Glossary
The jewelry rendering glossary
Every term a jeweler runs into when ordering product images, explained without the jargon. If a word on your quote or your CAD file does not make sense, it is in here.
61 terms
22 termsCAD & RenderingFile formats, 3D terms, and the rendering words that appear on quotes and delivery notes.7 termsJewelry MakingHow a design becomes a physical piece, from master model to finished casting.15 termsGemstone & DiamondGrading, cuts, and stone types, the vocabulary a render has to get right.13 termsMetal & SettingGolds, platings, and the settings that hold stones in place.4 termsEcommerce & MarketingThe selling side: listings, catalogs, and the numbers buyers track.
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A
Alpha ChannelAn extra layer in an image file that stores transparency, used for cutout PNG images.Read the definitionAnti-AliasingA rendering setting that smooths out jagged edges in a 3D image.Read the definitionAverage Order Value (AOV)The average amount a customer spends per order in a store.Read the definition
B
Bezel SettingA metal rim that wraps fully around a gemstone to hold it in place.Read the definitionBirthstoneA gemstone linked to a person's birth month, used often in personalized jewelry.Read the definitionBlender SoftwareFree, open source 3D software that models jewelry and renders it in the same program.Read the definitionBrillianceThe white light a diamond reflects back to the eye.Read the definition
C
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)Software used to design jewelry on a computer before it is made or rendered.Read the definitionCarat WeightA unit that measures how much a diamond or gemstone weighs, not its size.Read the definitionChannel SettingStones set in a row between two metal walls, with no metal showing between stones.Read the definitionClarity GradeA score showing how many small marks or inclusions are inside a diamond.Read the definitionColor GradeA letter score from D to Z showing how colorless a diamond is.Read the definitionCubic ZirconiaA man made, low cost stone often used as a diamond substitute.Read the definitionCushion CutA square or rectangular cut with rounded corners, like a soft pillow shape.Read the definitionCut GradeA score showing how well a diamond is shaped to reflect light.Read the definition
E
ElectroformingA process that builds up a thin metal shell over a shape using electric current.Read the definitionEmerald CutA rectangular cut with step like facets, known for a clear, glassy look.Read the definitionEnamel (Jewelry)Colored glass powder fused onto metal with heat to add color and pattern.Read the definitionEngravingCutting text or a pattern into metal, often used for names, dates, or logos.Read the definition
F
FiligreeFine, twisted metal wire work shaped into lace like patterns.Read the definitionFindings (Jewelry)Small functional parts like clasps, jump rings, and earring backs used to finish a piece.Read the definitionFire (Gemstone Term)The flashes of rainbow color a diamond shows when light passes through it.Read the definition
H
HallmarkA small stamp on jewelry that shows metal purity or the maker.Read the definitionHalo SettingA ring of small stones circling a center stone to make it look bigger.Read the definitionHDRI (High Dynamic Range Image)A wide range lighting image used to light a 3D scene so metal and stones reflect correctly.Read the definition
L
M
Master ModelThe first finished sample of a design, used to make molds for casting more pieces.Read the definitionMillegrainA row of tiny metal beads added along an edge for a vintage, textured look.Read the definitionMoissaniteA lab made gemstone that looks like a diamond but is a different mineral.Read the definition
N
P
Pave SettingMany small stones set close together so the metal barely shows, like a paved road.Read the definitionPhotorealistic RenderingA 3D image made so real it looks like a photo, not a computer drawing.Read the definitionPolygon MeshA 3D shape made of many small flat faces, usually triangles or squares, joined together.Read the definitionPre-OrderA sales method where customers buy a product before it is made or in stock.Read the definitionPrincess CutA square shaped diamond cut with pointed corners and many facets.Read the definitionProng SettingSmall metal claws that hold a gemstone in place while showing off most of the stone.Read the definition
R
Ray TracingA rendering method that follows light rays to create realistic shadows and reflections.Read the definitionRender FarmA group of computers working together to render 3D images faster.Read the definitionRender Resolution (DPI vs PPI)DPI is print dots per inch, PPI is screen pixels per inch. Both describe image sharpness.Read the definitionRhodium PlatingA thin metal coating added to white gold jewelry to make it shine and resist scratches.Read the definitionRound Brilliant CutThe most common diamond cut, with 58 facets designed for maximum sparkle.Read the definition
S
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)A unique code used to track one specific product variation in a store or catalog.Read the definitionSTEP FileA 3D file format that keeps exact solid geometry, often used to move designs between CAD programs.Read the definitionSTL FileA 3D file format that stores the shape of a jewelry design as a mesh of triangles.Read the definitionSubsurface ScatteringA rendering effect that shows how light passes through a material, used for gemstones.Read the definition
T
Tension SettingA setting where metal pressure alone holds the stone, with no visible prongs.Read the definitionTexture MapAn image file that adds surface detail like color, shine, or roughness to a 3D model.Read the definitionTurntable AnimationA video that rotates a 3D product a full 360 degrees so buyers can see every side.Read the definition
U
V
W
White GoldAlso called 18k white gold, 14k white gold, white gold alloy, palladium white gold, nickel white goldRead the definitionWax ModelA wax copy of a design used to create the mold before metal casting.Read the definitionWireframe ModelA see through outline view of a 3D design, showing only its edges and structure.Read the definition
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