Glossary – G

Gallery

Gallery describes stamped or patterned wire or strips with a repeated design that is sometimes inspired by antiquity. There are two types of gallery: open (upstanding parts on one side that can shape around a stone) and closed (used in borders).
Garnet

Garnet is a group of colored minerals with a common crystal structure and similar (but not exact) chemical composition. The main garnet groups include pyrope, almandite, spessartite, grossularite, andradite and uvarovite. On Mohs’ scale of hardness, garnet is 6.5-7.5. This wide-ranging family of gemstones covers virtually color and is found all around the world. (See Garnet Facts.) (Note: Sources listed in order of primary and secondary deposits.)
Gem

Most gemstones are actually mineral crystals (except for non-mineral gems like pearls, coral and amber). Mineral crystals form through a naturally occurring combination of chemicals, heat and/or pressure. These chemicals affect the shapes and colors of the crystals. Most mineral crystals are tiny, but a few can be cut into gemstones of rare beauty. The three chief characteristics that qualify a mineral crystal as a gemstone and help determine its value are durability, beauty and rarity.
Girdle

A faceted stone can be divided into an upper and lower section. The upper section or top is referred to as a crown. The lower section is referred to as a pavilion. The perimeter where both parts meet is referred to as a girdle. The flat plane on top of the stone is called a table, and the bottom point (when present) is referred to as a culet.

Gold

Treasured for its warm sensuous glow, gold is the most beloved of all metals. Its versatility and ductile nature has made gold the perfect medium for countless artisans and craftsman throughout the ages. For thousands of years, gold has been shaped into jewelry, ornaments, into religious icons and talismans and currency. Gold in its purest state is referred to as 24 karat gold. This is normally too soft for use in jewelry wear, so jewelers will mix gold with an alloy to harden it. (See 10 karat, 12 karat, 14 karat, 18 karat and 24 karat.)
Golden Beryl

Golden Beryl is from the Beryl family of gemstones. It exhibits a range of yellow from lemon-yellow to golden-yellow. On Mohs’ scale of hardness, golden beryl is 7.5-8. It has a vitreous luster and primary sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. (See Beryl Facts.) (Note: Sources listed in order of primary and secondary deposits.)
Gold Filled

Gold filled refers to the mechanical process of applying two thin gold sheets to core metal such as nickel. To qualify as “gold filled” the amount of gold must be at least 1/20 of the total weight.
Gold Plated

Gold plated refers to an item with a layer at least 10 karat gold bonded to a base metal.
Gold Tone

Jewelry finished with a gold color.
Golden Beryl

The colors of yellow beryl range from pale lemon to rich gold. Beryl with lush golden hues is sometimes referred to as heliodor.
Golden Finish

Jewelry with no actual gold content but finished with a gold look.
Gram Weight

The metal weight of a jewelry piece measured in grams.
Goshenite

Goshenite stones are colorless gemstones from the Beryl family. On Mohs’ scale of hardness, goshenite is 7.5-8. It has a vitreous luster and primary sources include Massachusetts (Goshen), Brazil, China, Canada, Mexico, Russia and the United States. (See Goshenite Facts.) (Note: Sources listed in order of primary and secondary deposits.)
Greek Key

This design dating back to ancient Greece, features repetitive, interlocking rectangles. (See image).
Green Gold

Green gold is not a naturally occuring phenomena. The green “color” is produced by mixing 24 karat gold with a blend of silver, copper and zinc.
Grooved

A long row or channel cut formed in a line on a jewelry piece.
Grossular

Grossular gemstones are a species within the Garnet family. This species includes several significant gem varieties such as hessonite, tsavorite, leuco garnet, and hydrogrossular. On Mohs’ scale of hardness, it is 3.57 – 3.73. For color and sources, see individual gemstones. (See Grossular Facts.) (Note: Sources listed in order of primary and secondary deposits.)
Guard Chain

Fastening to a clasp on a bracelet or wristwatch band, the guard chain keeps charms or ornaments safe from falling in case the clasp accidentally comes undone.