Gemstones and Metal glossary
Laboratory gemstones
Laboratory gemstones are stones grown chemically, physically and optically identical to those mined underground. Laboratory-grown gemstones are created in a science laboratory and are classified as man-made stones.
Natural gemstones
A natural gemstone(s) is one that is found in a naturally occurring environment and mined from the ground around the world.
Simulated gemstones
A lab-grown simulated gemstone(s) shares similar brilliance, color, and optical qualities like natural gemstones but have different gemological qualities compared to natural mined gemstones. They have a different chemical composition and structure, hardness and durability compared to their natural mined counterparts. Simulated gemstones usually have perfect clarity and color saturations, the compound is hard and durability, except for diamonds. Simulated gemstones are usually chosen because it's optical qualities, affordable, and durable qualities.
Synthesized gemstones
A lab-grown synthesized gemstone shares identical optical and gemological qualities to natural mined gemstones. They have the same brilliance, color, chemical composition, hardness/structure and durability compared to natural mined stones. Synthesized gemstones may also have inclusions or perfect clarity like it's counterparts.
Metal Glossary
925 silver
Sterling silver contains 92.5% of pure silver mixed with 7.5% of other metals (often copper, nickel or zinc) .
14kt gold
14 karat gold is made up of 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy, or 14 out of 24 parts gold. 14 karat gold is a popular gold for jewelry, its color is slightly less saturated and intense than 18 karat gold, with greater durability and affordability.
18kt gold
18 karat gold is made up of 75% gold and 25% alloy. This type of gold is referred to as 18 karats because 18 out of the 24 parts that make up the gold are pure gold. 18 karat gold is usually the purest form of gold used for rings, watches and other wearable jewelry.
Rhodium vermeil
Rhodium is a member of the platinum family, and rhodium vermeil is an electroplated coating of rhodium on sterling silver. Rhodium is a silvery-white, hard and corrosion-resistant precious metal that reflects 80% of light, giving one of the best sheens achievable on white gold or sterling silver jewelry.
18kt gold vermeil
18k gold vermeil is a 2-3microns thick coating of 18 karat gold on sterling silver, usually 10-times the thickness of standard plating for greater durability, hardness and affordability.