Jewelry Term Definitions – Alphabetical Q’s and R’s
Quartz - A common mineral found all over the world. Varieties are agate, amethyst, adventurine, citrine, onyx, tiger's eye, and rose quartz, among others. Quartz measures 7. 0 on the Moh's scale of hardness.
Radiant Cut - A rectangular gemstone cut that has the facets and sparkle of brilliant cut round stones.
Repousse - The method of hammering designs onto the back of metal used in jewelry, causing raised relief on the front of the piece.
Retro - Chunky geometric jewelry, typically created in the 1940's from silver and vermeil, as other metals were scarce do to WWII.
Rhinestone - Glass stones made to sparkle like diamonds by using special cuts and metallic powder.
Rhodium - A white precious metal used to plate precious and base metals to give a platinum appearance.
Ring - An item of jewelry worn around the finger.
Rose Gold - A metal alloy consisting of copper and gold that has a pink tint.
Ruby - A precious red gemstone that is a member of the corundum mineral family.
Filed Under: Jewelry Terms Glossary
About the Author: Wanda Fitzgerald is a Florida native and an vintage charm collector who loves to share her adventures in an e-commerce jewelry business with anyone who is interested.
