Jewelry Wiki: All about Jewelry and Materials

Aramat Jewels' jewelry wiki is the complete Dutch encyclopedia on jewelry, gemstones, materials, and piercings. Here you'll find reliable explanations of what a gemstone means, which material is suitable for nickel allergies, and the names of various chain patterns — from jasseron to figaro. What's the difference between stainless steel and silver? Which gemstone suits me? How much does a helix piercing cost? You'll find the answers in our jewelry wiki.

Popular Jewelry Types

Below you will find a list of popular jewelry ranging from bracelets and earrings to various types of piercings. Each of these jewelry items has its own unique characteristics and meaning.

Bracelet
A piece of jewelry worn around the wrist, available in various styles such as leather, metal, and charm bracelets.

Ash Jewelry
Jewelry that contains a small amount of cremated remains of a deceased person.

Ash Pendant
A pendant in which a small amount of cremated remains of a deceased person is kept.

Ash Bracelet
A bracelet incorporating the ashes of a loved one.

Ash Charm
A charm that can be filled with the ashes of a deceased person.

Ball Closure Ring (BCR)
A round ring with a small ball as a closure, often used in piercings.

Barbell Piercing
A straight metal bar with a ball at both ends. Commonly used for tongue, ear, and nipple piercings.

Charm Bracelet
A bracelet to which charms can be added.

Charm Necklace
A necklace designed to hold various charms.

Brooch
A decorative piece of jewelry pinned onto clothing.

Choker
A short necklace that fits tightly around the neck.

Clip-on Earrings
Earrings that can be worn without ear piercings.

Cluster Earrings
Earrings with a cluster of gemstones or pearls.

Cuff Bracelet
A wide, rigid bracelet worn around the wrist or upper arm.

Threader Earrings
Earrings that are pulled through the earlobe, with a minimalist design.

Drop Earrings
Teardrop-shaped earrings. Elegant and refined.

Ear Climber Earrings
Earrings that ascend along the edge of the ear.

Ear Cuff
An ear adornment that clips onto the ear without a piercing.

Anklet
A delicate chain worn around the ankle.

Fake Plug Piercing
An earring that looks like a plug but is suitable for regular earring holes.

Necklace
A decorative chain worn around the neck in various lengths, materials, and designs.

Necklace Pendant
A pendant for a necklace, from symbols to initials or gemstones.

Helix Piercing
A piercing in the cartilage rim of the ear.

Hoop Earrings
Round earrings, from small and subtle to large and striking.

Huggie Earrings
Small, thick hoop earrings that fit snugly around the earlobe.

Industrial Piercing
A double ear piercing connected by a straight bar.

Infinity Necklace
A necklace with an infinity symbol representing eternal love or friendship.

Jasseron Chain
A chain with round links, often used for charm necklaces or as a classic necklace.

Pendant
A pendant for a necklace, from symbols to initials or gemstones.

Letter Necklace
A necklace with a central letter. Popular as a gift.

Labret Piercing
A piercing below the lip or in the ear, adorned with a stud or ring.

Body Chain
A decorative chain worn around the body, often around the waist or hips.

Lip Piercing
A piercing on or around the lips, adorned with studs, rings, or barbells.

Cufflinks
Decorative fasteners for shirt cuffs.

Locket
A pendant that can be opened to hold a photo or keepsake.

Nose Piercing
A piercing in the nostril, adorned with a stud or ring.

Nose Stud
A small, subtle stud in the nostril.

Nose Ring
A small ring through the nostril in various sizes.

Nickel Allergy
A contact allergy where the body overreacts to nickel in jewelry.

Earrings
Jewelry worn in or on the ears, from simple studs to large, extravagant designs.

Drop Earrings
Earrings that hang below the earlobe, graceful and elegant.

Hoop Earrings
Round earrings in various sizes. Timeless and versatile.

Stud Earrings
Small, subtle earrings on the earlobe. Perfect for everyday wear.

Post Earrings
Earrings inserted through the ear and secured with a backing.

Pearl Earrings
Earrings adorned with pearls. Classic, elegant, and timeless.

Pearl Necklace
A necklace made of pearls, synonymous with elegance and luxury.

Plug Piercing
A piercing where the earlobe is stretched to wear a plug.

Gemstone Ring
A ring set with one or more gemstones.

Septum Piercing
A piercing through the nasal septum, adorned with a ring or horseshoe.

Bangle Bracelet
A rigid bracelet without a clasp that slides over the hand.

Solitaire Ring
A ring with a single gemstone. Classic symbol of timeless love.

Tennis Bracelet
A slender bracelet set with a row of identical gemstones, often diamonds.

Tongue Piercing
A piercing through the tongue, adorned with a barbell.

Tunnel Piercing
A piercing where the earlobe is stretched for a tunnel-shaped piece of jewelry.

Engagement Ring
A ring given during a marriage proposal, usually set with a diamond or gemstone.

Hypoallergenic Studs
Small, hypoallergenic earrings for long-term wear. Note for nickel allergy: stainless steel may contain traces of nickel.

Piercing Earrings
Earrings inserted with an ear piercing gun during the piercing process.

Jewelry Materials (alphabetical order)

8 Carat Gold
33.3% pure gold. Affordable but not recognized as a precious metal under Dutch Assay Law.

9 Carat Gold
37.5% pure gold. Durable and relatively affordable.

10 Carat Gold
41.7% pure gold. Strong and affordable, with a lighter gold color.

14 Carat Gold
58.5% pure gold. The most popular gold type in the Netherlands.

18 Carat Gold
75% pure gold. Richer color, the luxurious choice for special jewelry.

925 Silver (Sterling Silver)
92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Nickel-free, timeless, and affordable.

E-coat
Protective electro-coating against wear, discoloration, and scratches.

Wooden Jewelry
Natural material for a warm, earthy look. Lightweight and handmade.

Copper Alloy
Combination of copper and other metals (brass, bronze). Note: can turn skin green.

Stainless Steel (316L)
Waterproof, strong, and low in nickel. The most popular choice for everyday jewelry.

Steel (Stainless Steel)
Corrosion-resistant and strong. Popular for its durability and stylish appearance.

Titanium
100% nickel-free, light, and extremely strong. The safest choice for nickel allergy.

Vermeil
Thick layer of gold on sterling silver. More luxurious than standard plating.

Gold Plated
Thin layer of gold on another metal via electroplating. Durability depends on layer thickness.

Zinc Alloy
Light and affordable. May contain nickel — not recommended for nickel allergy.

Chains & Clasps

Anchor Chain: Alternating oval and round links. Strong and classic.

Jasseron: Round links hooked into each other alternately.

Curb Chain: Flat, oval links. The most common link for necklaces.

Box Chain: Square blocks that form a sleek, shiny chain.

Figaro Chain: Alternating short and long links. Italian in origin.

Singapore Chain: Lightly twisted links with a special sparkle.

Snake Chain: Flexible, smooth chain with no visible links.

Foxtail Chain: Braided links. Strong and flexible.

Bamboo Chain: Alternating bead and bar, like a bamboo stick.

Omega Chain: Flat metal plates. Lies perfectly flat on the skin.

Gemstones and Natural Stones (Overview)

Agate: Microcrystalline quartz with layered patterns. Represents protection and balance.

Amethyst: Purple quartz. Represents peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.

Aquamarine: Blue beryl. Represents calmness and communication.

Citrine: Yellow quartz. Represents optimism and energy.

Diamond: The hardest natural substance (Mohs hardness 10). Represents eternity and strength.

Emerald: Green beryl. Represents hope and renewal.

Fluorite: Colorful mineral. Represents clarity and focus.

Garnet: Primarily red. Represents passion and energy.

Jade: Green stone (nephrite or jadeite). Symbol of wisdom and happiness.

Labradorite: Gray stone with flashes of color. Represents transformation.

Moonstone: Feldspar with milky luster. Represents intuition and femininity.

Malachite: Green stone with curved patterns. Represents protection and change.

Mother of Pearl: Inside of shells with iridescent luster. Represents peace and protection.

Rose Quartz: Pink quartz. Represents love, self-care, and friendship.

Sapphire: Blue corundum. Represents wisdom and serenity.

Topaz: Silicate mineral in many colors. Represents clarity and honesty.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ): Synthetic stone with diamond-like brilliance. Nickel-free and affordable.

Gemstones & Minerals Encyclopedia (A–Z)

Want to know more about gemstones, natural stones, their origin, and meaning? Below you will find a complete alphabetical overview of stones and minerals used in jewelry.

A – B

Abalone (Sea-ear / Paua)
A shell with a striking, colorful interior. Its vibrant iridescent colors are used in unique jewelry. Tip: Remove when showering.

AB (Aurora Borealis)
A specific coating on cubic zirconia and crystals that creates a multidimensional, rainbow-like sparkle that changes with the light. Named after the Northern Lights.

Agate
A beautiful striped mineral in various colors and patterns. Known for its grounding properties.

Aegirine
A dark mineral valued for its strengthening properties, especially for personal power and protection against negative energy.

Ajoite
A rare mineral often found in quartz. Promotes love, inner peace, and helps in releasing emotional blockages.

Alabaster
A lightweight, soft rock used in decorative objects and jewelry for its delicate, light appearance.

Alexandrite
A rare gemstone variety of chrysoberyl that changes color depending on the light source (green in daylight, red to purple under artificial light).

Amethyst
A purple quartz stone that promotes peace, inner strength, and spiritual protection. Often used for stress relief.

Amazonite
A blue-green gemstone associated with balance, harmony, and improving communication.

Ametrine
A rare combination of amethyst and citrine. Known for bringing balance, clarity, and positivity.

Andalusite
A protective stone with a play of colors that relieves stress and promotes emotional stability.

Aquamarine
A clear blue gemstone symbolizing courage, communication, and inner peace.

Apophyllite
A clear, lustrous crystal enhancing clarity, intuition, and spiritual connection.

Aventurine
A green quartz stone that attracts luck, prosperity, and positive energy.

Axinite
A brown to violet mineral that promotes grounding, balance, and the strengthening of relationships.

Azurite
A deep blue mineral that stimulates intuition, psychic development, and spiritual growth.

Beryl
A gemstone family that includes emerald and aquamarine. Represents love, creativity, and emotional balance.

Bloodstone
A dark green stone with red flecks, associated with strength, courage, and purification.

Bronzite
A shimmering brown-gold stone that promotes self-confidence, courage, and control over one's life.

C – E

Carnelian
A vibrant orange-red stone that enhances vitality, motivation, and creativity.

Cavansite
A striking blue crystal that promotes communication, intuition, and spiritual insights.

Cerussite
A clear, sparkling mineral that helps embrace change and strengthen focus.

Charoite
A purple crystal that promotes transformation and spiritual growth.

Chalcedony
A bluish stone that promotes calmness and emotional balance.

Chalcopyrite
A golden-colored mineral that enhances inspiration and promotes a sense of abundance.

Chrysoberyl
A gemstone known for its cat's eye effect. Offers protection and stimulates good fortune.

Chrysocolla
A blue-green stone associated with communication, inner strength, and inner peace.

Citrine
A clear yellow quartz that attracts happiness, abundance, and optimism.

Dalmatian Jasper
A unique jasper with a beige base and black spots. Associated with playfulness, joy, and emotional balance.

Diaspore
A rare stone that changes color under different lighting conditions. Symbolizes resilience and adaptability.

Diopside
A green gemstone that promotes creativity and emotional balance.

Dumortierite
A blue crystal that promotes self-discipline, patience, and emotional calm.

Gemstone
A rare and valuable mineral that is cut and polished for jewelry. Examples: diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire. Advice: Remove when showering.

Eudialyte
A red to purple stone that enhances heart energy, love, and emotional healing.

Enstatite
A brown to green stone that supports inner peace and grounding.

F – H

Fluorite
A colorful crystal that enhances mental focus, clear thinking, and protection from negative energy.

Garnet
A deep red gemstone symbolizing energy, passion, and regeneration.

Hematite
A silvery stone that aids in grounding, protection, and strengthening self-confidence.

Heliodor
A golden-yellow beryl that promotes joy, creativity, and self-confidence.

Hemimorphite
A blue-green stone that supports personal growth, self-expression, and communication.

Howlite
A white stone with gray veins that promotes calmness, emotional balance, and patience.

Hypersthene
A dark, iridescent stone that promotes inner peace, clarity, and intuition.

I – L

Iolite
A blue-purple gemstone that supports intuition, vision, and spiritual growth.

Jade
A green gemstone associated with harmony, prosperity, and protection. A symbol of good fortune and health.

Jasper
A protective stone that offers stability and grounding.

Jet
A black fossil that absorbs negative energy and provides protection.

Coral
An organic stone derived from marine organisms, which calms emotions and brings joy. Tip: Coral is porous, remove when showering.

Kunzite
A light pink stone that promotes love, joy, and emotional healing.

Quartz
One of the most common minerals on Earth. Loved for its energy, beauty, and versatility.

Kyanite
A blue crystal that enhances spiritual energy and helps balance emotions.

Labradorite
An iridescent stone that enhances intuition and spiritual protection. Tip: Can be sensitive to water, remove when showering.

Lapis Lazuli
A deep blue stone with golden flecks that promotes wisdom, truth, and spiritual connection.

Larimar
A light blue stone that promotes peace, emotional healing, and clarity.

Lavender Quartz
A rare, light purple quartz that promotes emotional calm and spiritual healing.

Lepidolite
A purple to pink stone that has a calming effect and helps release negative energy.

Llanite
A rare stone with blue and pink spots that combines intuition and logic.

M – O

Moonstone
A milky stone that enhances intuition, feminine energy, and emotional stability. Tip: Sensitive, removing it during showering is recommended.

Malachite
A green stone that symbolizes transformation, personal growth, and protection.

Mineral
A natural, solid substance with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure, formed by geological processes.

Moldavite
A green glassy material, formed by a meteorite impact. Stimulates spiritual growth.

Morganite
A pink beryl that promotes love, joy, and compassion.

Natural Stone
A naturally formed rock used for construction, decoration, and jewelry. Advice: Can be porous, removing when showering is recommended.

Nuummite
A black stone with golden flecks that promotes personal power, protection, and transformation.

Obsidian
Volcanic glass that offers protection and helps release negative energy.

Opal
An iridescent gemstone that promotes creativity, spontaneity, and optimism. Tip: Opal contains water and can dry out and crack — always remove when showering!

Onyx
A black stone that offers protection and strength.

Orthoceras
A fossil of an extinct cephalopod, used in jewelry for its grounding energy.

P – R

Peridot
A bright green stone that attracts happiness, abundance, and positive energy. Tip: Can be sensitive, removing it during showering is recommended.

Petalite
A transparent stone that promotes spiritual growth, emotional healing, and inner peace.

Pietersite
A blue and brown stone that stimulates emotional cleansing and clarity.

Prehnite
A green stone that symbolizes unconditional love and healing.

Pyrite
A golden-colored stone, also called 'fool's gold,' which promotes intellect, creativity, and abundance.

Rhodochrosite
A pink stone that promotes love, joy, and emotional healing.

Rhodolite
A red garnet that symbolizes passion, energy, and devotion.

Rhodonite
A pink stone that supports emotional balance and healing.

Rose Quartz
A soft pink quartz known as the stone of love. Promotes self-love, compassion, and emotional healing.

Smoky Quartz
A brown to black quartz that offers grounding and protection.

S – T

Sapphire
A precious, blue gemstone that symbolizes wisdom, truth, and protection. Advice: Better to remove when showering.

Scheelite
A rare mineral that promotes creativity, clarity of mind, and intellectual growth.

Schorl
A black tourmaline that promotes protection, grounding, and warding off negative energy.

Septarian
A fossilized stone with unique patterns that aids in personal growth and grounding.

Seraphinite
A green stone with feather-like patterns, associated with spiritual enlightenment and self-healing.

Serpentine
A green stone that promotes meditation and spiritual transformation.

Sphene
A rare gemstone that promotes intellectual clarity, creativity, and spiritual growth.

Emerald
A bright green gemstone that symbolizes love, wisdom, and abundance. Tip: Sensitive, removing it during showering is essential.

Sodalite
A deep blue stone that promotes rational thinking, intuition, and self-confidence.

Spessartine
An orange to red garnet that promotes joy, energy, and creative passion.

Spinel
A versatile gemstone that offers protection and promotes renewed energy. Advice: Remove when showering.

Sugilite
A rare purple stone that promotes love, healing, and spiritual wisdom.

Tanzanite
A blue to purple gemstone that stimulates intuition, spiritual enlightenment, and personal transformation. Tip: Soft stone, removing it during showering is crucial.

Thulite
A pink variety of zoisite that promotes joy, passion, and positive energy.

Tiffany Quartz
A purple and white quartz that promotes peace and spiritual healing.

Tiffany Stone
A rare purple stone that promotes intuition, communication, and spiritual growth.

Tiger's Eye
A golden-brown stone that offers self-confidence, courage, and protection.

Topaz
A golden-yellow to blue gemstone that promotes happiness, abundance, and self-confidence. Advice: Sensitive, removing it during showering is recommended.

Tourmaline
A versatile gemstone that offers protection, healing, and grounding.

Turquoise
A blue-green stone that promotes healing, communication, and inner peace. Tip: Porous and can discolor from water and soap — always remove when showering.

Tourmalinated Quartz
A combination of quartz and black tourmaline that offers balance and protection.

Tsavorite
A bright green garnet that symbolizes prosperity, healing, and abundance.

U – Z

Unakite
A green-pink stone that promotes emotional healing and balance.

Variscite
A light green stone that promotes peace, hope, and patience.

Fire Agate
An iridescent stone that offers courage, protection, and grounding.

Wulfenite
An orange to red stone that promotes creativity, manifestation, and personal growth.

Cubic Zirconia
A synthetic stone that resembles diamond. Used in jewelry for its brilliance and affordability. Advice: Remove when showering to prevent dullness.

Zircon
A natural mineral that promotes spiritual growth, protection, and clarity. Not to be confused with cubic zirconia. Advice: Remove when showering.

Sunstone
An orange stone that promotes happiness, vitality, and positivity.

Symbols and shapes in jewelry

Infinity (∞)
Represents infinity, eternal love, friendship, and endless possibilities.

Heart
Symbolizes love, affection, and tenderness.

Star
Represents hope, inspiration, and enlightenment.

Round
Represents perfection, unity, and eternity.

Square
Represents stability, structure, and honesty.

Teardrop
Symbolizes purity, emotions, and flowing movement.

Feather
Represents freedom, spiritual growth, and lightness.

Animal
Animal symbols represent strength, protection, loyalty, or freedom, depending on the animal.

Triangle
Represents strength, stability, and change.

Bar
Elongated and sleek — represents simplicity, strength, and elegance.

Moon
Symbolizes feminine energy, mysticism, and change.

Unicorn
Represents magic, purity, and innocence.

Hexagon
Symbolizes harmony, balance, and interconnectedness.

Rectangle
Represents stability, structure, and reliability.

Birthstones by month (cubic zirconia)

Each month has its own birthstone. At Aramat Jewels, birthstones are available as cubic zirconia — nickel-free and affordable.

January — Garnet (dark red)
Symbolizes protection, courage, and passion.

February — Amethyst (purple)
Represents peace and spiritual wisdom.

March — Aquamarine (light blue)
Symbolizes calm and courage.

April — Diamond (transparent)
Represents purity, strength, and love.

May — Emerald (emerald green)
Symbolizes love, success, and growth.

June — Pearl (white/pearlescent)
Represents purity and serenity.

July — Ruby (deep red)
Represents passion and love.

August — Peridot (light green)
Symbolizes joy and protection.

September — Sapphire (royal blue)
Represents wisdom and truth.

October — Tourmaline (light pink)
Represents love and creativity.

November — Topaz (yellow/orange)
Symbolizes joy and abundance.

December — Tanzanite (blue-purple)
Represents serenity and spiritual enlightenment.

Piercings

All About Ear Piercings: From the classic earlobe to the tragus, daith, and conch — including material advice and care tips.

Helix piercing: Piercing in the upper cartilage. Healing takes 6 to 12 months.

Tragus piercing: Piercing in the small cartilage flap in front of the ear canal.

Anti-tragus piercing: Piercing in the cartilage opposite the tragus.

Daith piercing: Piercing through the inner cartilage fold of the ear.

Conch piercing: Piercing in the hollow of the ear.

Industrial piercing: Two piercings connected by a single bar.

Labret piercing: Piercing below the lip or as an ear adornment.

Dermal anchor: Single-point piercing that lies flat on the skin.

Twister piercing: Spiral-shaped piercing jewelry.

Tongweb piercing: Piercing in the web under the tongue.

Navel piercing: Piercing above or below the navel. Healing takes 6 to 12 months.

Tongue piercing: Piercing through the tongue.

Tunnel piercing: Stretched earlobe for tunnel-shaped jewelry.

Piercing stretching: The gradual stretching of a piercing.

Tapers: Tools for stretching piercings, available in nickel-free materials.

Nickel Allergy and Skin-Friendly Jewelry

Nickel allergy and jewelry: Causes, symptoms, and which materials are safe.

Nickel-free jewelry: The safest material choices for sensitive skin.

General Jewelry

Women's jewelry: From studs and hoops to necklaces and rings.

Earrings: Everything about types, materials, and care tips.

Pearls: Types, quality, and real versus synthetic explained.

Amulets: Jewelry worn for protection or luck.

Earrings for children: From what age is it safe? Which materials are suitable?

Themes & Collections

Children's jewelry: Cheerful and safe jewelry for children made of low-nickel steel or 925 silver.

Women's jewelry: The complete collection for women.

Steel jewelry: Waterproof, low-maintenance, and suitable for daily wear.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jewelry

What is the difference between stainless steel and 925 silver?

Stainless steel (316L steel) is waterproof and low-nickel, ideal for daily use. 925 silver is nickel-free and hypoallergenic, but more sensitive to water and sweat.

Which jewelry material is best for nickel allergy?

Titanium is 100% nickel-free and the safest choice. 925 silver and 14/18 carat gold are also good options. Avoid zinc alloys and cheap steel types.

What does 925 mean on a silver piece of jewelry?

925 stands for sterling silver: 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. This is the most common silver alloy for jewelry.

What is the difference between a gemstone and a natural stone?

Gemstones are rare, valuable minerals such as diamond, emerald, and sapphire. Natural stones is a broader term for all stones from nature, including less rare types like agate and howlite.

Which piercing heals the fastest?

An earlobe piercing heals the fastest (6–8 weeks). Cartilage piercings such as helix and tragus take 6–12 months. Navel and industrial piercings can take up to 12 months.