Orient
The characteristic sheen of fine natural and cultured pearls.

 Palladium
A white precious metal belonging to the platinum group, it weighs a little more than half as much as platinum and sells for half the price.

Pampilles
A cascade of pendant stones; popular in Georgian jewelry and meant to look like rain drops.

Parure
A suite of matching jewelry usually four or more pieces, a necklace, bracelets, earrings and belt or brooch.

Passamenterie
Jewelry inspired by furniture trimmings such as cording.

Paste
A high content leaded glass which is faceted to imitate diamonds or backed with colored foils to imitate other gemstones. Also known as strass after Frederic Strass who invented this method in the 18th Century.

Patina
Discoloration that forms on metals such as silver and bronze but often planned for in the artist’s design, can also be introduced artificially by use of chemicals.

Pavé Setting
A stone setting technique whereby the entire surface of a jewel is covered or paved with closely set stones.

Pavilion
The lower part of a cut gemstone below the girdle.

Pendaloque
A type of pear shaped or tear drop gemstone faceted as a brilliant cut and suspended from a smaller stone which is usually separated by a bow or other motif.

Pietra Dura
Mosaic of semi-precious stones set into a floral pattern of black marble or onyx, also known as a hard stone mosaic.

Pinchbeck
A gold simulant, invented circa 1720 by Christopher Pinchbeck, which is comprised of a mixture of copper and zinc.

Piqué
Tortoiseshell or horn which is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, silver or gold.

Planishing
A hammering process done to give a smoother finish to a piece of metal.

Platinum
A non-corrosive silver white metal, which is heavy and has a high tensile strength.

Plique à jour
An enameling technique in which the design is outlined in metal and filled with a transparent enamel, after firing the metal backing is removed creating a stained glass window effect. Popular with the Art Nouveau jewelers.

Pomander
A pendant scent case.

Posy Ring
A ring engraved with a verse.