Glossary – I
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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Inclusion
A particle of foreign matter within a mineral that inhibits the flow of light and may affect the appearance of the stone. Many inclusions decrease the value of a stone but some are prized as they are the cause of extraordinary phenomena such as star sapphires or tiger eye quartz.
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Inlay
A decorative element or material embedded into another surface in such a manner that it is flush with the surface.
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Insert or Insert Ring
A ring meant to add versatility and embellish a solitaire ring. An insert has two rows of diamonds with a gap between them to accommodate the solitaire ring when slipped into the insert.
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Invisible Set
A grooved setting that holds the stone(s) in such a manner that the setting itself can’t be seen.
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IP-Plating
In the IP-plating process, color is fused to the base metal in a controlled vacuum environment. This method enriches the jewelry with color that is fashionable and long lasting. However this does not mean that the IP-plating will never exhibit wear and tear at some point. It will scratch if exposed to sharp objects or rough surfaces.
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IPC-Plating
IPC-Plating is a new patented special coating of iron power which is lead, nickel and cadmium free.
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IPG-plated
Ion plating process used to place hard metal coatings onto jewelry metals.
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Iridescence
Play of color over the surface of a pearl as interference divides white light into its component colors.
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Irish
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Italian Murano Glass Beads
Made on the tiny island of Murano, just off the coast of Venice, Italy.