Parcel
A quantity of loose stones sold together, folded into a paper, priced as a group rather than individually.
Parcels are how small stones move through the trade. The buyer takes the good with the ordinary at an average price.
The paper itself is a specific fold, white inside so colour reads truly against it.
Buying by parcel is why side stones in a finished piece vary slightly in colour and cut.
Hank
The wholesale unit for loose pearls: several temporarily strung strands tied together, usually ten to a hank.
Certification Labs
Independent gemmological laboratories that identify and grade stones and pearls. The name on the report is what gives it weight.
Semi-Precious
A commercial label for every gemstone outside diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Not a measure of quality.
Baguette Cut
A small rectangular step cut, used almost entirely as a side stone flanking a larger centre.