Glossary

Jewelry Repair Glossary

Engraving

  • To etch or cut a message or image onto metal by machine, laser or hand.
  • For more information on engraving please visit: Engraving

Gallery

  • The part underneath the setting of the ring.

Invisible Setting

  • A centuries old, originally French technique, invisible set gemstone jewelry (aka the Invisible Setting) involves the process of setting gemstones side-by-side, which hides the metal work underneath, which can give the appearance of a larger stone.
  • For more information on invisible setting jewelry please visit: Invisible and Mystery Settings.

Master Jeweler

  • A master jeweler refers to a very experienced bench jeweler, usually with over 10 years of experience.

Prong

  • Refers to the use of metal projections or tines, that mount or secure a gemstone to a piece of jewelry; some resemble claw-like points.
  • For more information on prong repairs please visit: Prong Repair.

Restringing

  • A service for pearls and beads. Means to disassemble and recreate the necklace strand or bracelet with a new piece of wire, nylon or silk thread. Restringing with knots between the pearls or beads is usually done on better or more expensive items.
  • For more information on pearl restringing please visit: Pearl Restringing.

Rhodium

  • A metal more expensive than gold and is part of the platinum family. Rhodium is a bright white hard metal that is the final step in creating white gold jewelry and it can only be applied through electroplating.
  • For more information on Rhodium please visit: White Gold & Rhodium.

Shank

  • The part of the ring that wraps around the finger. Usually plain metal but not always.

Sizing/Re-Sizing

  • When changing the size of a ring, it is properly referred to as “Ring Sizing.” However, “Ring Resizing” can also be used.
  • For more information on sizing services, please visit: Ring Resizing Guide.

Solder (commonly misspelled as “sodder”)

  • Because it is pronounced “sä-dər” it is often mispelled as “sodder.”
  • This is the process of melting or welding metal together. This is usually used to mend breaks in rings or chains.

Stonesetting

  • The act of placing gemstones and securing them into a piece of jewelry.
  • For more information on resettings, please visit: Gemstone Resettings.

Watch Repair Glossary

Band

  • Allows a watch to be attached to the wrist. Falls into two categories, straps or bracelets.
    • Strap – The leather, plastic or nylon strap that allows a watch to be attached to the wrist.
    • Bracelet – Worn on the wrist and usually made of metal that interlocks together with hinges, links, mesh or screws.
  • For more information on watch band replacements, please visit: Watch Band Replacements & Repairs.

Clean & Overhaul (commonly referred to as “Servicing”)

  • The process of cleaning, repairing, adjusting, replacing, and putting back together the parts of a watch movement.
  • For more information on movement servicing , please visit: Watch Movement Services

Crystal

  • The glass, plastic or mineral dome or surface that covers and protects the face of the watch. Comes in many shapes and materials.
  • For more information on watch crystal repairs, please visit: Watch Crystal Replacements

Movement

  • The mechanical parts that make the watch work. Can come in different types: mechanical (wind up and automatic), quartz (battery powered), or digital.
  • For more information on watch movements, please visit: Types of Movements

Stem & Crown

  • The part of the watch that a person would move to change time or date. The Crown is the part that you can touch, whereas the stem is the part that connects to the inner movement.