L

 Lace Brooch
Small brooch usually set with diamonds, worn in the later 19th Century.

Lapidary
A craftsperson who cuts, facets, engraves and polishes gemstones.

Lavaliere
A chain from which an ornament or gemstone hangs in the center.

Locket
A jewel which opens on a hinge.

Lost Wax Method
The method of casting metal that uses a rubber mold, which is filled with wax to form a pattern from which a plaster mold is made. The plaster is heated and the wax melts away or is “lost”.

Mabe Pearl
A cultured blister pearl.

Marcasite
An iron ore material, pyrite, that is facetted into rose cuts and set into silver or pewter jewelry.

Marquise Cut
A stone cut in an oval with pointed ends or a boat-shaped stone.

Mélange
Term for mixed diamond sizes weighing more than carat.

Mélée
Classification used in the sorting of diamonds weighing less than carat.

Mellon Bead
A hollow and ribbed bead popular in the Etruscan period and in the 1930’s.

Memento Mori
Jewel that is a reminder of death.

Memorial jewel
Jewel that is made in memory of a loved one, often containing hair from that person and frequently decorated with enamel.

Micro Mosaic
Mosaic of very small colored glass pieces (Tessa Rae) inlaid in glass or hard stone.

Milanese Chain
Chain consisting of interwoven rows of small links forming a mesh.

Millefiori
Glass ornamentation made from canes of colored glass that are layered, and sliced to form patterns, flowers or mosaic effects.

Millegrain
A decorating style creating a fine bead like effect around the edge of a metal collet; popular in the Edwardian and Belle Époque periods.

Minaudière
The name for a woman’s small hard vanity case or handbag, usually metal or wood, which is held in the hand.

Mississippi River Pearls
Irregularly shaped pearls, usually elongated.

Mizpah Ring
A broad gold ring engraved with the word MIZPAH, meaning “I will watch over thee”, popular during the Victorian period.

Mother of Pearl
The smooth iridescent interior lining of the shells of certain mollusks.

 Negligee
A long necklace that usually terminates in irregular length with tassels or drops.

Niello
An inlay technique in which the grooves made in silver or gold are made black in color by the use of a composition of metal sulfides.