Pure Pearls Glossary
Know exactly what you are buying
14 terms on clasps & construction, each linked to the pieces we actually have.
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Freshwater, saltwater, South Sea, keshi, and how to tell a real pearl from a coated bead.
Round, baroque, drop, coin and the rest, and what each one is worth paying for.
What AAA actually means, plus lustre, nacre, orient and the claims to be sceptical of.
Millimetres, choker to rope, bangle sizing, and which length suits which neckline.
Jhumka, mangalsutra, kundan, polki, temple work and the rest of the Indian vocabulary.
925 silver, plating thickness, American diamond, coral, hallmarks and karat versus carat.
Clasps, knotting, drilling and settings — the parts that decide whether a piece survives.
Storing pearls, the tooth test, restringing, and the astrological terms buyers ask about.
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Clasps & Construction
Showing 1 to 14 of 14
Bail
The loop connecting a pendant to its chain. Its inner width caps what chain the pendant will fit.
Bezel Setting
A metal rim wrapped around the edge of a stone or pearl to hold it. The most protective setting there is.
Box Clasp
A folded metal tongue that clicks into a box. The traditional fine-jewellery clasp, usually with a safety catch.
Chain
Linked metal forming a flexible necklace or bracelet, sold by length, gauge and link pattern.
Clasp
The fastening that closes a necklace or bracelet. The most common point of failure and the most overlooked part of a purchase.
Ear Wire
The hook that passes through the piercing on a hanging earring.
Full-Drilled
A pearl drilled all the way through so thread can pass. How every strand pearl is prepared.
Half-Drilled
A pearl drilled only partway through, so it can be cemented onto a post. How pearls are mounted in studs and rings.
Knotting
A knot tied between each pearl on the thread. It stops pearls rubbing and limits a break to a single lost pearl.
Lobster Clasp
A spring-loaded hook shaped like a lobster claw. The most secure everyday clasp and the modern default.
Screw Back
An earring post with a threaded end and a nut that screws on. The most secure earring fastening.
Screw Clasp
Two halves that screw together, usually shaped as a small ball. Traditional on Indian pearl necklaces and very secure.
Spacer
A small bar with several holes that keeps the rows of a multi-line necklace parallel and untangled.
Stringing
The thread a strand is built on, and the craft of assembling it.
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