Sterling Silver: an alloy of silver and base metal, usually copper, approx. 7-8%

 Brushed or matt sterling silver: a matt texture is given to the silver so that it is not smooth and shiny.

 Oxidized sterling silver: the artist uses a chemical to darken the sterling, giving it a charcoal to black patina. Oxidized sterling does not need to be cleaned.

 Pure silver: almost white and fairly soft and bendable; it is usually too soft for use as jewelry and thus a base metal is added to create sterling silver.

 Gold filled: gives the color and luster of gold, yet is more affordable. Made by bonding a heavy layer of pure gold over a base metal. Gold filled is heavier and more durable than gold plate.

 Gold plate: a thin layer of gold plated over a base metal.

 Vermeil: a fairly heavy layer of gold plate over sterling silver.

 Coin pearl: a flat circular freshwater pearl.

 Care information (for metal jewelry) accompanies each purchase.