Glossary of Jewelry Terms
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Nacre: The shiny, iridescent substance secreted by a mollusk as a response
to an irritant, like a piece of sand. Over time layers of nacre build up to
become a pearl.
Naja (or "Najah") (pronounced Na-Ha): From the Navajo word "Najahe",
meaning "crescent": A crescent-shaped silver ornament believed to
go back to Moorish designs that was originally a forehead pendant on horse
bridles. It is now commonly found pendant from the bottom of a squash blossom
necklace. (see also "Squash Blossom")
Navette cut: Alternate name given to the marquis cut. See "marquis cut".
Niello: A black metallic alloy of sulfur, copper, silver, or lead, used as
inlay for an incised design on the surface of another metal. Niello refers
to both the substance and the process.
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