GLOSSARY



These are the definitions used by The Jaded Palette, where we take pride in the quality and lineage of our beads and components. They do not necessarily mean the same thing on other websites.

 

A.D. - Anno Domini (common era).

 

Antique - over 100 years old.

 

Ancient - existing prior to the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 C.E.

 

Bali silver - used exclusively for the real thing, handmade in Bali. Usually purer than sterling silver, but never less than .925.

 

B.C.E. – before the common era (also designated by B.C.).

 

C.E. – common era (also designated by A.D.).

 

Fine silver (also known as pure silver, Thai silver or hill silver) – silver that exceeds the U.S. millesimal standard of .925 ranging in purity up to .9999.

 

FW pearls or FWP - fresh water pearls produced by mussels instead of oysters.

 

GF – gold fill: from 14 to 24 karats over a base metal or sterling silver, a much more substantial coating than “gold plate”.

 

SS or ster. – sterling silver, not less than .925 purity.

 

Vermeil – On of the most misused words in the jewelry industry. At The Jaded Palette we use the legal standard, 24 karat gold over sterling silver.

 

Vintage – again, on this website, at least 60 years old.