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Jewelry Part IV - Jewelry Types
Jewelry & Fashion | PUBLISHED 12.23.20 | Jennifer Ventresca
PART IV
BRING ON THE BLINGOLOGY
(Jewelry Types)
For millenia, people have sought ways to decorate themselves beyond clothing and textiles. From ancient times to the modern era, jewelry has played a key role in personal adornment -- from rings to necklaces to earrings. Our fourth installment in our Blingology series focuses on the types of jewelry that comprise the most common forms. Bring on the bling!
Earrings
Earrings are pieces of jewelry worn on the lobe or edge of the ear. They come in all shapes and sizes from studs to chandelier style. Here are some of the most common earring forms....
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Chandelier:
long ornate dangle earrings, usually |
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Dangle:
an earring which extends below |
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Drop:
a stationary earring which extends |
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Ear Trim:
an earring which follows the |
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Stud:
jewelry which is attached |
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Hoop: a round, ring-like earring. |
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Huggie:
a small hoop earring which fits |
Rings
A ring is a piece of jewelry which adorns a finger. Some rings serve the purpose of communication the marital status of the wearer, while others are simply for style and fashion. Here are some of the most common rings....
Anniversary Band:
a ring of three or more |
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Band:
a ring with no distinguishable |
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Bridal Set:
a set of matching rings which |
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Engagement Ring:
a ring indicating that the person wearing |
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Eternity Band:
a ring set with one or more |
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Fancy Wedding Band:
a decorated wedding band which |
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Fashion Ring:
a type of ring worn to express |
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Jump Ring:
a wire ring of any size, usually |
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Nugget Ring:
jewelry designed to mimic the |
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Promise Ring:
a ring worn to show commitment |
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Puzzle Ring:
several rings which fit together |
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Ring Guard:
a ring designed with two shanks assembled so that a solitaire ring |
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Rolling Ring:
a ring usually consisting of three or |
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Signet Ring:
a ring with letters (usually one’s |
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Three Stone Ring:
a ring comprised mainly of |
Bracelet
Bracelets are pieces of jewelry which adorn or decorate the wrist. They might be worn as singular pieces or layered and stacked to make a bold statement. Here are some of the most common types of bracelets....
Bangle:
a closed, rigid bracelet which slides |
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Charm:
a bracelet to which charms |
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Cuff:
a rigid bracelet designed with |
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Line:
a flexible bracelet which may |
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Link:
a bracelet made from |
Neckware or Necklaces
Necklaces are pieces of jewelry which are worn around the neck. Some are more delicate and dainty, while others are chunky and bold. Necklaces may be worn as singular pieces or layered for a unique look. Here are some of the most common types of necklaces....
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Chain:
a series of connected metal loops / |
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Choker:
a non-rigid necklace which snugly |
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Collar:
a rigid choker-style necklace which |
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Lariat:
a long clasp-less cord-like necklace looped (typically in a knot) |
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Locket:
a small, decorative case designed |
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Pendant:
an piece of adornment which is |
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Pendant Enhancer:
an adornment designed so that |
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Slide Pendant:
a bailless pendant (a loopless |
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Station Necklace:
a necklace with repeating |
Men's Jewelry
While the majority of the focus of this blog has been on women's jewelry, we mustn't forget those select jewelry items geared toward men. In addition to neckware, rings, earrings and bracelets, men's jewelry typically includes cufflinks, money clips and tie clips. Here are some examples below....
Cuff Link:
a decorative fastener which is |
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Money Clip:
a folded clip (typically made of |
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Tie-Tac / Tie-Clip:
a piece of jewelry used to hold |
Misc.
The variety of jewelry types is extensive. Not everything will fit the mold of the aforementioned jewelry types. Here is a sampling of some other common types of "miscellaneous" jewelry pieces that you might find in your jewelry box....
Body Jewelry: Jewelry which is used in body piercing (i.e., belly ring, nose ring, etc.)
Brooch: a piece of pinnable jewelry which may be fastened to clothing. Many brooches of the Victorian era include cameo styling.
Charm: an object that depicts symbols, figures, letter, etc. usually attached to a bracelet.
Bead: a large, fancy bead with large holes allowing it to be strung onto a bracelet
Dangle: having a jump ring or bail-type clasp allowing it to swing freely.
Costume Jewelry: jewelry which is made with inexpensive metals and/or imitation gemstones making it more affordable and attainable for most people.
Family Jewelry: a piece of jewelry created with personal significance to the family (i.e, birthstones representing each family member).
Fancy Jewelry: any jewelry which makes a great fashion statement by incorporating whimsy, fun, and/or innovation in its design. Typically stylish and trendy and not considered a classic or basic piece.
Lapel Pin: a small piece (usually smaller than an inch) of post-type jewelry with a clutch mechanism to secure it.
Medical ID Jewelry: jewelry pieces that are engraved to inform others of medical issues (i.e., allergies, medical conditions, etc.) and designed with a medically identifiable emblem for emergency and medical personnel to recognize.
Next time ...
Jewelry Part V: Jewelry & Gemology Primer
If you would like to learn more about your own jewelry (valuation, whether it's real or fake, etc.), send us an email. Someone from our expert jewelry team will be happy to help you.
If you missed any of the blogs in this series, links to each appear below:
I |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
VIII Proper Care, Cleaning, & Storage |
Keywords: JEWELRY, necklace, neckware, earrings, rings, bracelet, women's, men's, dangle, drop, stud, hoop, band, anniversary band, bridal set, engagement ring, eternity band, fancy wedding band, fashion ring, jump ring, nugget ring, promise ring, puzzle ring, ring guard, rolling ring, signet ring, three stone ring, bangle, charm, cuff, line, link, chain, choker, collar, lariat, locket, pendant, slide, station, cufflink, cuff link, money clip, tie tac, tie clip, brooch, charm, bead, costume, enhancer, family, fancy, lapel, pin, medical ID