Jewellery Terms & Meanings
STERLING SILVER
Silver that's 92.5% pure. The remaining 7.5% is typically copper (though the composition can vary), which makes the silver strong enough for everyday wear. Sterling silver is also known as 925 silver. In Canada, it is not mandatory that sterling silver be stamped with a hallmark or silver stamp. While many pieces are hallmarked (especially imported silver), unstamped silver can still be genuine 925 sterling. I source all my sterling silver from trusted Canadian suppliers and guarantee that every piece is real, 925 Italian sterling silver.
Why it matters: I use 925 Italian sterling silver in all my work because it's durable, hypoallergenic, and develops a beautiful patina over time. It's real silver, sourced from trusted Canadian suppliers.
GEMSTONE BEADS
All gemstone beads are purchased through reputable gem dealers in Canada and India and are graded AA or AAA (the highest quality available). Variation in colour, size, and natural inclusions are to be expected - and are part of the beauty of natural stones.
Why it matters: No two gemstones are exactly alike. The inclusions, colour shifts, and unique characteristics are what make your piece one-of-a-kind.
HAND STAMPING
The process of hitting a metal letter or design stamp with a hammer so that it leaves an impression on sterling silver. I create all hand-stamped jewellery by hand - no stamping or engraving machine is involved - so there will always be variation in alignment and spacing.
Why it matters: The beauty of this process is that each piece is as unique as its wearer. Slight imperfections are the mark of handmade work, not flaws.
BAROQUE PEARLS
Pearls with an irregular, non-spherical shape. Shapes can range from slightly ovoid to distinctly curved, pinched, or lumpy.
Why it matters: Baroque pearls are prized for their individuality. No two are exactly alike, which makes them perfect for jewellery that feels personal and one-of-a-kind.
KESHI PEARLS
Often referred to as "happy accidents" in the pearl world. Keshi pearls are formed when an oyster rejects and spits out the implanted nucleus intended to form a cultured or freshwater pearl. Despite the lack of a nucleus, the oyster continues to deposit nacre, resulting in a keshi pearl.
Unlike most cultured pearls (which have a bead nucleus), keshi pearls are composed entirely of nacre. This gives them exceptional lustre and a unique, radiant glow. They're known for their distinctive, irregular shapes and can be found in a variety of colours - white, cream, grey, and even more exotic hues like blue, green, and gold.
Why it matters: Since keshi pearls are not nucleated, they're considered more natural than other cultured pearls. They're also lighter (no heavy nucleus), making them comfortable to wear. Each keshi pearl is truly one-of-a-kind.
FRESHWATER PEARLS
Pearls cultivated in freshwater mussels (rather than saltwater oysters). Freshwater pearls are known for their soft lustre, natural colour variations, and affordability compared to saltwater pearls. They come in a wide range of shapes (round, oval, button, baroque) and colours (white, cream, pink, lavender, grey, peacock).
Why it matters: Freshwater pearls are durable, beautiful, and meant to be worn every day. I hand-select every pearl for its lustre, shape, and colour.
RONDELLE
Refers to the shape of the bead. A rondelle bead is disc- or donut-shaped and wider than it is tall.
Why it matters: Rondelle beads add texture and rhythm to a bracelet design. They catch the light differently than round beads, creating visual interest.
CHATOYANCE
An optical phenomenon in which a band of reflected light (known as a "cat's-eye") moves just beneath the surface of a gemstone.
Why it matters: Gemstones with chatoyance (like tiger's eye, moonstone, and some sapphires) have a mesmerizing, shifting glow that changes as you move.
LABRADORESCENCE
The iridescent property of labradorite, caused by light diffracting off closely spaced layers of calcium- and sodium-rich feldspar. As the stone is turned, flashes of blue, green, yellow, and red are visible across properly oriented surfaces.
Why it matters: Labradorite is known for its "flash" - the sudden burst of colour that appears when light hits it just right. No two pieces flash the same way.
FRENCH WIRE (BULLION)
A tightly coiled, flexible wire used to finish the ends of pearl strands where they attach to the clasp. French wire protects the thread at the most vulnerable point (the loop through the clasp) and creates a refined, nearly invisible finish.
Why it matters: French wire is the gold standard for heirloom-quality pearl jewellery. It's a traditional technique I learned over 30 years in the fine jewellery industry, and it's what I use on all my clasp bracelets.
HAND-KNOTTING
The process of tying a small knot between each pearl on a strand. Hand-knotting prevents pearls from rubbing against each other (which can damage their surface over time) and ensures that if the strand breaks, only one pearl is lost - not the entire bracelet.
Why it matters: Hand-knotting is a mark of quality and craftsmanship. It's time-intensive (each knot is tied by hand), but it's the right way to string pearls if you want them to last for generations.
CHARMER CLASP
A sterling silver oval clasp with a built-in loop at the top, designed for easy one-handed fastening. The loop serves as a natural grip for fastening and as the perfect attachment point for personalized love drop charms.
Why it matters: I use charmer clasps on all my clasp bracelets because they're easier to fasten, more secure, and more beautiful than traditional lobster or spring ring clasps. They're also designed to last, no elastic to stretch out or break.