Turquoise and Diamond Earrings

14KT: Karat (abbreviated kt or K) is a unit that indicates the purity of gold in the metal. 14kt is 58.33% gold. In the United States, 14K yellow gold is most favored and used in jewelry.

YELLOW GOLD: Gold is a precious metal with a natural yellow color. It is quite soft and often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. The purity of the metal is indicated by a unit called a "karat," with 24kt having the highest percentage of natural gold.

LEVER: An earring backing with a hook-shaped insert and a hinged leverback to hold it in place.

Diamond: The hardest and most brilliant of all gemstones, a diamond can make the heart race with its pure and fiery spark. An ancient symbol of love, a diamond is the preferred gemstone for tokens of affection, such as rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Diamond is the birthstone for April.

SINGLE-CUT: A gemstone cutting technique that dates back to the 1300s. Still used today, the single-cut usually features 18 facets that go in one direction without crossing each other.

STABILIZED TURQUOISE: Stabilized turquoise is natural turquoise that has been treated with a clear epoxy, resin, or hardening agent in order to protect the stone's color and prevent it from fracturing.

CABOCHON: A style of cutting gemstones to achieve a smooth, domed surface with an absence of facets.