Your One-Stop Jewelry Glossary

Your One-Stop Jewelry Glossary

You may know and love jewelry, just like we do, but there’s always more to learn. If you’ve ever seen a word describing a certain necklace length or style of earring but not really known what it means, look no further than our handy-dandy jewelry glossary. Make shopping for your personal style simple and stress-free with our easy-to-read definitions. 

 

Types of Necklaces

Our artisan-made necklaces come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, perfect for any wardrobe. Trying to understand the endless types may seem daunting at first, but browsing our necklace collections can be easy! Here’s a quick run-down of what each style means so you can see for yourself what you’re looking for. 

  • Adjustable
  • Bar
  • Choker
  • Lariat
  • Long
  • Pendant
  • Statement
  • Bolo
  • Multi-Strand

 

Adjustable Necklace: If you’re looking for a piece that can be changed depending on the neckline of your outfit, try out an adjustable necklace. The clasp can be secured in different places along a length of chain to create different lengths and looks, with or without pendants. 

Bar Necklace: Our bar necklaces are elegant and stylish, with a staple rectangular pendant shape. Browse our different types of bar necklaces in different sections, like mid-length necklaces, to find different metal colors and styles perfect for you.

Choker Necklace: Choker necklaces are made of the shortest type of chain and are  worn close to the neck. Around 14  inches, chokers are a great choice  for necklace layering with other beloved pieces in your jewelry box. Discover your next favorite choker piece on our short necklaces page. 

Lariat Necklace: One of our favorite styles to wear with almost everything is the Y-shaped lariat necklace. Instead of being held together by a clasp, they are elegantly looped around the neck. Try our Stem Lariat necklace out with a deep neckline and add this staple piece to your collection.

Long Necklace: Necklaces with a bit of length are fun additions to any jewelry collection for layering multiple pieces or having one single chain. Long necklaces are typically over 22 inches long and can elevate your outfit for special occasions. Our long necklaces come in countless styles and colors for you to peruse. 

Pendant Necklace: Pendants come in all shapes of sizes on our necklaces, so whether you’re looking for short, medium, or long chains, you can explore every stylish option. Discover the world of gemstone  jewelry or find different metal pendants that suit your look. 

Statement Necklace: Statement necklaces are all the rage, and with endless styles, you’re sure to find one you like from our handmade collections. They tend to be boldly styled with unique textures and intriguing patterns that can’t be missed. These are some of our favorite pieces, so be sure to consider adding statement jewelry to your personal collection.

Multi-strand Necklace: Instead of layering a few of your favorite pieces, invest in a multi-strand necklace for the same aesthetic. These necklaces are built to give you that chunky, textured look with just one piece. Avoid any tangling with multi-strand necklaces.

 

Common Necklace Lengths:

  • 16 inches
  • 18 inches
  • 20 inches
  • 22 inches
  • 24 inches
  • 28 inches
  • 30 inches

 

Styles of Earrings

Earrings are an easy accessory for drawing attention to that beautiful face of yours. But what style works best for you? And how do you remember all the different types? Check back to this section of the glossary for a helpful reminder when searching for your next pair of Embellish Asheville earrings.

  • Drop
  • Hoop
  • Dangle
  • Huggie
  • Threaders
  • Stud
  • Hammered Bar
  • Statement

 

Drop Earrings: Drop earrings are small and simple jewelry pieces with different pendant attachments, like beads, charms, and gemstones. Our drop earrings are perfect for elevating your next day-to-night look. Drop earrings vary in different lengths, metal colors, and styles, so there’s a piece for everybody’s jewelry box. 

 

Hoop Earrings: If you don’t already own a pair of these timeless earrings, it’s time. Hoop earrings are circular bands and are made of different precious metals and styles but can go with almost any look to create your next favorite fit. Our hoop earrings come in creative shapes and all sizes for endless options.

 

Dangle Earrings: Dangle earrings are one of the longer styles of accessories for your ears. They are generally anything that, well, dangles or hangs below your ear. Often  with either gemstones or other  details as an  accent. Wear our dangle earrings and your hair up as a statement for your next big event.

 

Huggie Earrings: For huggie earrings, think hoop earrings but with a smaller circle with a thicker width. Instead of slipping through the ear, they typically have a hinge at the top that allows the post to open and close with no earring back, an endless circle. Perfect for anyone with a craving for dainty jewelry, fuss free earrings.

 

Threader Earrings: The threader style is a unique type of earring and is where creativity shines from our designers. Threader earrings have no backing at all – they are simply made from a single chain that threads through your piercing and stays on its own. Sleek, sophisticated, and oh-so-cute, our threader earrings have different charms and styles for endless style options including pulling it through two piercings.

 

Stud Earrings: If you’re searching for a low-maintenance style, look no further than our classic stud earrings. These are small pieces that are worn on  the ear—no dangling pieces involved! Our stud earrings come in all shapes, patterns, and styles and are a timeless addition to anyone’s everyday outfits. 

 

Hammered Bar Earrings: Like a drop earring, the hammered bar style features one long strand of metal. With sterling silver, gold, and more to choose from, this style is great for a classy touch on your next night out. 

 

Statement Earrings: Make a statement with larger-than-life earrings to fit your personality. Statement earrings are unique, textured, bold, and can’t be missed. Explore our different styles, like feathers, stones, gemstones, and more to choose from.

 

Browse Different Bracelets  

Our handmade bracelet options are a great accessory and so easy to wear. Explore our selection of bracelets in different styles to find the right type of bracelet for you.

  • Cuff
  • Bangle
  • Leather
  • Beaded

 

Cuff Bracelets: Cuff bracelets are designed to fit around the entire wrist but usually have an open section in the back so you can put on and take off the piece with ease. Many cuff bracelets have an adjustable fit, making them a wonderful accessory for any type of jewelry wearer. Many of our cuff bracelets are made from colored copper, wood, or leather, for endless creative styles. 

 

Bangle Bracelets: Bangle bracelets have a rich history in India and are now worn by jewelry lovers across the globe. The traditional style features delicate gold circles, and you’re meant to layer many on a single wrist. Explore our unique bangle shapes, including octagon and square, for a modern take on this age-old style.

 

Leather Bracelets: We have leather bracelets that suit a rustic, down-to-earth aesthetic or an edgy look and they’re all handmade with care. 

 

Beaded Bracelets: Did you ever make a beaded bracelet as a kid in art class? Imagine those but carefully crafted with high-quality bead materials like different gemstones for spiritual protection. Our beaded bracelets make the perfect gift for someone needing  a bit of good juju or a friend starting out their jewelry collection.

 

Jewelry Materials

What is Embellish Asheville jewelry made of? Our designers use high-quality materials, but each one can vary piece by piece. Understanding gold fill jewelry or how patina is made is a fun piece of the jewelry puzzle! Here’s a list of our favorites you’ll often see on our jewelry page. 

  • 14k gold fill wire
  • Sterling silver
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Leather
  • Patina
  • Fringe
  • Wood
  • Glass
  • Gemstones

 

What’s the Difference Between Fine and Demi-Fine Jewelry?

Demi-fine jewelry bridges the gap between fine jewelry and modern jewelry andis created using gold, sterling silver or platinum. It’s sustainable and luxurious like fine jewelry but often has a trendy touch. Demi-fine jewelry is affordable and easy to care for and looks as good as  fine jewelry. There is a time and a place for both, and our demi-fine jewelry pieces can add up to one beautiful collection. 

 

The ABCs of Gemstones and their Meanings

Although our handmade pieces are ever-changing, unlocking the meaning of different gemstones could be the key to finding your favorite pieces. Follow along for an alphabetical list of some of our most common gemstones and their purposes. Take what serves you from their spiritual meaning and wear your pieces with pride.

  • Abalone: is made from seashells and brings calmness and tranquility. 
  • Amethyst: is a bright purple stone that represents protection, security, and purity.
  • Aquamarine: represents happiness, hope, and everlasting youth for its wearer.
  • Black Agate: a stunning black gemstone used to promote confidence and inspire courage.
  • Black Onyx: is dark in color and hones strength, growth, and resilience.
  • Carnelian: comes in shades of  orange and brings in confidence, creativity, and leadership.
  • Diamond: a precious clear gemstone meaning faithfulness, love, and purity.
  • Green Aventurine: these are bright in color and provide confidence, happiness, and strength.
  • Howlite: is a textured white stone and represents calming, patience, and balance.
  • Jade: is a favorite of many,  a green gemstone that symbolizes healing and purifying.
  • Jasper: can be found in different colors but will bring endurance and physical strength.
  • Labradorite: a grey stone with flashes of blue and green that represents transformation.
  • Lapis: is a gorgeous dark blue hue and brings in confidence, wisdom, and trust.
  • Moss Agate: is said to encourage tranquility and emotional balance for the wearer.
  • Opal: is a semi-precious gemstone and symbol of love, with a fantastic rainbow glimmer.
  • Pearl: according to myths and legends, pearls are symbolic of wisdom gained through experience.
  • Rose Quartz: is a common pink version of quartz, bringing healing, friendship, and love.
  • Turquoise: is a  sea-green or bright  blue stone symbolizing  wisdom and protection.

 

The Basics of Jewelry Care

Jewelry care basics are something every lover of beautiful jewelry needs to understand. Check out our complete blog for tips on taking care of each type of metal, like cleaning sterling silver, and learn how to make your jewelry last for years to come. Treat your pieces how you want to be treated—with respect, care, and love.

Our jewelry collections are ever changing, and you’re sure to find pieces you’ll wear for years to come. Reference this helpful jewelry glossary as often as you need while building your stylish and unique collection. 

Read more

3 Top-Secret Tips for Styling Beaded Earrings

3 Top-Secret Tips for Styling Beaded Earrings

Local Ladies We Love

Local Ladies We Love

Jamie’s Staff Picks

Jamie’s Staff Picks