JEWELRY GLOSSARY -  -

PARURE:  A full set of matching pieces such as necklace, brooch, earrings, and ring. Demi-parure is a combination of fewer pieces

PASTE:  Glass which is cut and faceted to resemble gemstones, usually diamonds

PATINA:  Color change on the surface of metal due to age and exposure to air

PAVE' SETTING:  Stones set closely together so little or no backing shows

PEARL:  Spheroid shaped stone formed around a grain of sand in a mollusk. There are numerous tests to determine if you pearl is real or fake; the easiest is to feel it -- really pearls are cool to the touch, fake pearls are usually warm

PEBBLE JEWELRY:  Scottish jewelry set with multi-colored pieces of agate

PENDANT:  Piece of jewelry which hangs from a chain around the neck

PEWTER:  Metal alloy often polished to resemble silver

PIERCED METAL:  Design in which patterns are made by cutting out some of the metal

PIETRA DURA:  Technique inlaying semi[precious stones into a design; usually naturalistic

PINCHBECK:  Imitation gold; popular before the use of ROLLED GOLD and GOLD FILLED

PIQUE:  Combination of tortoiseshell and precious metals

PLATINUM: Silvery-white precious metal

PLIQUE A JOUR:  Form of enamel without backing, can resemble stained glass due to its translucency

PLUMB GOLD:  Exactly as identified, weighed, or measured

POINT: Unit of measure equal to 1/100th of a carat

POISON RING: Ring with a hidden compartment

PORCELAIN:  Clay fired in a kiln and then decorated and glazed

POT METAL:  Alloy of metals used to make inexpensive costume jewelry; often with a dull finish; see BASE METAL

POURED GLASS:  Glass suspended inside a metal frame or mold

PRONG SETTING:  Method of hold gemstones in position by use of prongs; CLAW SETTING

PUTTI:  Renaissance motif of an infant, usually naked and often with wings

PYRITE:  Commonly called FOOL'S GOLD

The Jewelry Glossary is a work in progress: As I add more posts, you can access them here:
                         

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