Believe it or not, there are some confusions in jewellery. Many of these we overlook, because we do not realize that they are. So we wrongly assume that these are synonyms. For example, did you know that a pendant is not the same as a necklace or that an alliance ring is not the same as a ring? To clarify this, we will tell you some of these most common “confusions” in jewellery, explaining their differences.

Confusions in jewellery Jewels
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What are the main confusions in jewellery?

Many of us fall without realizing these confusions in jewellery. We believe that terms are synonyms or that they are completely different things. For this reason, we are going to clarify these confusions a little, so as not to continue spreading them.

Confusions between jewellery and costume jewellery

It is between these two aspects that confusion arises the most, believing that they are the same. But the truth is that it is not. They are completely different concepts, based on their characteristics.

Jewellery is defined as the set of ornaments made with metals and precious stones, which is why it is associated with high quality, exclusivity and beauty. While costume jewellery is the opposite. It is characterized by being pieces of little value, of synthetic materials that try to resemble authentic jewellery. Reason why you cannot refer to both as if they were the same.

There are some characteristics where the difference between these elements can be seen more clearly:

  • Price: Costume jewellery pieces are generally cheaper and therefore lower quality than authentic jewellery pieces.
  • Materials: While jewellery uses materials such as gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, among others. The costume jewellery is in charge of making pieces with synthetic stones, glass, plastic and other materials that would never be used in a jewellery store.
  • Durability: The costume jewellery has a much less durability than that of a jewel, since it breaks down very quickly. In addition, it is seriously affected by external agents that make it lose its colour and shine. The jewellery, on the other hand, lasts over time and remains intact.
  • Exclusivity: Originality and exclusivity is something that is not usually seen in costume jewellery, since they are made in masses to be sold in many places. Unlike an authentic jewel designed by a jeweller that is much more difficult to imitate.

Confusion between ring and engagement ring

This is one of the most common confusion in jewellery. Well, to clarify it, it is best to define both. The rings are made of precious metals and refers to the decorative ring that is placed on the fingers. They originate from an ancient tale from Greek mythology in which Zeus punishes a titan for wearing a ring on his finger as a reminder of this punishment for life.

On the other hand, the alliance ring is a type of ring. This is used in marriages and is only placed, particularly, on the ring finger of the left hand. The finger it is worn on may vary by culture.

Well, these two terms are very easy to confuse. But it is more a matter of names and use. Since both are metal rings that are placed on the fingers, but let’s say they have a different function.

Generally, the engagement and alliance ring is confused. Although the two seal the engagement between a wedding couple, they each exchange at a different stage in the relationship. So, the engagement rings are the rings and the wedding rings are the alliances, because they are only exchanged in this ceremony.

Confusion between pendant and necklace

Hearing the word pendant many link it to something that is obviously hanging. And, if we are talking about jewellery, they imagine something hanging from the neck, so that is a necklace. This is where another confusion occurs in jewellery, because many people believe that pendant and necklace are synonyms.

The truth is that they are two terms of jewellery, although related, very different. Its main difference is that, as we have already said, the pendants are pieces that “hang”, not from the neck of a person, but from a jewel. It can be from a necklace, a bracelet or even an earring. This is usually the piece of jewellery that stands out the most in the accessory. In Spanish it is known as “dije”.

While the necklace is that chain that goes around the neck and is used as an ornament. These can vary according to materials, heights, closures and thicknesses, clearly dictated by the fashions.

Confusion between bracelet and cuff

Let those who have not used these two words as synonyms raise their hands. It is very common making it one of the great confusions in jewellery. Since cuffs are actually a type of bracelet. Although both are bracelets, so to speak, their differences lie in the ways they are located.

So when you order a cuff at a jewellery store, you are specifying the type of bracelet you want to buy. The dimensions of a cuff greater than those of any other type of bracelet. This is generally larger in size than conventional bracelets. And they are used on the upper part of the wrist, that is, on the forearm, hence its name. A larger surface area was provided to improve grip and adherence to this part of the arm.

Confusion between carat and karat

Many believe that it is a matter of spelling and fall into this confusion. These terms, which are pronounced the same but are spelled differently, have two different meanings and applications.

The word karat with “K” refers to a unit that helps measure the purity of precious metals. This is why we see it in metals such as gold, when they refer to its purity. For example, 24 karats (24 K) gold has a purity of 99.9%. While the 12 karat (12 K) has 50% purity, that is, the less karat the less pure is the gold. This term is not approved by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) since it does not come from kilo. However, it is still used in jewellery.

On the other hand, the carat with “C” is defined as the weight of the precious stones. It is a unit to express how much pearls, diamonds, emeralds, among other gems, weigh. Refers to the metric carat, representing one fifth of a gram (200 milligrams).

We hope we can shed some light on these confusions in jewellery that are so common. Share this article so that others can also learn a little more about these terms of jewellery.

ALFA