as "gold." [2]
Gold-Filled
A layer of at least 10k gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal core. By law, the gold must constitute at least 5% (1/20) of the item's total weight. [1] This is a durable, mid-tier option that offers the look of solid gold at a fraction of the cost. It is significantly more durable than gold-plated.
Gold-Plated
A thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal via an electrochemical process. The thickness is measured in microns (one-millionth of a meter). Standard fashion jewelry may have plating under 0.5 microns thick, while premium plating is typically 1 to 2.5 microns. The FTC requires that the karat fineness immediately precede the term "Gold Plated" (e.g., "14K Gold Plated"). [1]
Gold Vermeil
A specific type of premium plating defined by the FTC. To be called vermeil, a product must have a sterling silver base and be plated with at least 10k gold that is a minimum of 2.5 microns thick. [1] This is a legally protected term that signals higher quality than standard plating and is a strong positioning tool for boutique and DTC brands.
Gold-Tone / Gold-Colored
These terms are used for fashion jewelry with no actual gold content. They describe the color only and are used to avoid making a false material claim. When you see these terms in supplier catalogs, the item contains no gold whatsoever.
Sterling Silver
A legally defined alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It is often stamped with "925." This is the standard for fine silver jewelry and must meet this threshold to be marketed as "sterling silver." [2]
Fine Silver
Contains 99.9% pure silver (.999). It is much softer than sterling silver and is typically used for bezels, granulation, or metal clay work rather than everyday wearable jewelry.
Silver-Plated
A thin layer of silver applied to a base metal core via an electrochemical process. Durability depends on the plating thickness.
Rhodium Plating
Rhodium is a rare, durable member of the platinum group. It is commonly plated onto white gold and sterling silver to provide a bright, white, tarnish-resistant finish. It wears off over time and may need to be reapplied.
Base Metal / Alloy
The non-precious metal core in plated jewelry. Common base metals include brass (a copper-zinc alloy), copper, and zinc alloy. These are the workhorses of fashion jewelry manufacturing.
Stainless Steel
An iron-based alloy containing chromium. 316L surgical-grade stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability, affordability, and hypoallergenic properties. It is a strong option for sellers targeting sensitive-skin customers.
Titanium
A very strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic metal used in modern jewelry design. It is an excellent choice for minimalist, everyday-wear pieces.
Platinum
A rare, dense, and durable precious metal. To be sold as "Platinum" in the U.S. without qualification, an item must contain at least 95% pure platinum (marked "950 Plat" or "PLAT"). Alloys with lower purity, such as 850 or 900, must be marked accordingly. [2]
Hallmark / Assay Mark
A stamp on a precious metal item indicating its purity, maker, and sometimes the assay office that independently certified it. Common hallmarks include "925" for sterling silver, "750" for 18k gold, and "585" for 14k gold. Sellers should always look for these marks when evaluating supplier samples.
Nickel-Free / Hypoallergenic
"Hypoallergenic" is a general claim that a product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The FTC has not formally defined this term for jewelry, making it difficult to verify and defend. A more precise and legally defensible claim is "nickel-free," as nickel is the most common skin irritant in jewelry alloys.
Seller Pro Tip: The word "gold" is legally protected. According to the FTC, if you use the word "gold" to describe a product, it must be immediately preceded by a correct karat fineness designation (e.g., "14k Gold Plated"). Using "gold" alone implies 24k solid gold throughout, a mistake that can lead to serious legal consequences. [1]
Understanding gemstone terminology is crucial for building customer trust and preventing costly returns. An inaccurate stone description, even if unintentional, can be considered deceptive by the FTC and can permanently damage your brand's reputation. We advise every Branvas partner listing gemstone pieces to default to the most conservative, accurate descriptor. It is the only truly defensible position if a customer questions the product.
Natural Gemstone
A stone that was formed in the earth by natural processes, without any human intervention. This is the baseline against which all other stone types are defined.
Treated / Enhanced Gemstone
A natural gemstone that has undergone a process to improve its appearance or durability. Common treatments include heat treatment (to improve color or clarity), fracture-filling (to hide cracks), and irradiation (to change color). The FTC requires that treatments be disclosed if they are not permanent or if they require special care. [1]
Synthetic / Lab-Created / Lab-Grown
A stone grown in a laboratory that shares virtually all of the chemical, optical, and physical characteristics of its natural counterpart. [3] A lab-grown diamond is chemically a diamond. The FTC mandates that these stones must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed as lab-grown throughout the entire distribution channel, from manufacturer to consumer.
Simulated Stone / Imitation Stone
A material that looks like a natural gemstone but has different chemical and physical properties. Cubic zirconia (CZ) and glass are common diamond simulants. They imitate the look, but not the substance, of a natural stone. This is a critical distinction from lab-grown stones.
The 4 Cs
The universal standard for grading diamond quality, established by the GIA. [4] For a seller, this is the language of value.
Carat vs. Karat: A common point of confusion. Carat is a unit of weight for gemstones. Karat is a measure of purity for gold. They are spelled differently and mean entirely different things.
Cabochon
A gemstone that has been shaped and polished to have a smooth, rounded, domed top with a flat back. It is not faceted. Commonly used for opaque or translucent stones like turquoise, opal, and moonstone.
Faceted
A gemstone cut with multiple flat, polished surfaces (facets) designed to maximize light reflection and brilliance.
Setting Types
The method used to secure a gemstone in a piece of jewelry. The four most common settings for sellers to know are:
Semi-Precious vs. Precious
A traditional but outdated distinction. Historically, diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald were considered "precious," while all other gemstones were "semi-precious." The GIA and modern gemologists discourage this binary classification because it is not an accurate reflection of value. A high-quality tanzanite or alexandrite can be far more valuable than a low-quality sapphire. Use specific stone names and quality descriptors instead.
Conflict-Free / Ethical Sourcing
"Conflict-free" typically refers to diamonds sourced in compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which aims to prevent the trade of diamonds that fund armed conflict. However, the Kimberley Process has significant limitations and does not address human rights abuses, child labor, or environmental impact. Sellers should be cautious with broad ethical claims and be prepared to substantiate them with specific documentation.
Certificate of Authenticity / Grading Report
A document from a gemological laboratory (such as GIA or AGS) that provides a detailed analysis of a gemstone's characteristics, including the 4 Cs. For high-value stones, a grading report is essential for verifying quality and justifying price to customers.
Understanding the vocabulary of jewelry construction helps sellers communicate quality, justify pricing, and write accurate manufacturing briefs. When you can explain how a piece is made, you can better explain why it is worth the price. This section covers the essential terms for describing a jewelry item's components, manufacturing process, and finish.
Findings is an umbrella term for all the pre-fabricated components used to assemble a piece of jewelry, such as clasps, ear wires, and jump rings.
Clasp types are the mechanisms used to fasten necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. The most common types are the lobster claw (a spring-loaded lever, the industry standard for security), the toggle clasp (a bar that passes through a ring, popular in statement jewelry), the spring ring (a small circular clasp with a spring mechanism), the box clasp (a tab that clicks into a box), and the magnetic clasp (uses magnets, convenient but less secure).
Earring findings include the ear wire (a curved French hook for pierced ears), the earring post (a straight pin secured with a back), the leverback (a hinged, closed-loop finding for extra security), the huggie (a small hoop that hugs the earlobe), and the ear cuff (a C-shaped finding that clips to the outer ear cartilage without a piercing).
A jump ring is a small metal circle with a cut in it, used to connect components. A split ring is a double-coiled ring (like a tiny keychain ring) that offers more security. A bail is the connector that attaches a pendant to a chain.
Chain types define the aesthetic and weight of a necklace or bracelet. The most common styles are the cable chain (uniform oval links), Figaro (alternating small and elongated links), rope (interwoven links that twist), box (square links), rolo (round symmetrical links), snake (smooth, flexible, scale-like plates), and curb/Cuban link (interlocking flat links, often twisted).
Lost-wax casting is the most common jewelry manufacturing process. A wax model is encased in a plaster mold, the wax is burned out, and molten metal is poured into the cavity. It allows for complex, detailed designs.
Die-striking (stamping) presses a sheet of metal between two hardened steel dies under high pressure. It produces very precise, consistent pieces and is common for pendants and charms.
Electroforming builds up layers of metal onto a conductive model using electrolysis, creating a hollow, lightweight piece with a strong outer shell. It is used for large, statement pieces that would be too heavy if solid.
Filigree is delicate ornamental work made from fine, twisted metal wires, often used in vintage and artisan-style designs.
Engraving cuts a design into the metal surface. Embossing creates a raised design. Etching uses chemicals or lasers to remove material from the surface.
Finishes describe the final surface texture of a piece. A hammered finish has a textured, organic look from hammer marks. A brushed (satin) finish has fine parallel lines and a soft, non-reflective appearance. A high-polish finish is mirror-bright and reflective. A matte finish is flat and non-reflective. Oxidized or antiqued metal has been intentionally darkened to create contrast and highlight texture.
Enamel is a decorative glass-like coating fused to metal. Hard enamel is polished flat to the level of the metal lines, creating a smooth surface. Soft enamel has a textured surface where the color sits below the metal lines.
Micron is a unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter, used to specify the thickness of plating. Gauge is a standard for the thickness of wire or sheet metal, where a lower number indicates a thicker metal.
This bucket governs your profitability and ability to scale. Understanding the language of wholesale, retail, and logistics is essential for sourcing products effectively, pricing them for profit, and building a sustainable business operation.
Wholesale Price / Wholesale Cost is the price you (the retailer) pay to the manufacturer or supplier for a product.
MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) is the price the manufacturer recommends that retailers sell the product for. It is often used to create price consistency across different stores.
Keystone Pricing is a traditional retail pricing strategy where the retail price is set at exactly double the wholesale cost. This represents a 100% markup and a 50% gross margin. It originated in the jewelry trade and remains a standard starting point.
Margin vs. Markup is a common point of confusion. Markup is the percentage added to the cost to get the retail price: (Retail - Cost) / Cost. Margin is the percentage of the final retail price that is profit: (Retail - Cost) / Retail. A keystone price of $20 on a $10 cost item has a 100% markup but only a 50% margin. Knowing the difference matters when you are calculating profitability.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest number of units a supplier will sell in a single order. This is a critical factor for small businesses managing cash flow and inventory risk.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each product and its variants. A ring in size 7 has a different SKU than the same ring in size 8.
Lead Time is the total time from placing an order with a supplier to receiving the goods at your door.
Net Terms (Net 30, Net 60) is a form of trade credit where the buyer has a set number of days after the invoice date to pay the supplier.
FOB (Free On Board) is a shipping term where the seller's responsibility ends when the goods are loaded for shipping. The buyer pays freight and insurance from that point. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) means the seller is responsible for the cost, insurance, and freight to the destination port.
Drop Shipping is an order fulfillment model where the seller does not hold inventory. When a customer orders, the seller purchases from a supplier who ships directly to the customer.
Blind Shipping is a form of drop shipping where the supplier ships to the customer without any of the supplier's own branding on the package. This is essential for private-label businesses, making the order appear to come directly from your brand. Branvas offers this as a core service.
Private Label is a business model where a manufacturer produces products that are branded and sold exclusively under another company's name. The retailer controls the branding, packaging, and marketing.
White Label refers to generic products manufactured by one company and sold to many different retailers who can rebrand them. It typically involves less customization than private label.
OEM vs. ODM: An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) produces goods based on the buyer's unique designs and specifications. An ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) has existing product designs that a buyer can select and brand as their own. Most private-label jewelry businesses start with ODM and move toward OEM as they scale.
Consignment is an arrangement where a retailer holds and sells goods for a supplier but only pays for them after they are sold.
Sell-Through Rate is the percentage of inventory sold during a specific period: (Units Sold / Beginning Inventory) x 100.
Average Order Value (AOV) is the average dollar amount a customer spends per transaction.
Landed Cost is the total cost of a product once it arrives at your door, including the wholesale cost, shipping, insurance, customs duties, and any other fees. This is the true cost of goods, not just the invoice price.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics) is a service that allows a business to outsource its warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping operations to a specialized company.
RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) is the process of managing customer returns, which involves issuing an authorization number to track the returned product.
Worked Example: A seller discovers a manufacturer with a 50-piece MOQ at a wholesale cost of $8 per unit. With a landed cost (adding shipping and import duties) of $11, and a keystone pricing strategy, the MSRP would be $22. With Branvas-style blind shipping and private-label packaging, that same product could be positioned at $45 to $65 MSRP, dramatically improving margin without changing the product.
If you are working through the numbers for your own jewelry line, Branvas's Profit Calculator can help you model landed cost, MOQ scenarios, and target margin in minutes.
This section could be the most legally consequential in the entire guide. These are not just terms. They are rules. The FTC has specific, legally enforceable guidelines for the jewelry industry, and understanding them is a fundamental responsibility of every U.S.-based jewelry seller.
FTC Guides for the Jewelry Industry
These are the official federal guidelines (16 CFR Part 23) that govern how jewelry, precious metals, and gemstones are marketed and sold in the U.S. They were last revised in 2018 and are designed to prevent deceptive and unfair trade practices. They have the force of law. [1]
Deceptive Advertising
In the context of jewelry, this includes making false claims about a product's material content, quality, or origin. Calling a gold-plated item "gold jewelry" without proper qualification is a deceptive practice under the FTC Act.
Material Disclosure Requirements
Sellers are required to clearly and conspicuously disclose key information about their products. This includes disclosing if a gemstone is lab-created or treated, and accurately describing the metal content of a piece.
Country of Origin Marking
Imported jewelry products must be marked with their country of origin in a conspicuous place, in compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations.
"Genuine" vs. "Authentic" vs. "Real"
When applied to gemstones and metals, these words legally imply that the product is natural and not synthetic or imitation. Using these terms to describe a lab-grown diamond or a cubic zirconia without qualification would be a violation of FTC guidelines.
Hypoallergenic Claims
The FTC has not established a formal definition for "hypoallergenic" in the context of jewelry. Sellers who make this claim must possess competent and reliable scientific evidence to back it up. A more specific claim like "nickel-free" is often more defensible and verifiable.
"925," "18K," "PT950"
These hallmarks represent a specific metal purity. A seller can only use these marks if the product meets the corresponding legal standard: 92.5% silver for "925," 75% gold for "18K," and 95% platinum for "PT950." [1] [2]
Green and Sustainability Claims
General environmental claims like "eco-friendly" or "sustainable" are subject to the FTC's Green Guides. Sellers must be able to substantiate these claims with specific facts. If claiming a product is made of "recycled gold," you must be able to prove the percentage of recycled content.
Conflict-Free Claims
The Kimberley Process for diamonds has well-documented limitations. The FTC cautions marketers not to overstate the meaning of "conflict-free." Sellers bear responsibility for any broad ethical claims they make, and should be prepared to provide documentation.
Many sellers assume that if their supplier provides a product described as "18k gold," they are legally protected. They are not. Under FTC guidelines, the seller, not the manufacturer, bears responsibility for accurate product representations to the end consumer. This is a liability most new sellers do not discover until after a dispute. [1]
At Branvas, our Brand Studio team reviews product descriptions for FTC alignment before your listings go live. See how Branvas works
The following is a compact alphabetical reference of all terms defined in this guide.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics): A service that allows a business to outsource its warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping operations to a specialized company.
4 Cs: The universal standard for grading diamond quality, consisting of Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity.
Alloy: A mixture of two or more metals, used to enhance the strength or alter the color of a precious metal.
Antiqued: A finish where metal is intentionally darkened to create an aged appearance and highlight details.
Assay Mark: A stamp from an independent testing body verifying the purity of a precious metal.
Average Order Value (AOV): The average dollar amount a customer spends per transaction.
Bail: A jewelry component used to attach a pendant or charm to a chain.
Base Metal: A common, non-precious metal like brass or copper used as the core in plated jewelry.
Bezel-Set: A setting style where a metal rim surrounds and secures the gemstone.
Blind Shipping: A fulfillment method where a supplier ships directly to a customer without any of the supplier's branding on the package.
Box Clasp: A two-piece clasp where a tab is inserted into a box and clicks into place.
Brushed Finish: A non-reflective, satin-like texture created by brushing the metal with a wire brush.
Cabochon: A gemstone cut with a smooth, rounded, domed top and a flat back, without facets.
Cable Chain: A style of chain made of uniform oval or round links.
Carat: A unit of weight for gemstones, equal to 200 milligrams.
Casting: A manufacturing process where molten metal is poured into a mold to create a jewelry piece.
Certificate of Authenticity: A document from a gemological lab detailing a gemstone's characteristics and verifying its identity.
Channel-Set: A setting style where stones are set side-by-side into a channel between two walls of metal.
Charm: A decorative element that hangs from a chain, bracelet, or earring.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): A shipping term where the seller is responsible for the cost, insurance, and freight to the destination port.
Clasp: The mechanism used to fasten a necklace, bracelet, or anklet.
Coin Silver: A silver alloy containing 90% pure silver.
Conflict-Free: A term indicating that a diamond has been sourced in compliance with the Kimberley Process, intended to prevent the trade of diamonds funding armed conflict.
Consignment: An arrangement where a retailer holds and sells goods for a supplier but only pays for them after they are sold.
Country of Origin Marking: A legal requirement for imported goods to be marked with the country where they were manufactured.
Curb/Cuban Link Chain: A style of chain with interlocking, uniform links that are twisted and often flattened.
Deceptive Advertising: The act of making false or misleading claims about a product's quality, origin, or material content, as defined by the FTC.
Die-Striking: A manufacturing process where a sheet of metal is struck between two hardened steel dies to create a precise shape.
Drop Shipping: A fulfillment model where a third-party supplier ships products directly to the customer on behalf of the seller.
Ear Cuff: A C-shaped finding that hugs the cartilage of the outer ear, requiring no piercing.
Ear Wire: A curved wire that passes through a pierced earlobe, also known as a French Hook.
Earring Post: A straight pin that goes through the earlobe, secured with a separate back.
Electroforming: A process that builds up layers of metal onto a conductive model using electrolysis, creating a hollow and lightweight piece.
Enamel: A decorative glass-like coating fused to metal for color and design.
Engraving: The process of cutting a design into a metal surface.
Etching: The use of chemicals or lasers to remove material from a metal surface to create a design.
Faceted: A style of gemstone cut with multiple flat, polished surfaces to maximize light reflection.
Figaro Chain: A style of chain with a pattern of several small, round links alternating with one longer oval link.
Filigree: Delicate and intricate ornamental work made from fine, twisted metal wires.
Fine Silver: Silver that is 99.9% pure.
Findings: An umbrella term for all the pre-fabricated components used to assemble a piece of jewelry.
Finish: The texture and appearance of a metal's surface, such as high-polish, matte, or hammered.
FOB (Free On Board): A shipping term where the seller's responsibility ends once the goods are loaded for shipping.
FTC Guides for the Jewelry Industry: The official federal guidelines (16 CFR Part 23) that govern how jewelry is marketed and sold in the U.S.
Gauge: A standard of measurement for the thickness of wire or sheet metal, where a lower number indicates a thicker metal.
Gemstone: A mineral crystal or organic material that is cut and used in jewelry.
Gold-Filled: A product with a layer of at least 10k gold mechanically bonded to a base metal, where the gold constitutes at least 5% (1/20) of the item's total weight.
Gold-Plated: A product with a thin layer of at least 10k gold applied to a base metal via an electrochemical process.
Gold-Tone / Gold-Colored: Descriptive terms for fashion jewelry with no actual gold content, referring only to the color.
Gold Vermeil: A product with a sterling silver base plated with at least 10k gold that is a minimum of 2.5 microns thick.
Green/Sustainability Claims: Environmental marketing claims regulated by the FTC's Green Guides that must be substantiated by the seller.
Hallmark: A stamp on a precious metal item indicating its purity and/or origin.
Hammered Finish: A textured surface created by striking the metal with a hammer.
High-Polish Finish: A smooth, mirror-like, highly reflective surface.
Huggie: A small hoop earring that sits very close to the earlobe.
Hypoallergenic: A claim that a product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, which must be supported by scientific evidence.
Imitation Stone: A material that looks like a natural gemstone but has different chemical and physical properties.
Jump Ring: A small metal circle with a cut in it, used to connect jewelry components.
Karat: A measure of the purity of gold, with 24k being pure gold.
Keystone Pricing: A retail pricing strategy where the retail price is set at double the wholesale cost.
Lab-Created Gemstone: A gemstone grown in a laboratory that shares the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as its natural counterpart.
Landed Cost: The total cost of a product, including the wholesale price, shipping, duties, and fees.
Lead Time: The total time it takes from placing an order with a supplier to receiving the goods.
Leverback: A hinged, closed-loop earring finding that offers extra security.
Link: A single component of a chain or a decorative element.
Lobster Claw Clasp: A popular, secure clasp shaped like a lobster's claw with a spring-loaded lever.
Lost-Wax Casting: A manufacturing process where a wax model is used to create a mold for molten metal.
Magnetic Clasp: A clasp that uses magnets to hold the two ends of a jewelry piece together.
Margin: The percentage of the final retail price that is profit.
Markup: The percentage added to the cost of a product to determine its retail price.
Material Disclosure: The legal requirement for sellers to provide clear and accurate information about the materials used in their products.
Matte Finish: A non-reflective, dull finish with no shine.
Micron: A unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter, used to specify the thickness of plating.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): The smallest number of units a seller must purchase from a supplier in a single order.
MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price): The price a manufacturer recommends that retailers sell a product for.
Natural Gemstone: A stone that was formed in the earth by natural processes, without any human intervention.
Net Terms: A form of trade credit where the buyer has a set number of days to pay a supplier's invoice.
Nickel-Free: A specific claim that a product does not contain nickel, a common skin irritant.
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): A company that designs and manufactures products that can be branded and sold by other retailers.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): A company that manufactures products based on a buyer's unique designs and specifications.
Oxidized: A finish where metal is intentionally darkened to create an aged look.
Pavé-Set: A setting style where many small stones are set closely together, creating a "paved" surface.
Pendant: A decorative element that hangs from a chain.
Platinum: A rare, dense, and durable precious metal that must be at least 95% pure to be sold as "Platinum" in the U.S.
Precious Gemstone: An outdated term for diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds; no longer recommended by the GIA.
Private Label: A business model where a manufacturer produces products to be sold under another company's brand name.
Prong-Set: A setting style where metal claws (prongs) hold a stone in place.
Rhodium Plating: A finish where a thin layer of rhodium is plated onto another metal to provide a bright, white, tarnish-resistant surface.
RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization): The process of managing and tracking customer returns.
Rolo Chain: A style of chain made of symmetrical round or oval links.
Rope Chain: A style of chain with interwoven links that create a twisting, rope-like appearance.
Sell-Through Rate: The percentage of inventory sold during a specific period.
Semi-Precious Gemstone: An outdated term for all gemstones that are not diamond, ruby, sapphire, or emerald; no longer recommended by the GIA.
Setting: The method used to secure a gemstone in a piece of jewelry.
Silver-Plated: A product with a thin layer of silver applied to a base metal core.
Simulated Stone: A material that imitates the appearance of a natural gemstone but has different properties.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique alphanumeric code assigned to each product and its variants for inventory management.
Snake Chain: A style of chain made of tightly connected plates or bands that create a smooth, flexible, snake-like appearance.
Solid Gold: A term indicating that an item is made of a gold alloy throughout, not hollow or plated.
Split Ring: A double-coiled ring, similar to a tiny keychain ring, used for securely connecting jewelry components.
Spring Ring Clasp: A small, circular clasp with a spring-loaded mechanism.
Stainless Steel: A durable, affordable, and often hypoallergenic iron-based alloy used in jewelry.
Stamping: A manufacturing process where a sheet of metal is struck between two hardened steel dies to create a precise shape.
Sterling Silver: A legally defined alloy containing 92.5% pure silver.
Synthetic Gemstone: A gemstone grown in a laboratory that has the same properties as its natural counterpart.
Titanium: A very strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic metal used in modern jewelry.
Toggle Clasp: A two-piece clasp with a bar that passes through a ring.
Treated Gemstone: A natural gemstone that has undergone a process to improve its appearance or durability.
White Label: A generic product manufactured by one company and sold to many different retailers to be rebranded.
Wholesale Price: The price a retailer pays to a manufacturer or supplier for a product.
What is the main difference between gold-filled and gold-plated?
The main differences are the manufacturing process and the amount of gold used. Gold-filled involves mechanically bonding a thick layer of gold to a base metal core, and the gold must legally constitute at least 5% (1/20) of the item's total weight. Gold-plated involves electrochemically applying a very thin layer of gold, which is often less than 0.05% of the item's weight. As a result, gold-filled is significantly more durable and valuable than gold-plated.
Can I call a lab-grown diamond a "real" diamond?
While a lab-grown diamond is chemically and physically a diamond, the FTC requires clear and conspicuous disclosure that it was created in a laboratory. Using terms like "real," "genuine," or "natural" without the "lab-grown" qualifier is considered deceptive. The correct terminology is "lab-grown diamond" or "lab-created diamond."
As a seller, am I responsible if my supplier gives me incorrect information about a product?
Yes. The FTC holds the retailer, the final seller to the consumer, responsible for the accuracy of all product claims. You cannot legally defer responsibility to your supplier. This is why it is critical to understand these terms and independently verify the specifications of the products you sell.
What does a "925" stamp on a piece of silver jewelry mean?
A "925" stamp, or hallmark, certifies that the item is made of sterling silver, which is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. It is an internationally recognized mark of silver purity.
Why is "keystone pricing" a useful starting point for jewelry sellers?
Keystone pricing (doubling the wholesale cost to get the retail price) is a simple, traditional method that provides a 50% gross margin. This margin is often sufficient to cover typical business overheads like marketing, shipping, and transaction fees while leaving a reasonable profit. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, it serves as a reliable baseline for pricing new products.
[1] Federal Trade Commission. (2018). Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries. 16 C.F.R. Part 23. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-23
[2] Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Buying Platinum, Gold, and Silver Jewelry. Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buying-platinum-gold-and-silver-jewelry
[3] Gemological Institute of America. (n.d.). An Introduction to Synthetic Gem Materials. https://www.gia.edu/gem-synthetic
[4] Gemological Institute of America. (n.d.). Diamond Quality Factors. https://www.gia.edu/diamond-quality-factor
[5] Jewelers of America. (n.d.). Code of Professional Practices. https://www.jewelers.org/about/code-of-professional-practices