What Are the Components of Jewelry

Accessories are a symbol of your identity, a reflection of your personal style, and even a form of self-expression. But what exactly are the different components of jewelry? Keep reading to find out.

The Basics of Jewelry

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The term “jewelry” refers to a wide range of objects that are worn on the body for decorative purposes. These objects can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, gemstones, glass, and plastic. In general terms, accessories are often divided into two categories: costume and fine jewelry. Costume pieces are typically less expensive and made from less valuable materials. Fine jewelry typically features precious metals and gemstones and is often more expensive. The most common types you’ll find at a jewelry store will include rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pins. Rings are generally circular or elliptical in shape and are worn on the finger. Necklaces are worn around the neck and can be made from a variety of materials, including chains, cords, ropes, or ribbons. Bracelets are usually worn around the wrist and can be made from metal, plastic, or gemstones. Earrings are attached to the earlobe or cartilage piercing in the upper part of the ear and come in many shapes and sizes. Pins can be either brooches which are attached to clothing using a safety pin-like clasp or hatpins which are used to hold hats on head. You’ll find that there are plenty of jewelry pieces that can be worn.

Common Components

All pieces of jewelry have some common components. The most basic component is the metal or other material that the piece is made from. Gold, silver, and platinum are among the most popular materials, but there are many others including copper, brass, and stainless steel. The next component is the gemstones or other decorative elements. These can be anything from diamonds and rubies to glass and plastic. The type and number of gemstones can vary greatly from one piece to another. The final component is the setting. This is what holds the gemstones in place and determines their shape and size. Settings come in a variety of shapes and styles, including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and pins.

Different Types of Settings

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There are many different types of settings for a wide variety of accessories. The most common are bezels, which hold the stone in place with a metal rim that wraps around the edge of the gemstone. Prongs are another popular setting, which use four or more metal claws to grasp the stone and hold it in place. Bezel-set stones can often appear more secure than prong-set stones, but they can also be more difficult to repair if damaged. Channel settings involve mounting stones between two strips of metal, while pavé settings involve setting smaller diamonds very close together so that they form a single surface. Other common settings include Baroque, flush set, and cluster settings. Choosing a setting often comes down to the occasion and meaning behind the piece—like exploring engagement ring settings that highlight a center stone and add a sense of symbolism for one of life’s biggest milestones.

Where to Buy Jewelry

If you’re looking for high-quality, affordable luxury jewel products, then Kendra Scott is the best place to start browsing accessories for your collection. Whether you’re interested in finding the perfect diamond necklace for a special occasion or adding a bracelet with charms to your wardrobe, you’ll find that there’s a wide selection of accessories to choose from at Kendra Scott. The jewelry store began over 20 years ago, and the products are all thoughtfully crafted in Austin, Texas. Shop everything from stackable rings to necklace layering sets.

Altogether, the accessory components listed above are all important for creating beautiful and lasting accessories. In a nutshell, you’ll find that the components mainly consist of the metal, gemstone, setting, and clasp. These components all work together to create a beautiful piece of jewelry for you to complement your unique sense of style.