The Ajediam Glossary

V-prong Setting is a type of setting for gemstones that uses V-shaped prongs to secure the stone, offering both stability and an elegant and contemporary aesthetic.

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) denotes that a gemstone has minuscule inclusions visible only under 10x magnification, indicating exceptional clarity.

Vachon Setting is a distinctive style for setting gemstones in jewelry, known for its secure and stylish prong arrangement that enhances the overall visual appeal.

The Vallum diamond is a rare and exquisite gemstone, prized for its exceptional clarity and brilliance. Mined from specific regions renowned for producing high-quality diamonds, it is often sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine gemstones.

Valuation is the comprehensive process of determining the monetary value of jewelry, considering factors like gem quality, craftsmanship, and market demand.

Van Cleef & Arpels is a prestigious jewelry house founded in 1896, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and iconic designs. With a rich history of creating timeless pieces, the brand seamlessly blends innovation with classic elegance, making it a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the world of jewelry design.

Vanadium is a trace element found in some gemstones, influencing their coloration, often resulting in shades of blue, green, or yellow, depending on its presence.

A Vanner is a device used in mineral processing, employing the principles of gravity separation to separate valuable minerals from ore, crucial in the mining industry.

The Vargas President Diamond is a notable gem distinguished by its unique color and substantial carat weight. Originating from a specific mine, this diamond holds historical significance and is often associated with prominent figures and important events in the realm of gemology.

Variety in gemology refers to the existence of different types within a gemstone species, showcasing a range of colors, inclusions, and optical characteristics.

Variscite, a greenish mineral with unique patterns, is favored in jewelry for its interesting color and natural beauty. Its relative softness makes it suitable for carving and cabochon settings, allowing artisans to create distinctive pieces with this captivating gemstone.

Reinhold Vasters, a skilled jeweler and metalworker active in the 19th century, is celebrated for his intricate and detailed craftsmanship. His works, reflective of Victorian-era artistry, are highly regarded and collected, showcasing the excellence of jewelry technique during his period.

Jean Vauquer, a notable jeweler and artisan in the late 17th century, contributed significantly to jewelry design and technique. His works, characterized by the styles and trends of the Baroque period, stand as enduring examples of the artistry prevalent during his time.

Vauxhall glass, produced in the 18th century at the Vauxhall glassworks, is recognized for its high-quality craftsmanship. Items crafted from Vauxhall glass, often featuring intricate designs, are sought after by collectors as exemplars of superior jewelry technique from this historical period.

The Venado Beach Treasure refers to a collection of jewelry and artifacts discovered in a coastal area, providing valuable insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the region. The artifacts showcase various jewelry-making techniques, shedding light on the craftsmanship of the past.

In Spanish, Venera refers to a specific type of gem or jewelry item, often associated with cultural significance in traditional ceremonies and celebrations. These pieces, rich in symbolism, hold a special place in the realm of jewel types with cultural and ceremonial connotations.

Venetian Chain is a distinctive chain link pattern in jewelry, characterized by interlocking oval links, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the piece.

Venetian pearls, cultivated in the lagoons of Venice, are renowned for their lustrous quality and unique colors. Traditional cultivation methods, blending craftsmanship and natural processes, result in pearls that hold a distinctive place in the category of jewel types.

Ventifact is a stone shaped by wind abrasion, showcasing unique and often intricate textures carved by natural forces, making them fascinating specimens in mining.

Venture Capital Diamond is a term coined for a large, high-quality diamond, symbolizing a significant investment and potential for substantial returns in the market.

Venus Marina is a term associated with a specific type of jewelry design inspired by maritime themes, featuring elements like shells, pearls, and marine motifs. Reflecting a connection to the sea and coastal aesthetics, this style adds a touch of fashion and style to the world of jewelry.

Venus's-hair stone, a poetic term for a delicate and fibrous mineral, is valued for its intricate patterns. Sometimes used in jewelry for its unique appearance, this gemstone brings a touch of ethereal beauty, adding a distinctive charm to jewelry pieces.

Verdant describes a rich, green color often used to characterize gemstones, representing lush and vibrant hues that contribute to their overall visual allure.

Verdelite is a variety of green tourmaline, prized for its vibrant and varying shades of green, often used in jewelry to add a touch of natural and lively color.

The Vergina Treasure is a historical collection of jewelry and artifacts discovered in the Vergina tombs in Greece. Dating back to the ancient Macedonian period, these treasures provide valuable insights into ancient craftsmanship and aesthetics, making them significant specimens in the realm of antique jewelry.

Vermeil, a jewelry finish where a layer of gold is applied to sterling silver, creates a luxurious and affordable alternative to solid gold. Combining the beauty of gold with the durability of silver, this metallurgical technique is widely appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and accessibility.

Verneuil Process is a method for creating synthetic gemstones, involving the flame fusion of powdered minerals to produce gem-quality crystals for various applications.

The Verneuil furnace, an apparatus invented by Auguste Verneuil, is a flame fusion device used to synthesize gemstones. Widely employed in the production of synthetic corundum and other gem materials, this furnace plays a crucial role in modern lapidary processes.

Verre églomisé, a French term, describes a decorative technique where the back of glass is gilded or painted with intricate designs. Used in the creation of elegant glass panels for jewelry and decorative arts, this technique adds a layer of sophistication to jewelry-making practices.

Verroterie Cloisonnée, a French term, denotes a technique where enamel is applied to jewelry using cloisonné wire partitions. This method results in vibrant and detailed designs, adding a touch of color and texture to the piece through meticulous craftsmanship in the realm of jewelry technique.

Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, is a gemstone valued for its diverse range of colors and attractive crystal formations. Often used in jewelry, its name is derived from Mount Vesuvius, where it was first discovered, adding a touch of geological significance to this gemological category.

Maison Vever, founded by Henri Vever, is a prestigious French jewelry house known for its exquisite Art Nouveau and Art Deco creations. Leaving an indelible mark on the history of fine jewelry design, Maison Vever stands as a testament to the elegance and innovation in the realm of jewelry design.

Vibrance measures the intensity of color in a gemstone, capturing its vivid and lively visual appeal, a crucial factor in assessing gem quality.

Vibrating jewelry incorporates small mechanisms that create subtle movements, adding a dynamic element to the piece. These innovative designs aim to enhance the sensory experience of wearing jewelry.

Commesso jewelry featuring Queen Victoria was a distinctive style popular during the Victorian era. These pieces often depicted Queen Victoria herself, showcasing the prevalent themes of that time.

The Victoria-Transvaal Diamond is a remarkable gem, renowned for its substantial size and historical significance. This diamond has a rich history, making it a notable piece in the world of gemology.

Victorian Revival refers to jewelry made in a style reminiscent of the Victorian era, incorporating design elements and motifs from the 19th-century aesthetic.

The Victorian cut is a specific diamond cut characteristic of the Victorian era. It is known for its unique shape and facets, reflecting the design aesthetics of the Victorian period.

Jewelry produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), often characterized by romantic and intricate designs. Victorian jewelry reflects the sentiments and styles prevalent during that historical period.

Viennese turquoise refers to turquoise jewelry crafted in Vienna, known for its exceptional quality and vibrant color. These pieces often showcase the skillful craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of Viennese jewelers.

Viking jewelry is characterized by intricate metalwork and symbols of Norse mythology. Crafted by the Vikings, these pieces often carry cultural and symbolic significance, reflecting the artistry of this ancient civilization.

Villanovan fibulae are ancient brooches from the Villanovan culture, an archaeological term representing a distinctive style of fibulae associated with this ancient Italian culture. These artifacts provide insights into Villanovan craftsmanship and adornment practices.

A vinaigrette is a small container in which a scented substance is kept, often attached to a chatelaine or worn as a pendant. These containers were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and were used to carry aromatic substances.

Vinayak Diamond is a specific cut for diamonds, featuring a unique arrangement of facets that enhances brilliance and provides a distinctive and eye-catching look.

Vintage Cut refers to a style of diamond cutting popular in the past, featuring unique facets and proportions that give diamonds a distinctive and nostalgic appearance.

Vintage Jewelry encompasses pieces that are at least 20 years old, often reflecting the distinctive styles of past eras in their design and craftsmanship.

Vintage-Inspired refers to new jewelry crafted in the style of a past era, combining nostalgic design elements with modern craftsmanship for a timeless and unique look.

Violan(e) is a type of purple glass used in antique jewelry. This distinctive glass contributes to the unique aesthetic of antique pieces, adding a touch of color and elegance to jewelry designs.

Rings featuring symbols or images of the Virgin Mary, often carrying religious significance. Virgin Mary's Rings are cherished for their spiritual meaning and are worn as expressions of faith and devotion.

Virtuous stones are gemstones believed to have moral or spiritual significance, often used for talismans. In various cultures, these stones are thought to bring positive attributes and protection to the wearer.

Vitreous lustre is a characteristic of gemstones describing their shiny, glass-like appearance when polished. This lustrous quality enhances the visual appeal of gemstones, contributing to their overall beauty and desirability.

Vivid is a term used in gemology to describe intense and saturated colors in gemstones, signifying a high level of chromatic brilliance and visual impact.

The Vix treasure is an archaeological find of a rich burial site in Vix, France, containing a variety of artifacts. Dating back to the Iron Age, this treasure provides valuable insights into the material culture and burial practices of the ancient Celts.

Volcanic Glass, like obsidian, is formed by volcanic activity and is prized for its unique beauty, smooth texture, and often dark and glossy appearance.

Volute is a design motif in jewelry characterized by a spiral or scroll-like pattern, adding a sense of fluidity and grace to the overall aesthetic of the piece.

Vorobyevite is a rare mineral often found in gemstones, known for its unique crystal structure. Gemologists and mineral enthusiasts value vorobyevite for its rarity and distinctive visual characteristics.

Vortex Faceting is a specialized faceting technique for gemstones, creating intricate and captivating patterns that resemble swirling vortex-like formations.

Vortex Inclusions are a specific type of internal flaw in gemstones, resembling tiny whirlpools or swirls, impacting the gem's transparency and overall quality.

Votive crowns are crowns made as offerings or votive objects, often associated with religious or ceremonial practices. These crowns symbolize devotion and are significant artifacts in the context of religious rituals and cultural traditions.

Vulcanite, an early rubber substitute used in antique jewelry, is a dark and durable material that gained popularity in the Victorian era for mourning jewelry.