Parure

A collection containing three or more pieces of jewelry designed to be worn together. Historically, a parure included such items as tiaras, belt clasps, and shoe buckles.

Paste

Imitation diamonds or gemstones created from glass that has a high lead content. Paste diamonds had high popularity from the 1750s to 1850s. Often found in antique jewelry.

Pavé

A placement of many small gems to cover, or pave, the surface of a ring.

Precious Gems

A misleading term rarely used in modern jewelry. The term indicates gems rarer and harder than semi-precious gems; precious gems undergo very little treatment before being used in jewelry. The most common are diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. Although soft, opals and pearls make the precious gems list because of rarity.

Precious Metal

Rarity and value decide a metal’s classification as a precious metal. The precious metals used to make jewelry are gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and titanium. These metals are prized for high luster, little reactivity, and ease of workability.

Rose Gold

Gold with a rosy blush that comes from a gold and copper alloy.