Cluster
Cluster jewelry groups several small gemstones closely together so they read as one larger, eye-catching stone. It’s a popular way to get a big look at a lighter price. Shop cluster rings and cluster earrings.
Jewelry Basics
Types, Styles & More
New to fine jewelry or brushing up on the basics? Learn the main jewelry types, styles, chains, cuts and clasps, plus simple care tips, so you can choose your next piece with confidence.
SHOP NOWExplore the types of jewelry
From timeless classics to modern favorites, learn the main types of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
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Cocktail
Cocktail jewelry is big, bold and made to be noticed. Designs center on a large statement stone, often framed by smaller accent stones, and are perfect for evenings and special occasions.
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Fashion
Fashion jewelry, also called costume jewelry, is made from affordable base metals with imitation, simulated or lower-cost stones. It’s an easy way to try new trends without a big investment.
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Engagement
A traditional bridal set pairs an engagement ring with a wedding band. Engagement rings usually feature a diamond, though colored gemstones and birthstones are increasingly popular. The wedding band is designed to sit snugly beside the engagement ring for a matched, finished look.
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Vintage
Timeless beauty with a story.
Vintage-style jewelry celebrates past eras such as the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco periods rather than copying them. Expect ornate details: intricate metalwork, halo and pavé settings, side stones and milgrain (tiny beaded edging).
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Classic
Always in style, always elegant.
Classic jewelry isn’t tied to any one era. It balances traditional elegance with modern simplicity, so it never looks dated. Solitaire rings, three-stone settings, princess-cut stones and baguette accents are signature examples.
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Modern
Bold looks for today’s trends.
Modern jewelry uses sleek, creative settings and unexpected shapes. Look for channel, tension, bezel and flush settings, open shanks, geometric lines and bold stone placement.
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Minimalist
Simple design, maximum impact.
Minimalist jewelry is all about clean lines, slim profiles and small, understated stones. Think thin bands, delicate chains, small studs and huggie hoops: easy to wear every day and simple to layer or stack.
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Artisan
Unique, handcrafted pieces.
Artisan crafted jewelry pairs skilled handwork with rare and exotic gemstones. Each piece is made by hand, so no two are exactly alike.
Chain types
Learn the most common chain styles used in necklaces and bracelets.
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Rope
Links twisted together in a spiral pattern that catches the light from every angle, bold on its own or paired with a pendant.
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Franco
Tightly interlocked V-shaped links woven on four sides create a heavy, durable chain that resists kinking & pairs well with heavier pendants
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Tulang
A Bali-inspired chain named after the Indonesian word for "bone," with intricately woven links and a rounded, textured finish.
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Byzantine
Interlocking rings folded into an ornate, rope-like pattern with rich texture. Also known as the king's chain or birdcage chain.
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Oval
Elegant and versatile, with an elongated shape that makes fingers look longer and slimmer.
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Heart
A romantic shape that makes a meaningful gift for anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.
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Cushion
Square or rectangular with soft, rounded corners and a warm, vintage glow.
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Trillion
A bold triangular cut that shines as a center stone or as a matching pair of side stones.
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Pear
A graceful teardrop that’s especially flattering in pendants and drop earrings.
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Octagon
An eight-sided step cut with clean lines and broad, mirror-like flashes of light.
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Lobster Claw
A spring-loaded lever closes a claw-shaped hook. One of the most secure clasps for everyday wear.
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Toggle
A bar slides through a ring and rests across it. Easy to fasten and decorative enough to show off.
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Tab Insert (Box Clasp)
A flat tab clicks into a box, often with an extra safety latch. Common on tennis bracelets.
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Folding Clasp
A hinged piece folds over and snaps shut for a secure, low-profile closure.
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S-Hook
An S-shaped hook that slips into a ring or link. Simple and decorative, best for lighter pieces.
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Hook-and-Eye
A simple hook catches a loop on the other end. Easy to use on lightweight designs.
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Fishhook
A hook tucks inside a decorative casing and locks in place. A traditional choice for pearl strands.
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Barrel
Two tube-shaped halves screw together for a streamlined, secure finish.
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Side Lock
A tube slides and locks into place, keeping multiple strands neatly aligned.
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Push Back (Post)
The most common back. A small butterfly back slides onto a stud’s post and holds it by friction.
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Screw Back
Twists onto a threaded post for extra security; ideal for valuable studs.
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Lever Back
A hinged lever snaps closed against the ear wire. Comfortable and secure for drop earrings.
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Hinged Back
A hinged post swings into a catch on the hoop for a smooth, secure closure.
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French Wire / Fish Hook
A curved wire passes through the ear. Light and simple; add a rubber stopper for extra hold.
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Disk & Rubber Backs
Soft silicone or disk backs that add grip and help heavier studs sit upright.
The parts of a ring
Learn the key parts of a ring, including the head, prongs, shoulder and shank, so you can compare designs and shop with confidence.
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Head
The top of the ring that holds the setting and center stone.
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Center Stone
The main gemstone or diamond and the focal point of the design.
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Side Stone
Smaller stones set beside the center stone to add sparkle and size.
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Prong
Small metal claws that grip the stone and hold it securely in place.
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Shoulder
The upper sides of the band where the shank meets the head, often set with accent stones.
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Shank
The band that wraps around your finger.
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Gallery
The open metalwork beneath the head, visible from the side, that supports the setting and lets in light.
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Hallmark/Engraving
A stamp inside the band showing metal purity, such as 925 for sterling silver or 10K for gold, or a personal engraving.
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Sizing Area
The bottom of the band, where a jeweler can resize the ring.
How to clean your jewelry
Keep your jewelry shining with three simple steps that work for most rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
Pearls, opals, turquoise, emeralds and other porous or treated stones need gentler care. Check the cleaning guide before soaking.
Jewelry basics, answered
Quick answers to the most common jewelry questions.
For everyday wear, simple pieces like stud earrings, huggie hoops, thin chains and minimalist rings work best. For the office, choose understated classics such as pearl studs, a small pendant or a slim bracelet. Evenings and parties call for bolder looks like cocktail rings, drop earrings and statement necklaces. For engagements and weddings, solitaire rings, bridal sets and tennis bracelets are traditional favorites, while birthstone and heart-shaped jewelry make thoughtful gifts.
The most common chain types are rope, cable, curb, Figaro, box, snake, herringbone, rolo, wheat, Byzantine and paper clip. Box, rolo and cable chains are sturdy enough for most pendants, snake and herringbone chains have a smooth, sleek finish that looks best worn alone, and Figaro and rope chains make a bold statement on their own. Learn more about types of chains.
A rope chain is made of small links twisted together in a spiral, so it looks like a real rope. The twisted pattern catches light from many angles, giving it more shine than most flat chains. Rope chains are strong and flexible, so they work as a statement piece on their own or as a support for a heavier pendant. Diamond-cut rope chains add extra facets to each link for even more sparkle.
Fine jewelry is made from precious metals such as gold, platinum or sterling silver and set with genuine or lab-grown gemstones, so it’s built to last for years. Fashion jewelry uses affordable base metals with imitation or lower-cost stones, making it ideal for trying trends without a big investment.
Use a ring sizer, or measure the inside diameter of a ring that already fits the same finger and compare it with a ring size chart. Measure at the end of the day at room temperature, when fingers are at their largest. A well-fitting ring slides over the knuckle with slight resistance and doesn’t spin freely. For wide bands, consider going up a half size, since they fit more snugly.
The 18-inch princess length is the most popular because it sits at the collarbone, flatters most necklines and suits most pendants. For layering, pair it with a 16-inch choker or a 20–24-inch matinee chain.
Lobster claw clasps are among the most secure for everyday wear, because a spring-loaded lever keeps them firmly closed. Tab insert (box) clasps with an extra safety latch are a top choice for tennis bracelets and other valuable pieces, and barrel and folding clasps also give a secure, low-profile finish. S-hooks and hook-and-eye clasps are best kept for lighter jewelry.
Screw backs are the most secure option for stud earrings, because the back twists onto a threaded post and won’t slip off easily, which makes them ideal for valuable studs. For drop earrings, lever backs are very secure, since the hinged lever snaps shut against the ear wire. Adding a disk or rubber back to push backs or French wires gives extra grip.
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