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Jewelry terms and FAQ

Bamboo Coral
Botanical Name: deep-sea bamboo coral (Keratoisidinae) is a product of marine plant. It has been used as a gem since prehistoric times. With a history of religious meaning, people think of them as one of the seven treasures in Buddhist scriptures. Deep-sea bamboo coral was long thought to be a strong talisman against evil spirits and hurricanes. It is also said to reduce blood flow, helping anemia, and is thought to give wisdom and prevent madness. Its color ranges from white to red, but most red sea bamboo coral these days is dyed. It grows in branches that look like underwater trees. Most people think of sea bamboo coral on the coral reefs as actual coral microorganism in the South Pacific like the Great Barrier Reef. However, these plants are formed by a different species than the natural coral traditionally used in jewelry which is very often harvested through farming.

Biwa Stick pearls
Strictly speaking, the name ‘Biwa’ refers to the pearl’s origin: the Japanese Biwa Lake and a special species of native oyster that produces these nucleus-less pearls. Yet over-harvesting and pollution have nearly put an end to pearl farming in this Lake and the oyster is now grown in the lakes of other countries. Most of today’s ‘biwa’ pearls come from China but the name still refers to their unusual shape, and traditional  Japanese origins and cultivation methods.

Chickenfeet pearls
Chickenfeetpearls are real freshwater pearls and belong the the family of ‘keshi’ pearls. These do not have a nucleaus but their shape is determined by the pearl oyster’s incision. Due to their size they are quite valuable and difficult to produce. They owe their name to their very unique shape.

Coin Pearls
These freshwater pearls have a disk-shaped nucleus made of shell. Commonly freshwater pearls do not have a nucleus, but in order to produce calibrated sizes this type does. Coin pearls come in a variety of different shapes – they can even be square.

Hui
The HUI pattern is an abstraction of the Chinese character 回 which means ‘return’. It is commonly used as decorative pattern in architecture and crafts.

Keshi Pearls
A ‘keshi’ pearl is a non-beaded pearl formed by accident as a by-product of a pearl culturing operation. This means they do not have a nucleus and are composed 100% of nacre. Originally they were saltwater pearls but now you also can find a wide variety of freshwater versions in any size and shape.

Pearl Necklaces – the right length
Pearl Collar Necklaces

12 to 13 inches long – Usually made up of three or more pearl strands and lie snugly on the middle of the neck. Very Victorian and luxurious, pearl collars go best with elegant V-neck, boat neck or off-the-shoulder fashions.

Pearl Choker Necklaces

14 to 16 inches long – Perhaps the most classic and yet versatile of the entire single strand pearl lengths. A simple pearl choker can go with virtually any outfit from casual to fancy eveningwear, and just about any neckline imaginable. A 16-inch pearl choker necklace is the most popular length for pearl necklaces.

Pearl Princess Necklaces

17 to 19 inches long – Best suited for crew and high necklines. These also compliment low plunging necklines. They are a perfect support for a pendant or pearl enhancer. An 18 in. pearl princess necklace is the second most popular length for pearl necklaces.

Pearl Matinee Necklaces

20 to 24 inches long – Longer than the pearl princess necklace, and just a bit shorter than an opera length pearl necklace, the matinee pearl necklace is the right choice for casual or business dress.

Pearl Opera Necklaces

28 to 34 inches long – The queen of all pearl necklace lengths. When worn as a single pearl strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew necklines. When doubled upon itself, it serves as a versatile two strand pearl choker.

Pearl Rope Necklaces

Over 45 inches long – Dripping with elegance and sensuously sexy, the pearl rope was a favorite of Coco Chanel. For those looking for the complete pearl wardrobe, this length is a must.

Rhodium plated
Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white, hard metal and a member of the platinum metal group. It is one of the most precious metals. Rhodium is commonly used for white gold jewellery to enhance the gold colour through plating/coating.
Rhodium plating makes silver jewellery less vulnerable to oxidation. This means the silver will keep its original color longer, and will take longer to tarnish.

SHOU
Not a Chinese character, but a symbol which represents the wish for long life and happiness.  It was once used as an imperial emblem to protect the Chinese emperors from misfortune. Today this symbol is still commonly used as decorative pattern in many design fields: architecture, fashion, handicrafts, and jewelry. There are hundreds of different SHOU symbols. The one used in our jewelry was originally used in one of the empress’ private rooms: a jade carving attached to the wooden ceiling and surrounded by bats.

Sterling Silver
Is also known as 925 silver. It is the most commonly used silver alloy for high quality jewellery and tableware due to its strength.