Jewelry Term Definitions – Alphabetical S’s
Safety Catch - A type of clasp used for a brooch with a locking mechanism that is more secure than a standard C clasp.
Sapphire - A member of the corundum family of stones, the Sapphire is any corundum stone that is not red. The birthstone for September.
Sardonyx - An onyx stone that has alternating layers of sard and white chalcedony.
Satin Finish - Tiny parallel lines scratched onto a surface with a tool to produce a sheen texture.
Sautoir - A long neck chain, which falls below the waistline and holds a tassel or pendant.
Scarab - An ancient Egyptian fertility symbol resembling a dung beetle found in Egypt.
Scatter Pin - A small pin that is intended to be worn in a group with other scatter pins.
Screw Back - A type of earring attachment for non-pierced ears where the earring is tightened against the earlobe by means of a screw with a flat padded end.
Seed Pearl - A very small round pearl used in intricately woven jewelry. Commonly used during the early to mid Victorian period.
Semiprecious - A gemstone that is not one of the four precious stones, which are emerald, diamond, ruby, or sapphire.
Serpentine Chain - A jewelry chain made with small S-shaped links set very closely together.
Setting - The part of of jewelry that holds the stones.
Signet - A carved design that is usually worn as a ring. The design is typically a family crest or initial.
Silver Tone - Silver plated or coated metal used in jewelry, not sterling silver.
Slide - A charm or small jewelry ornament which slides onto a chain or fabric ribbon.
Smoky Quartz - A type of quartz that is brown and has a smoky appearance.
Soldering - A method of joining metal pieces together by melting a metal alloy at the joining point.
Solitaire - A single diamond or stone set by itself in mounting.
Spinel - A hard mineral containing iron and chromium, among other elements that is found in a variety of colors.
Split Ring - Small jewelry finding that resembles a key-ring.
Spring Ring Clasp - A finding used to join two ends of a chain. The mechanism consists of a hollow tube with a wire inside that can be pulled by a knob and springs into place when released.
Star Sapphires - Natural sapphires that have a centered star effect. Most star sapphires today are Linde stars which is a synthetic stone created in the 1960s.
Sterling Silver - 925 parts silver which is the legal standard.
Stick Pin - A pin with an ornament on the top worn vertically on a scarf, tie, or lapel.
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.
