glossary

1

  • 10k means ten out of twenty-four pieces of the jewelry are pure gold, which translates to 41.7% gold. 10k gold is often the most affordable option due to the higher percentage of alloy metals used.

  • 14k indicates that fourteen of twenty-four parts are pure gold, equal to 58.3% gold. 14k gold offers a good balance between affordability and durability, while still retaining a significant amount of gold content.

  • 18k signifies eighteen of twenty-four parts are pure gold, translating to 75% gold. 18k gold is considered a high-quality karat option, offering a richer gold color and a luxurious feel.

2

  • 24k refers to jewelry made from nearly pure gold. All twenty-four parts are gold, translating to 99.9% or higher pure gold content.

    Properties of 24k Gold

    • Malleable: 24k gold is very malleable due to its high gold content. Therefore, it is less suitable for everyday wear in jewelry as it can scratch or bend more easily.

    • Luster: 24k gold has a rich, deep gold color and a luxurious luster unmatched by lower-karat options.

    • Limited Use: Due to its softness, 24k gold is not commonly used for most jewelry pieces. It may be found in special occasion jewelry or collector's items where the focus is on the purity and beauty of the gold itself.

A

  • Accent refers to an element that adds a touch of color, contrast, or visual interest to a piece. It's often a more minor detail that complements the main design.

  • Acrylic is a lightweight, synthetic plastic material commonly used in jewelry making.

    Properties of Acrylic

    • Versatility: Acrylic comes in a wide range of vibrant colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for creative design possibilities.

    • Lightweight: Acrylic is a lightweight material, making it comfortable to wear in earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry pieces.

    • Durability: While not as strong as some metals, acrylic can be durable with proper care.

  • Aluminum is a lightweight metal commonly used in jewelry making and other crafting applications.

    Properties of Aluminum

    • Lightweight: Similar to acrylic, aluminum is a lightweight metal that creates comfortable jewelry pieces.

    • Hypoallergenic: Aluminum is generally hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin.

    • Natural Finish or Colorable: Aluminum has a natural silver color, but it can also be anodized to create a broader range of colors.

B

  • Barrel clasps are jewelry clasps commonly used in bracelets and necklaces. They feature a cylindrical barrel-shaped component that slides into a receiving tube, creating a secure closure. Barrel clasps are often easy to use and offer a clean, streamlined look.

  • A bead is a small, decorative object with a hole through its center. Beads are strung together on thread, wire, or other stringing materials to create jewelry pieces like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Beads come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and colors, offering endless design possibilities for jewelry.

  • A bezel is a metal setting used to securely hold a gemstone or other decorative element in a piece of jewelry. The bezel surrounds the element, usually with an edge that overlaps slightly. Bezels can be made from various metals and come in different styles, such as round, square, or decorative bezels that complement the overall design.

  • Bracelets are a piece of jewelry worn around the wrist. Bracelets come in various styles, lengths, and materials. Here are some types of bracelets one might offer:

    • Charm Bracelets: Feature a chain with links for attaching decorative charms.

    • Cuff Bracelets: Rigid bracelets that slip onto the wrist.

    • Beaded Bracelets: Made by stringing beads onto a flexible material.

    • Wrap Bracelets: Wrap multiple times around the wrist.

  • Brass is a golden-colored alloy metal made primarily of copper and zinc.

    Properties of Brass

    • Warm, Rustic Appeal: Brass has a warm, golden tone that complements the farmhouse chic aesthetic.

    • Affordability: Brass is a more affordable metal option compared to gold or silver.

    • Versatility: Brass can be polished for a bright shine or allowed to develop a natural patina for a vintage look.

  • Bronze is another alloy metal, combining copper and tin. It has a reddish-brown color that can darken over time.

    Properties of Bronze

    • Earthy Look: Bronze's color complements natural elements and adds an earthy touch to jewelry designs.

    • Durability: Bronze is a relatively durable metal that can withstand everyday wear.

    • Unique Patina: Over time, bronze develops a natural patina, giving each piece a unique, aged appearance.

C

  • CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software allows designers to create digital models of objects on a computer. This technology can be used to create initial design concepts or prototypes for jewelry pieces before they are handcrafted.

  • Calipers are a measuring tool commonly used in jewelry making and crafting. It has two jaws that slide back and forth to measure objects' diameter, thickness, or length. Calipers ensure accurate measurements for creating well-fitting pieces and incorporating various components into your designs.

  • Carabiner Screw Closure is a type of clasp used in jewelry, particularly necklaces and bracelets. It features a spring-loaded carabiner clip that attaches to a screw-threaded post, providing a secure closure with a rustic flair.

  • A charm is a small decorative pendant that can be attached to a bracelet, necklace, or other jewelry piece. Charms often have symbolic meaning, represent personal interests, or commemorate special occasions.

  • Choker is a short necklace that fits snugly around the wearer's neck. Chokers come in various materials and styles, such as:

    • Beaded chokers

    • Fabric chokers

    • Delicate metal chokers

  • Comfort Fit refers to the band style of a ring that is slightly rounded on the inside, creating a smoother and more comfortable fit against the finger. Comfort fit bands are a popular choice for everyday wear.

  • Copper is a reddish-brown metal used in jewelry making and other crafts.

    Properties of Copper

    • Warm, Rustic Appeal: Copper's color complements the farmhouse chic aesthetic and adds a warm, earthy touch to jewelry designs.

    • Malleability: Copper is a malleable metal, making it suitable for creating handcrafted elements or textured details.

    • Affordability: Copper is a more affordable metal option compared to Gold or silver.

  • Crimp Bead is a small metal tube used to secure the end of a stringing material (like thread or wire) in jewelry making. A crimping tool compresses the crimp bead, creating a secure hold that prevents the stringing material from unraveling.

  • Chrome is a bright, silver-colored metallic finish applied to a base metal. While not commonly used in handcrafted jewelry due to its coating process, it might be a term you encounter if you source specific findings or components.

  • Custom refers to something made to order according to a specific customer's request. This can include options such as:

    • Materials

    • Colors

    • Inscriptions

    • Etc.

D

  • Dainty describes jewelry as delicate and lightweight, with finer details.

    Pieces may be described as dainty if they:

    • Are made with thin chains or delicate findings.

    • Feature smaller beads, gemstones, or handcrafted components.

    • Have a minimalist or subtle design aesthetic.

  • A dangle is an earring where the decorative element hangs freely below the earlobe.

    Dangle earrings can vary significantly in length, style, and material.

    Properties of Dangle Earrings

    • Delicate chains with dangling charms or beads.

    • Statement earrings with long, dangling fringe or tassels.

    • Earrings featuring handcrafted polymer clay components that dangle below the earlobe.

  • Drop is another term for earrings where the decorative element hangs below the earlobe. However, "drop" earrings tend to be shorter in length compared to "dangle" earrings.

    Drop earrings can also have a wider range of styles, but they generally have a more streamlined or fixed design than dangly earrings that might sway freely.

    Properties of Drop Earrings

    • Simple teardrop-shaped gemstones suspended from a short chain.

    • Earrings with small clusters of beads or pearls hanging below the earlobe.

    • Short, dangly earrings with a more geometric or minimalist design.

E

  • Earrings are decorative jewelry pieces worn pierced through the earlobes. They come in a vast array of styles, lengths, and materials.

    Types of Earrings

    • Studs

    • Hoops

    • Dangle or Drop

  • Engraving is a technique that uses a sharp tool to create permanent designs, letters, or symbols on a metal surface. Such as:

    • Personalization options like initials, names, or dates.

    • Decorative patterns or motifs that complement the farmhouse chic aesthetic.

    • Short phrases or words that add a special meaning to the piece.

  • Etching is another technique for creating designs on metal, but it uses a chemical process to eat away at the surface rather than a physical tool. Etching is less commonly used in jewelry making than engraving.

  • An eye pin is a type of jewelry finding used for creating loops, attaching beads or charms, and suspending components in jewelry designs. It has a loop at each end, with one end being larger than the other.

    Uses of Eye Pins

    • Creating dangle or drop earrings where the larger loop attaches to the ear wire and the smaller loop holds a bead or charm.

    • Connecting multiple components together in a necklace or bracelet design.

    • Adding decorative loops or dangles to other jewelry pieces.

F

  • Faux refers to gemstones, pearls, or other materials that resemble a more precious element but are made from a different, often less expensive, material.

  • A finding is a pre-made metal component used in jewelry making to assemble different elements. Findings come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, providing a foundation for creating different jewelry pieces.

  • Finish refers to the surface treatment applied to a metal component in jewelry. The finish can affect the piece's appearance, durability, and overall style.

    Types of Finishes

    • Shiny or polished finish

    • Antiqued or brushed finish

    • Oxidized finish

    • Gold-plated or silver-plated

  • Freshwater Pearls are genuine pearls that grow in freshwater mussels. They are typically less expensive than saltwater pearls, like Akoya pearls, and come in various colors and shapes.

G

  • Gloss refers to a shiny, reflective surface. A gloss finish creates a bright, polished look that reflects light well.

  • Gold is a precious metal prized for its beauty, durability, and symbolic value. Pure gold is a very soft metal, often alloyed with other jewelry-making metals.

    Properties of Gold

    • Luxury and Value: Gold jewelry offers a timeless and luxurious look. Solid gold pieces are a significant investment due to the value of the metal.

    • Versatility: Gold comes in various colors, such as yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, allowing design flexibility.

    • Hypoallergenic: Gold is generally hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin.

  • Gold-plated refers to jewelry made from a base metal, like brass or copper, that has a thin layer of gold applied to its surface through a process called electroplating. Gold-plated jewelry offers a more affordable way to achieve the look of gold.

H

  • A head pin is a versatile finding used in jewelry making. It has a small loop at one end and a straight pin at the other.

    Uses for Head Pins

    • Attaching beads or charms: The loop can be used to securely connect beads or charms to jump rings, chain links, or other findings in necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.

    • Creating loops: The head pin can be looped around a jump ring or finding to make a small loop for attaching other components.

    • Making simple findings: You can use head pins with decorative ends or coils to create simple pin pendants or headbands.

  • Hoops are a classic type of earring that consists of a circular metal loop that goes through the earlobe. Hoops come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and styles.

    Types of Hoops

    • Classic hoop earrings: Simple, circular hoops in various diameters.

    • Huggie hoops: Smaller hoops that fit close to the earlobe.

    • Statement hoops: Larger hoops that make a bolder fashion statement.

    • Elliptical hoops: Oval-shaped hoops for a distinctive look.

    • Decorated hoops: Hoops with added details like beads, charms, or textured finishes.

  • Hypoallergenic refers to materials that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. This is important for people with sensitive skin who may experience irritation from certain metals, such as:

    • Surgical-grade stainless steel

    • Titanium

    • Certain types of plastic

I

  • Invisible Thread is a thin, clear monofilament thread used for stringing beads, pearls, and other components in jewelry making. As the name suggests, it's nearly invisible when strung, allowing the focus to remain on the beads or elements it holds.

  • Iridescent describes something that has a rainbow-like sheen or exhibits a play of lustrous colors that seem to change with the angle of light or view. This iridescence can be a natural property of certain materials or created through special finishes.

  • Iron is a strong, heavy metallic element. While not commonly used in jewelry making in its pure form due to rusting, it plays a behind-the-scenes role:

    • Core of Plated Findings: Iron is a frequent component of the base metal used in jewelry findings that are then plated with gold, silver, or other finishes. This core metal provides a strong and affordable base to which the plating can adhere.

    • Allergy Considerations: Some people may have iron allergies. If The Hippie Chickie Co offers hypoallergenic options, they might focus on findings made from alternative base metals like stainless steel or surgical steel.

J

  • A jump ring is a small, circular metal ring with a gap or opening at one point. It's a versatile finding used extensively in jewelry making to connect various components.

    Uses for Jump Rings

    • Connecting Clasps

    • Linking Chain Links

    • Attaching Pendants or Charms

K

  • Karat, abbreviated as "k," is a unit used to measure the purity of gold in jewelry. It indicates the percentage of pure gold by weight in an alloy.

  • Knots are generally used to secure the ends of stringing materials like thread, wire, or leather cord in jewelry making. However, the specific knots used depend on the material, the desired outcome, and whether the knot needs to be hidden or can be part of the design.

L

  • Laser cutting is a technology that uses a focused laser beam to precisely cut shapes or designs from a flat sheet of material.

    The Hippie Chickie Co uses laser cutting for:

    • Creating Custom Shapes: Laser cutting allows for the creation of precise and intricate shapes from various materials like wood, acrylic, or even thin sheets of metal. These shapes could be used as statement pendants, earrings, or decorative elements in jewelry pieces.

    • Personalization: Laser cutting can personalize jewelry pieces with names, initials, or logos.

  • Laser Engraving is another technology that uses a focused laser beam to create permanent markings, designs, or text on a surface. This is a more common technique used in jewelry making, for:

    • Personalization: They could offer personalized engraving on jewelry pieces like initials, names, dates, or short phrases for a special touch.

    • Decorative Elements: Laser engraving can create decorative patterns, logos, or imagery to add detail and design to jewelry pieces.

    • Limited to Surface Application: It's important to note that laser engraving typically creates markings on the material's surface and may not be suitable for very intricate designs or deep engraving.

  • Lobster claw clasps are a type of clasp mechanism commonly used in bracelets and necklaces. It features a spring-loaded clasp that clicks into a designated slot on the opposite piece, ensuring a secure closure.

    Uses for Lobster Claw Clasps

    • Easy to Use: Lobster claw clasps are easy to open and close with one hand, making them user-friendly.

    • Secure Closure: The spring-loaded mechanism provides a strong and reliable clasp to keep jewelry securely fastened.

    • Variety of Sizes and Styles: Lobster claw clasps come in various sizes and finishes to complement different jewelry designs.

M

  • Matte describes a finish that is not shiny or reflective. It has a flat, dull appearance that can add a touch of sophistication or a more natural look.

  • Maximalism is a design aesthetic that embraces abundance, boldness, and a mix of colors, patterns, and textures. It's about creating a visually stimulating and layered look.

  • Minimalism is a design aesthetic that emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. It often uses neutral colors and focuses on the beauty of natural materials.

N

  • A necklace is a piece of jewelry worn around the neck. Necklaces come in a vast array of lengths and styles, such as:

    • Pendant necklaces: Features a pendant suspended from a chain or cord.

    • Strand necklaces: Made by stringing beads, gemstones, or other components onto a thread, wire, or cord.

    • Choker necklaces: Short necklaces that fit snugly around the wearer's neck.

    • Lariat necklaces: Long necklaces with a looped or knotted center that can be worn in various ways.

    • Station necklaces: Feature beads or elements spaced evenly along the chain or cord.

  • Nickel is a metallic element commonly used in jewelry making, often as an alloy with other metals. Nickel can also cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to skin irritation.

O

  • Opaque describes something that does not allow light to pass through it. In the context of gemstones or beads used in jewelry, opaque materials do not show transparency and appear solid in color.

P

  • A pattern is a repeated arrangement of elements, shapes, colors, or textures. Patterns can add visual interest and design complexity to jewelry via:

    • Beaded Jewelry: Patterns can be created through the arrangement and sequence of beads in a necklace or bracelet.

    • Metal Components: Jewelry findings or handcrafted elements might have patterned textures or designs.

    • Painted or Dyed Elements: Patterns can be incorporated through paint or dyes on wooden or other components.

  • Pearls are hard, lustrous objects produced by mollusks, like oysters or mussels. They come in various colors, sizes, and shapes, and are prized for their beauty and organic elegance.

  • A pendant is a decorative element that hangs from a necklace chain or cord. Pendants come in vast shapes, sizes, styles, and materials.

  • Platinum is a precious metal known for its durability, rarity, and silvery-white color. Platinum is also one of the most expensive metals used in jewelry.

  • Polished describes a smooth, shiny surface that has been buffed or treated to remove imperfections and create a reflective finish. Polishing enhances the beauty and luster of many materials used in jewelry making.

  • Precious Gemstone is a rare, beautiful, and durable natural gemstone with high economic value.

    Types of Precious Gemstones

    • Diamond: The hardest naturally occurring mineral, known for its brilliance and fire.

    • Ruby: A red gemstone prized for its rarity and intense color.

    • Sapphire: Comes in various colors (blue being the most prized) and is valued for its brilliance and durability.

    • Emerald: A green gemstone known for its deep color and unique inclusions.

  • Precious Metal is a rare, valuable, and often lustrous metal that is used in jewelry making and other applications.

    Types of Precious Metals

    • Yellow Gold

    • Rose Gold

    • White Gold

    • Platinum

    • Silver

Q

  • Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. It comes in a variety of colors and forms, some of which are commonly used as gemstones in jewelry.

    Types of Quartz

    • Clear Quartz: Transparent and colorless, often used for its simplicity and ability to reflect light.

    • Rose Quartz: A pink-colored quartz known for its symbolism of love and peace.

    • Amethyst: A purple quartz variety prized for its beauty and spiritual significance.

    • Agate: A banded quartz with various colors and patterns.

    • Jasper: An opaque quartz with an extensive color palette, often featuring earthy tones.

R

  • Restringing refers to replacing the stringing material (like thread, wire, or elastic) on a necklace, bracelet, or other piece of jewelry. This can be necessary if the original stringing material breaks, weakens, or stretches over time.

  • Rhodium is a rare and precious metal in the platinum family. It is a bright white color and has a high shine. Rhodium plating is often used on jewelry for several reasons:

    • Enhances Shine and Durability: Rhodium plating can give silver jewelry a brighter, more reflective finish and can help protect it from tarnishing.

    • Hypoallergenic: Rhodium is generally considered hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin who might react to nickel, a common component in some silver alloys.

  • Rings are circular bands of precious metal, gemstone, or other material worn decoratively on the finger.

    Types of Rings

    • Stacking rings: Designed to be worn together in multiples for a layered look.

    • Statement rings: Bold and eye-catching rings that make a fashion statement.

    • Band rings: Simple and elegant rings with a plain band.

    • Solitaire rings: Feature a single gemstone as the centerpiece.

  • Ring sizes refer to the standardized measurement system used to determine the diameter of a ring that fits comfortably on your finger. Knowing your ring size is essential for purchasing a well-fitting ring.

  • Rose Gold is an alloy made by mixing pure gold with copper and sometimes silver. The copper content gives rose gold its distinctive pink or rose color. Rose gold is a popular choice for jewelry due to its warmth and romantic appeal.

S

  • Seed Beads are tiny beads, typically made from glass, plastic, or metal. They are commonly used in jewelry due to their small size and vast array of colors, finishes, and shapes.

    Properties of Seed Beads

    • Versatility: Seed beads allow for intricate designs, patterns, and textures in jewelry creations.

    • Affordability: Seed beads are a cost-effective way to add pops of color, dimension, and detail to jewelry pieces.

    • Complement Farmhouse Chic: Seed beads in earthy tones, natural materials, or matte finishes can fit well with the farmhouse chic aesthetic.

  • Setting refers to the part of a ring, pendant, or earring that securely holds a gemstone or other element in place. Settings come in various styles and can be decorative or more discreet.

  • Silver is a precious metal known for its bright white color, malleability, and affordability compared to other precious metals like platinum.

    Properties of Silver

    • Versatility: Silver can be polished for a bright finish, antiqued for a vintage look, or oxidized for a darker appearance. It complements various design styles.

    • Affordability: Silver offers a beautiful and lustrous option at a lower price point than gold or platinum.

  • Stacking Rings are designed to be worn together in multiples on the same finger. They often have a simple and delicate design that allows for layering without overwhelming the look.

  • Stainless Steel is a metal alloy known for its resistance to rust, corrosion, and tarnishing. It's a popular choice for jewelry due to its durability and hypoallergenic properties.

  • Sterling Silver is an alloy composed of a weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925. Fine silver, which is 99.9% pure silver, is relatively soft, so silver is usually alloyed with copper to increase its hardness and strength. This makes sterling silver more suitable for jewelry without compromising its beautiful shine.

    Sterling silver is often marked with ".925" or "Sterling" as a hallmark to indicate its composition. Properties of Sterling Silver

    • Affordability: Compared to other precious metals like platinum, sterling silver offers a beautiful and lustrous option at a lower price point.

    • Versatility: Sterling silver can be polished for a bright finish, antiqued for a vintage look, or oxidized for a darker appearance. It complements various design styles.

    • Durability: With proper care, sterling silver jewelry can last a long time.

  • Studs are a type of earring with a small post that goes through the earlobe and a decorative element on the front. The post secures the earring in place with a backing on the other side.

T

  • Titanium is a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant metal that is becoming increasingly popular in jewelry.

    Properties of Titanium

    • Durability: Titanium is incredibly strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for jewelry that will be worn every day.

    • Lightweight: Despite its strength, titanium is very lightweight, which adds to its comfort for everyday wear.

    • Hypoallergenic: Titanium is a hypoallergenic metal, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin who might react to other metals.

  • Toggle Clasps are a type of clasp used in necklaces and bracelets. It features a T-shaped bar that fits through a looped end on the opposite piece, creating a secure closure.

    Properties of Toggle Clasps

    • Easy to Use: Toggle clasps are relatively easy to open and close with one hand.

    • Secure Closure: The T-bar mechanism provides a strong and reliable clasp.

    • Stylish Look: Toggle clasps can add a touch of sophistication to jewelry designs.

U

  • Unique can be used synonymously with one-of-a-kind and applies to:

    • Handcrafted Designs

    • Limited Edition Collections

    • Customization Options

V

  • Vermeil is a type of jewelry plating with a thin layer of gold. It's typically at least 2.5 microns thick and applied to a sterling silver base.

    Properties of Vermeil

    • Affordability: Vermeil offers the look and feel of gold jewelry at a more affordable price point than solid gold.

    • Durability: Vermeil can be more durable than gold plating, which can be thinner and more prone to wear.

    • Beauty: Vermeil jewelry can have a beautiful golden shine that complements various styles.

W

  • White Gold is an alloy that combines yellow gold with other metals like silver, palladium, or nickel. It's also an affordable option compared to yellow gold.

  • Wood is a natural material commonly used in jewelry for its organic beauty and versatility. Wood beads, pendants, or carved components can add a focal or accent to jewelry.

Y

  • Yellow Gold is the natural color of gold used in jewelry making. It has a warm and inviting hue that is timeless and classic. It also complements various gemstones, pearls, and other materials, making it suitable for a wide range of designs.

Z

  • Zinc is a metal that is not commonly used in jewelry making on its own due to its susceptibility to tarnishing. However, it can be an alloying element in other metals used for jewelry, such as brass.

Udder Polymer Clay Earrings