But can she talk in a common language when it comes to discussing jewelry? Just as with shoes, accessorizing with the right piece of jewelry can make an outfit. To be an educated buyer, you’ve got to know the lingo!

A style of diamond cutting named after famed Dutch diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, which resembles a rectangular or square shaped octagon. This sexy cut has had a recent resurgance of popularity as a unique alternative to the traditional emerald cut.

A popular look for the bold “Right Hand Ring”, this style setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a beautiful larger ring from many smaller stones.

A style of necklace, popular at the turn of the century, in which a neck chain suspends a gem stone or small pendant set with gemstones.

A loupe, pronounced loop, is any small magnifying glass mounted for hand use, that allows the user to take a closer look at a gemstone.

The metal tip or bead that actually holds a stone in place. Traditionally stones are held by four or six prongs. A safety tip … always check your prongs regularly so you do not loose your precious gem! If you take your jewelry to a shop every now and then for a professional cleaning, they can check your prongs at the same time. And don’t forget to keep your insurance riders up to date.