3-STONE
This jewelry style is characterized by the presence of a 3-stone motif at its center. It can suspend from any link, chain, rope or cord. The three stones may be the same stone or mixed stones, graduated, set vertically or set horizontally.
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BAR
The bar-style necklace consists of a rectangular plate (bar) that can suspend from any type of chain, link, rope or cord. The plate can be positioned horizontally or vertically along the chain.
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BEADED
Any grouping of round objects with a hole drilled through the center can be strung into a beaded necklace.
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BIB
The bib necklace is a big necklace. It’s called bib because it’s shaped like a baby’s bib. Bib’s are statement pieces rich with gemstones and beads, intricately woven and downright posh. This style often cascades from high on the neck like a choker.
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BOLO
Bolo jewelry pieces have a sliding closure. This allows the wearer to adjust the piece to his/her desired length with precision. The slide is often round, but not exclusively.
Bolos can be finished with round, ball-style endcaps or more decoratively detailed with endcaps of hearts, stars, etc. Bolo jewelry is limited to links that can slide easily.
BYPASS
Bypass jewelry pieces ends cross over one another, usually with one side higher than the other.
CHAIN
A chain necklace has no stones, beads or charms, but by no means is it plain! Composed of individual links or woven like rope, each piece can be brushed or polished or diamond cut. With different lengths, weights, thicknesses and finishes to choose from, there is no such thing as a plain chain.
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CHARM
Charms are figurative designs that accent bracelets, earrings, necklaces and even rings.
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CHOKER
The choker necklace is worn high on the throat. Standard lengths are 14 to 16 inches. They are as varied in style as necklaces can be. The choker designation is about length, not design.
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CENTER DESIGN
Any piece of jewelry that has a design at the midpoint can be called a center-design piece. The name calls out that the focal point of the piece is at the center of a setting or accent stones.
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COLLAR
A collar necklace is one that rests flat against the neck. It is usually about 14” L (choker length). Collar pieces are almost intrinsically statement-making due to their high presence on the neckline. A collar necklace can be ornate or simple – the name comes from how it is worn.
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CORD
Cord jewelry is fashioned using flexible materials like leather, string, or rubber. Some pieces are simply a length of material with finish details. Cord jewelry can be strung with beads or other elements of design.
DROP
Jewelry that falls below the ear or chain and are stationary, not dangling.
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GRADUATED
Necklaces that are narrow at the neckline and grow steadily larger toward the center (front) are graduated. Whether a necklace is beaded, woven or link style, the patterning is the same with a gradual increase from the back to the front.
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LARIAT
Lariat necklaces do not always have a traditional clasp or closure. The ends of a lariat are threaded one through the other, tied together in a knot or threaded through a loop.
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MULTI-ROW
Any jewelry piece whose design incorporates lines of beads, links, pearls, etc., placed side-by-side and secured by a common clasp, closure or connection, can be described as multi-row.
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PENDANT
A pendant is a hanging ornament that falls from a necklace or earrings. It can be crafted in various shapes with or without stones.
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STATEMENT
Statement jewelry is bold and attention-getting. It’s often opulent and over-sized. Statement jewelry refers to any jewelry that is eye-catching and can’t be ignored. It’s jewelry with a message, not necessarily literal, but clear.
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STATION
A station in a jewelry item is a repeated motif that most often alternates with a series of links. The pattern becomes link, motif, link, motif, link and so on. Stations may be placed along the entire piece or centered in a smaller group. A motif can be made up of beads, flowers, filigree, etc.
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STRAND
The word strand is most often used to refer to a row of pearls or beads.
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STRETCH
Stretch jewelry pieces have no clasp. They form a continuous circle and expand to slide on, then contract for a comfortable fit. The best stretch pieces are made with jewelers’-grade elastic that is sturdy, durable and long-lasting.
TASSEL
A tassel is a finishing feature on a piece of jewelry. It consists of a cluster of chains, beads, etc., that usually hangs loosely front and center. It can be attached to the piece or suspended from a bail like a pendant.
TENNIS
Tennis-style jewelry consists of a row of stones or beads. Originally called an eternity or line style, the term “tennis” was made popular in the late 1980s. A superb athlete and style icon lost her diamond bracelet on the court during a major tournament. She refused to continue playing until her bracelet was found. The buzz created around this incident was responsible for the renaming of this style. Today there are many variations of a tennis bracelet. The settings can vary along with size of stones and thickness of the bracelet.
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TORSADE
A torsade is made of several strands of beads, pearls or chain twisted together and secured by a clasp.
Y
The Y consists of a pendant suspended from the center of a chain. Typically, the pendant is a line of stones or designs that cascade downward, forming a Y.
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