As with any specialized trade, jewellery making has it's own language. If you're like me, you'll be reading jewellery making books and tutorials and trying to figure out what it all means! So, here's a few of the common terms you'll come across:
I know there are many more, and I'll try to be clear about thing as we go along. Please feel free to ask questions and make comments. Please keep it clean and constructive. Comments will be moderated!
Next week I'll outline some of the basic tools you'll need to start out. See you next time!
- Bail – the part of a pendant where the chain goes through
- Cabochon - domed gemstone with a highly polished, curved surface and no faceting
- Facet - flat, polished plane that is cut into the surface of a stone (such as a diamond), helping to enhance its reflection of light
- Findings – manufactured components used to create jewelry. Generally, findings provide the structure for the jewelry design; the ornamentation is provided by both the design of the finding as well as the gems, beads or other decoration that is added. Findings include jumprings, clasps, bails, headpins, earwires, and charms, to name a few. And you can manufacture your own findings! You don't have to buy the pre-made type.
- Patina - the coloration that occurs in certain metals when they are exposed at length to the atmosphere. A thin, greenish layer appears on the surface of copper and bronze; a black effect on silver. An artificial patina can be created with chemicals and other methods.
- Precious Stones - rare and costly gems: diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.*
- Semiprecious Stones - natural stones that generally have a lower value than precious stones, including amethyst, aventurine, carnelian, garnet, opal, rose quartz, and others.*
I know there are many more, and I'll try to be clear about thing as we go along. Please feel free to ask questions and make comments. Please keep it clean and constructive. Comments will be moderated!
Next week I'll outline some of the basic tools you'll need to start out. See you next time!