ICRUSH Jewellery Lexicon
Neckmess, layering, stacking - it's not always immediately clear what certain terms from the world of jewellery mean. We have summarised the most important terms in our jewellery lexicon and explain all the terms from the ICRUSH cosmos.
316L stainless steel: 316L stainless steel is also called surgical steel. It is a very robust, waterproof and allergy-friendly material, from which most of the ICRUSH jewellery is made.
925 sterling silver: This is a noble material that is very often used to make jewellery. 925 sterling silver is a high-quality but also somewhat more delicate material with a beautiful shine.
18K gold: 18K (= 18 carat) gold is another name for 750 real gold. It is therefore 75% pure gold, which is very popular in jewellery production. Jewellery from ICRUSH is 18K gold-plated, i.e. covered with such a layer of gold.
Bangle: A bangle, also called an arm clasp, is a type of solid bracelet that encloses the wrist either closed or open. Stainless steel bangles are flexible and therefore adjustable in size.
Bracelet: A bracelet is a piece of jewellery that adorns the wrist. Bracelets come in many different sizes and styles. They can be worn alone or in combination in so-called stacking.
Bracelet: An arm chain is another name for a bracelet. Typically, link bracelets are associated with the term bracelet or arm chain.
Anchor chain: The term anchor chain refers to a specific type of chain structure. In anchor chain, round or oval chain links are hooked into each other in such a way that a three-dimensional chain is created that is not flat.
Baguette cut: A baguette cut is the name given to a particular cut of jewellery, gemstones or crystals. Baguette cut stones are rectangular and have clear edges.
Baroque beads: The term baroque beads refers to beads that have an irregular, usually naturally formed shape. Baroque beads are rarely completely round in shape, but can also be elongated and asymmetrical. Their surface is also usually not completely smooth.
Bold Rings: This English term stands for rough, massive rings that are very eye-catching. They can be worn well on their own, but also in combination - in so-called ring stacking - to create a great look.
Charm: A charm is a loose pendant that can be attached to necklaces, bracelets, etc. Charms come in different shapes, designs and sizes and can also be combined with each other.
Surgical steel: Surgical steel is another name for 316L stainless steel. This robust and waterproof material is used in surgery as well as in piercing and jewellery production because it is very allergy-friendly and therefore well tolerated.
Choker: A choker is a short chain worn close to the neck. Similar to a choker, chokers can also be worn higher up on the neck. Longer link chains that are adjustable in length can also be worn as chokers.
Chunky: The English word chunky describes coarse, chunky pieces of jewellery. Chunky jewellery can be necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.
Creoles: Creoles are earrings in the shape of a ring that come in different sizes and shapes. They can either be closed or open at the back with a clasp. Creoles can be combined well with each other if there are several ear holes.
Earcuff: Earcuffs are small pieces of jewellery that are attached to the ear. No ear hole or piercing is necessary to wear an earcuff. Earcuffs are clipped into the side of the ear and round off any earring look perfectly.
Preciousmetal: In chemistry, precious metals comprise a range of metals that have certain properties, for example they are particularly resistant. Precious metals are well suited for jewellery making due to their physical, chemical and optical properties. Precious metals include, for example, silver, gold and platinum.
Genuine jewellery: Genuine jewellery is generally used to describe jewellery made of silver, gold or platinum. Due to the high-quality materials and fine workmanship, real jewellery is usually highly priced. Precious stones and minerals (e.g. diamonds) are also frequently used in real jewellery.
Anklets: Anklets are pieces of jewellery that are worn on the ankle. Anklets, or ankle chains, are especially popular in summer. Anklets come in different sizes and designs.
Yellow gold: Yellow gold refers to the typical shade of gold. In contrast to white gold or rose gold, yellow gold only contains parts that support the typical gold tone.
Linkchain: A link chain is a chain that consists of clearly recognisable chain links. The shape of the links can vary in link chains; round as well as oval or square links can form a link chain.
Engraving: Jewellery can be personalised by engraving. An engraving enables a kind of inscription on jewellery, in the context of a diamond engraving, for example, with the help of a diamond.
Semi-preciousstone: Semi-precious stones are also called gemstones. They are naturally occurring stones, minerals and other substances that are used in jewellery making. Semi-precious stones are characterised by their special colours and nuances.
Hoop earrings: The English term hoop is another word for creole. Hoop earrings are therefore ring-shaped earrings in different sizes and widths.
Carabiner clasp: A carabiner clasp is usually an elongated clasp for necklaces and bracelets. To open the carabiner, a small hook must be pulled backwards. A small spring closes it automatically.
Carat: Carat is a unit of measurement. The mass - i.e. the weight - of precious stones is measured in carats. The fineness of gold is also expressed in carats. One carat is equal to 1/24 of the weight. One-carat gold therefore consists of 1/24 parts by weight of pure gold, 18-carat gold of 18/24, i.e. 75%.
Layering: The term layering describes a certain way of combining necklaces. When layering, several necklaces of different lengths are worn on top of each other. Each chain is shown off to its best advantage and is not covered by the others. Overall, such a combination is called a layering look.
Neckmess: The English term neckmess (neck = neck; mess = mess) describes a way of combining many necklaces with each other. Unlike layering, necklaces are also worn wildly on top of each other in neckmess; the length, shape and style of the necklaces do not play a role.
Name jewellery: There are various ways to wear your own or another name in the form of jewellery. Chains with individual letters can stand for a name, but personalising jewellery with an engraving also adds a personal touch to a necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings.
Oxidation: Oxidation describes a chemical reaction that also plays a role in jewellery. Certain materials can oxidise over time, i.e. react with oxygen. This can lead to discolouration of sterling silver, for example, and the jewellery tarnishes. These traces of oxidation can be quickly removed with the help of a silver polishing cloth or a silver bath. You can find out more about jewellery care in our .
Ear pendants: Ear pendants are earrings with a hanging shape. Earrings can consist of creoles or studs with small pendants, as well as links or small chains.
Studearrings: Stud earrings are small earrings with a plug-in closure. As a rule, stud earrings are earrings that rest on the earlobe and do not exceed a certain size. Stud earrings can be combined well with other earrings.
Panzer chain: Panzer chains are chains whose links are put together in such a way that they form a flat chain that lies as flat as possible on the skin. Figaro chains form a subcategory of curb chains.
Pearl: Pearls are usually round, stone-like solids made of mother-of-pearl. They grow naturally in shells, but can also be produced synthetically. Their beauty and lustre make them very popular in jewellery making.
Mother-of-pearl: Mother-of-pearl is the material that pearls are made of. The shells of certain shells and other animals are also made of mother-of-pearl. Due to the shimmer of the material, it is often used - especially in the form of pearls - in jewellery making.
Personalisation: Jewellery can be personalised in various ways. For example, a piece of jewellery can be engraved with writing. But also signs of the zodiac and letters count as personalised jewellery.
Ring stacking: Ring stacking describes a way of combining rings. Several rings are worn on one finger on top of each other. Wearing several rings on several fingers is also called ring stacking. Thin rings are particularly suitable for stacking, but coarse rings can also be combined well.
Rhodium plating: The term rhodium plating refers to a certain coating of silver jewellery that creates an additional protective layer for the piece of jewellery. Rhodium-plated jewellery is more resistant to oxidation and therefore tarnishes less quickly.
Rose gold: Rose gold is a shade of gold that is given a slightly reddish or pinkish colour by the addition of copper. Rose gold is popular in jewellery making and combines well with silver jewellery.
Gemstone: The term gemstone is another word for semi-precious stone. These are naturally occurring stones, crystals or other substances that are particularly suitable for jewellery making due to their special colour or lustre.
Stacking: Stacking refers to the combination of several pieces of jewellery on top of each other. With rings as well as with bracelets, one speaks of stacking when several pieces of jewellery are worn "stacked" on top of each other.
Statement jewellery: Statement jewellery includes particularly eye-catching, usually chunky pieces of jewellery. Necklaces as well as earrings, bracelets and rings can be statement jewellery. Statement jewellery quickly adds a special touch to an outfit.
Freshwater pearl: A freshwater pearl is a pearl that has grown in freshwater - i.e. not in salt water. Freshwater pearls are usually cultured. They are made of mother-of-pearl and closely resemble natural pearls in their shape, colour and chemical composition.
Gold plating: Gold plating is the process of alloying a piece of jewellery with gold. Depending on the base material, different types of gilding can be used, for example ion plating or galvanic processes.
Waterproof jewellery: Waterproof jewellery is characterised by the fact that it does not lose its colour even if it comes into contact with water regularly. 316L stainless steel jewellery is waterproof even if it is gold-plated. This means it can be worn while showering and swimming.
White gold: White gold is gold that is given a silvery colour by the addition of silver, chrome or platinum. Due to the gold content, it is of higher quality than silver, despite its similar colour.
Y-chain: Y-chains are chains that are worn in a Y-shape. The clasp, which is usually at the front, allows the chain to be fastened at a higher point, so that one end of the chain hangs downwards, forming a Y. Link chains in particular, which can be fastened at each link, can be worn as Y-necklaces.
Zirconia: Zirconia stones are synthetically produced crystals made of zirconium oxide. They can be colourless or coloured, are characterised by a sparkling shine and are very popular in jewellery making. Zirconia stones resemble rhinestones, but are more resistant.
Cultured pearl: Cultured pearls are pearls that have grown through selective breeding. Cultured pearls are grown in shells that live in salt or fresh water. Freshwater cultured pearls come very close to naturally occurring pearls in their appearance and properties.