From Carly Wickell,
Your Guide to Jewelry / Accessories.
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Which settings are most durable? Which jewelry clasps are most secure and easiest to manipulate? How long is a choker necklace? A good understanding of jewelry terms and jewelry components makes it so much easier to buy the "right" jewelry when you shop for jewelry online and off.

Choose a Necklace Length

Most necklaces measure one of several standard lengths, but even when lengths vary you can use the standards to help visualize how a necklace will fit.

About Jewelry Clasps

Some clasps are easier to open and close than others and some offer more security. It's easier to choose jewelry when you know how clasps differ.

How to Recognize Jewelry Chains

A photo tour that helps you visualize popular chains that are used to create all types of jewelry.

Popular Gemstone Shapes

Use this gallery based tutorial to preview some of the most popular modern and vintage gemstone cuts.

Setting Basics

The same diamond or other gemstone looks very different when placed in different settings. Get a better feel for the security of different types of settings and see how each type is used:

• How to Choose a Prong Setting

• Photos of Prong Settings

• Visual Tour of Bezel Settings

• Channel Setting Facts and Photos

• Creative Invisible Settings

Choosing Metals

• Platinum Facts and Marks

• Gold Buying Advice

• How to Buy and Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Jewelry Glossary

For definitions of jewelry terms.