Welcome to ViridianGold.com's multi-page glossary of terms that are used in our
website. Use the index below to jump to the desired information. See also our helpful
Jewelry Tips and Tricks page for
how-to articles on various jewelry subjects.
Index of all Terms and Categories
While less well-known than the birthstones associations, the major US jewelry and
gemstone associations have agreed on the following list as a helpful guide for selecting
anniversary gifts. To find specific gemstones on our website, just click in the
search box on the upper left of your screen and enter your search terms.
The assignment of gemstones to birth months has been a popular lore from at least
the first century. The associations have changed over the years, but in 1952
the following list was adopted by the major jewelry associations. Use it to
help you configure one of our beautiful gemstone-studded
Birthstone Jewelry items.
Below are a few of the types of bracelets that you are likely to see in the
ViridianGold.com bracelet selection:
- Anklet or Ankle Bracelet: A small
bracelet worn about the ankle--usually 9-10 inches in length.
- Bangles: Non-flexible bracelets which,
without a clasp, may slip over the hand, or with a clasp, may be opened to fit
more securely on the wrist.
- Chain Bracelets: Typically 7 or
8 inches in length, these bracelets are simply shorter versions of necklaces
with similar clasp designs.
- Charm Bracelets: Worn for centuries,
charm bracelets mushroomed in popularity in this country after WWII when returning
soldiers brought back charms from foreign countries, and movie stars began to
wear them in hit films. Each charm represents something memorable for
the wearer, so that the bracelet becomes a "life story" set in jewelry.
If you know that your loved one wears a charm bracelet, then an additional charm
(in the right metal color) makes an ideal gift.
- Cuff Bracelets: A wide bangle with
a narrow opening on one side to allow the the wrist to pass through.
- Identity Bracelets: Not just for vanity, the ID bracelet can
also carry important medical information which may be used to inform medical
personnel of an individual's allergies and chronic conditions.
- Line or Station Bracelets: So called because
the bracelet is composed of a line of repeating units, linked together, such
as mounted gemstones or metal designs.
- Stampato: Similar to a Line Bracelet, except the pattern
is composed of metal only. Stampato is the Italian word for "printed",
indicating that the pattern is stamped, or duplicated.
- Stretch Bracelets: This style is usually
composed pearls strung on elastic material which causes the bracelet to closely
hug the wrist.
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Authored by:
William C. (Bill) Long