Jewelry Guide

From everyday wear to something special, there is no shortage of jewelry options to express your unique style. There are many things you will need to consider while shopping. Here is a complete breakdown of everything you need to know to be informed while searching for that perfect piece.

Design & Style

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Chain Necklaces

There are many different styles of chains to pick from. Some are designed to be stand-alone pieces, while some are meant to be paired with a charm or pendant. Knowing a chain's attributes are important and will help you shop with confidence.

Chain Length

The ideal chain length depends on a number of factors, including body shape and your outfit of choice. Typically, you want a chain to fall just above the neckline of your outfit. Longer chains allow you to layer your jewelry with shorter chains, which adds texture to your look.

Chain Length

Measurements are approximate.

Types of Chains

Thicker chains are best for everyday wear, while thinner necklaces may have an intricate design and are best saved for special occasions. Here are some popular types of chains and some of their unique characteristics.

  • Cuban

    Links interlock with each other when laid flat.

  • Figaro

    Pattern design of standard links grouped together followed by an elongated link.

  • Mariner

    Oval links with a distinct vertical support at the center of each link to provide added strength.

  • Foxtail

    Links set at 45-degree angles give a distinct pattern and similar in design to a fox's tail.

  • Franco

    Variation to a curb chain that features tightly woven chevron links.

  • Byzantine

    Intricate and closely linked design that is strong but flexible.

  • Paperclip

    Features long, oval or rectangular links that resemble paper clips.

  • Rope

    Oval links designed to appear as if two strands are twisted together.

  • Rolo

    Round or oval symmetrical links help make this chain perfect for hanging charms.

  • Box

    Formed by linking of interconnected six-sided, three-dimensional miniature boxes.

  • Snake

    Tightly linked chain that resembles a snakeskin design.

  • Singapore

    Made from diamond-cut links that are flattened and twisted to give an intense sparkle.

  • Wheat

    Created by braiding four strands of oval and twisted-oval links to resemble an ear of wheat.

Types of Metals

There are a variety of metals in jewelry with different levels of surface luster and other physical characteristics that will keep them shining for years to come.

Selecting a Metal Type

When choosing a metal type, the focus tends to be the difference in price among options. However, certain metals are more durable or hypoallergenic, which are also important to consider.

  • Gold

    Metal of choice throughout history.

    • Brilliant luster

    • Distinct color

    • Does not rust or tarnish

  • Rose Gold

    Combination of 24k gold and copper.

    • Complements gemstones

    • Brilliant luster

    • The most hypoallergenic

  • White Gold

    Resistant to rust and tarnish.

    • Coated in Rhodium

    • Brilliant white luster

  • Platinum

    Strongest of the precious metals.

    • Superior durablity

    • Hypoallergenic

    • Does not tarnish

  • Sterling Silver

    Maintains the white luster of fine silver.

    • Durable

    • 92.5% pure silver

  • Stainless Steel

    Resistant to rust, tarnish and decay.

    • Brilliant white luster

    • Hypoallergenic

  • Titanium

    Lightweight and durable.

    • Corrosion resistance

    • Hypoallergenic

    • Brilliant white luster

  • Tungsten Carbide

    World's hardest metal substance.

    • Scratch resistant

    • Hypoallergenic

    • Lightweight

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewelry offers the distinctive look of gold at a lower price point. It features a base metal or sterling silver core that is covered with a layer of 10k, 14k or 18k gold.

Gold Plated Scale

From gold plated to solid gold.

Gemstones

Gemstones help you express your individual sense of style. Found in a rainbow of vivid hues, gemstone jewelry offers a colorful complement to any outfit in your wardrobe.

Gemstone Types

To pick the perfect gemstone, you should consider quality factors like a stone's color, clarity and shape. Gemstone jewelry provides a personal touch to a vibrant style and is a great way to make a piece of jewelry stand out.

Aquamarine

Part of the beryl family, this stone comes in calming blue-green hues. • March birthstone

Emerald

Member of the beryl family and has green hues ranging from transparent to translucent. • May birthstone

Amethyst

Variation of quartz that comes in a range of hues from pale lavender to deep royal purple. • February birthstone

Citrine

Member of the quartz family that ranges in color from light yellow to deep golden yellow. • November birthstone

Garnet

Comes in all colors except blue, with red being the most common, and ranges from transparent to opaque. • January birthstone

Moissanite

Colorless, lab-created gemstone that radiates vibrant rainbow hues. Often used as a diamond alternative in engagement rings due its remarkable brilliance, durability and affordability.

Opal

Prized for its ability to diffract light and create shimmering, iridescent rainbows. The base color is typically white. • October birthstone

Morganite

Variety of the mineral beryl and is transparent to translucent and most often pink with orange and yellow variations.

Peridot

Also known as olivine, this transparent gem ranges in color from bottle green to olive green. • August birthstone

Pearl

Pearls are produced by mollusks as a natural defense against irritants. These irritants are covered with layers of nacre, resulting in a lustrous and captivating gem. • June birthstone

Ruby

Variety of the mineral corundum that captures captivating hues ranging from vibrant reds with orange or purple overtones. A hard stone that resists scratches. • July birthstone

Sapphire

Variety of the mineral corundum that is known for its blue but can be found in an array of vibrant colors with the exception of red. • September birthstone

Tanzanite

Blue variety of the mineral zoisite with color range from rich blue and violet to softer hues of blue or lilac purple.

Turquoise

Opaque stone that is blue to bluish green in color and often interspersed by veins and marbling. • December birthstone

Topaz

Renowned for its kaleidoscope of color, ranging from traditional blues and green pastels to vivid oranges, reds and purples.

  • Aquamarine

    Part of the beryl family, this stone comes in calming blue-green hues. • March birthstone

  • Emerald

    Member of the beryl family and has green hues ranging from transparent to translucent. • May birthstone

  • Amethyst

    Variation of quartz that comes in a range of hues from pale lavender to deep royal purple. • February birthstone

  • Citrine

    Member of the quartz family that ranges in color from light yellow to deep golden yellow. • November birthstone

  • Garnet

    Comes in all colors except blue, with red being the most common, and ranges from transparent to opaque. • January birthstone

  • Moissanite

    Colorless, lab-created gemstone that radiates vibrant rainbow hues. Often used as a diamond alternative in engagement rings due its remarkable brilliance, durability and affordability.

  • Opal

    Prized for its ability to diffract light and create shimmering, iridescent rainbows. The base color is typically white. • October birthstone

  • Morganite

    Variety of the mineral beryl and is transparent to translucent and most often pink with orange and yellow variations.

  • Peridot

    Also known as olivine, this transparent gem ranges in color from bottle green to olive green. • August birthstone

  • Pearl

    Pearls are produced by mollusks as a natural defense against irritants. These irritants are covered with layers of nacre, resulting in a lustrous and captivating gem. • June birthstone

  • Ruby

    Variety of the mineral corundum that captures captivating hues ranging from vibrant reds with orange or purple overtones. A hard stone that resists scratches. • July birthstone

  • Sapphire

    Variety of the mineral corundum that is known for its blue but can be found in an array of vibrant colors with the exception of red. • September birthstone

  • Tanzanite

    Blue variety of the mineral zoisite with color range from rich blue and violet to softer hues of blue or lilac purple.

  • Turquoise

    Opaque stone that is blue to bluish green in color and often interspersed by veins and marbling.

  • Topaz

    Renowned for its kaleidoscope of color, ranging from traditional blues and green pastels to vivid oranges, reds and purples. • December birthstone

Gemstone Origins

In selecting a gemstone it is essential to understand how your gemstones are mined or made to help ensure the right piece for your purpose, style and budget.

  • Genuine Gemstones

    Natural materials are cut and shaped to create each stone. Some gemstones are much more rare than others.

  • Lab-Created Gemstones

    Created using the same materials and conditions as genuine stones, the controlled production process usually create fewer inclusions.

  • Simulated Gemstones

    Created from less expensive products such as a glass or plastic, these stones are dyed and cut to match the color and look of genuine gemstones.

Care and Maintenance

With all gemstones, avoid rough handling when they are not being worn. Keep jewelry items separate to avoid scratches. Clean with warm, soapy water and gentle brushing.

Ring Sizing

Choosing the correct size ensures that your ring fits comfortably and securely on your finger. Use our ring sizing guide to detemine the perfect size for you.

VIEW SIZING GUIDE

Find Your Perfect Size Ring

When measuring, be sure to allow for any potential swelling due to temperature changes.

VIEW SIZING GUIDE

Diamonds

Diamonds come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, cuts and colors and provide endless beauty as light reflects off them. Knowing the quality factors that make a diamond dazzle will help you choose the right diamond jewelry for you.

The 4 Cs of Diamonds

Much like a snowflake, every diamond is truly unique. All share certain characteristics that help determine a diamond's quality. These are known as the 4 Cs: cut, carat, clarity and color.

  • Cut

    Refers to the arrangement of the stone's facets and the precision of the cuts. This affects how a diamond shines when hit by light. A well-cut diamond reflects light more brightly.

  • Carat

    The unit of measurement for a diamond's weight. Carat weight alone does not determine price. The cut and shape affect how large a stone appears and help determine the value.

  • Clarity

    Measures the purity or the size of internal inclusions and external blemishes. Graded on an eleven-grade scale, from Flawless to Included, the fewer inclusions and blemishes that exist in a diamond the better the clarity grade it will receive.

  • Color

    Color does not refer to what color a diamond is, but instead to the amount of color in the stone. Most diamonds used in jewelry are nearly colorless with faint yellow or bron tints.

Diamond & Gemstone Shapes

A gemstone's shape and setting give each piece a unique look to bring out a stone's optimal sparkle and brilliance. An array of distinct shapes gives you options when choosing the perfect piece for your style.

  • Round

    The fire and brilliance of a round-cut stone make it a breathtaking choice for solitaires and engagement rings.

  • Oval

    Popular choice for longer or more slender fingers. An oval-shaped stone adds a bit more of a distinct look than a round stone.

  • Heart

    Pear-shaped stone with a small cleft at the top to create the heart shape. These stones lend beautiful sparkle to whatever piece they are set in.

  • Cushion

    Combines a square cut with an appearance of rounded corners. This gives it a cushion-like look. Large facets highlight the stone's brilliance and clarity.

  • Pear

    Rounded on one end and a single point on the other. The length of these stones has a slimming effect on the finger.

  • Princess

    Square-shaped cut used to create a unique look and beautiful sparkle that make it a popular choice for engagement rings.

  • Marquise

    Elongated oval with pointed ends. This long and narrow shape make the stone appear bigger than it actually is.

  • Emerald

    Long and rectangular step-cut facets with a large open table. This cut highlights the clarity of the stone.

  • Single

    Round diamond with a simple shape and formed with only 18 facets.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Diamonds produced in a lab are chemically, optically and physically identical to natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds offer numerous benefits such as affordability and environmental sustainability.

  • Authentic Diamonds

    Because lab-grown diamonds are created under similar conditions as mined diamonds, they are visually identical and contain the same chemical properties.

  • Responsibly Sourced

    Lab-grown diamonds are made with clean tech, a process that reduces the environmental impact and doesn't require mining.

  • Better Value

    For the same price, a lab-grown diamond is larger or higher quality than a mined diamond.

Conflict-free Diamonds

Conflict diamonds are illegally-sourced, rough diamonds sold by rebel groups to fund military action against recognized governments. Also known as blood diamonds, conflict diamonds are most often from central and western Africa. Pursuant to Exdup Social Responsible Product Sourcing Policy, Exdup requires our suppliers of diamonds and jewelry to ensure that the merchandise they sell to Exdup meets the requirements of the Clean Diamonds Trade Act, the Kimberley Process certification and that this merchandise does not contain conflict diamonds.

Certification

Some diamonds on Exdup.com may include a diamond certification issued by an independent and impartial gemological laboratory. The certification reports the quality and characteristics of the stone, ensures a diamond is natural and clearly discloses any treatments used to enhance color or clarity. It also includes a diagram of the diamond clearly showing the locations and types of flaws (inclusions) it has.

Body Jewelry

Body piercings are an expression of your personal style. It is essential to consider both aesthetics and anatomy when selecting the right type of body piercing for you. Nose, ear and other facial piercings are some of the more common types of piercings.

Ear

Pierced ears are very common with multiple options to choose from and include unique combinations. The most popular type of ear piercing is the traditional lobe, but you can include cartilage piercings like helix or tragus.

1. Ear Cuff

2. Industrial

3. Forward Helix

4. Snug

5. Tragus

6. Anti-Tragus

7. Inner Lobe

8. Standard Lobe

Nose

The nostril, septum, bridge and septril are all areas that can be pierced safely and comfortably. Each has its own benefits for various aesthetic and cultural purposes. The most popular location is undoubtedly on the side of the nostril.

1. Bridge

2. High Nostril

3. Nostril

4. Septril

5. Septum

Watches

Whether used as a fashion accessory or an everyday tool, there are many types of watches to meet your needs. It's important to understand the various watch components before selecting a watch that fits your needs.

Watch Anatomy

Understanding the parts of a watch will help you choose a watch that is right for you and your lifestyle.

  • 1. Bezel

    2. Dial

    3. Hands

    4. Sub Dial

    5. Date Window

  • 1. Case

    2. Case Back

    3. Band

    4. Buckle

  • 1. Crystal

    2.Pusher

    3. Crown

    4. Lugs

Watch Movements

The movement is a fascinating aspect of a watch and what makes it tick. Offered in a range of technologies, the movement includes all of the inner mechanisms that power the watch and its features.

TYPE Description
Automatic Commonly use a mainspring, which is wound automatically by the wearer’s movement.
Quartz Watch movements that are powered by an oscillator regulated by a quartz crystal to keep time precisely.
Atomic Represent the latest in accuracy and can synchronize themselves with time scales sent via shortwave radio signals.
Chronograph A watch movement that measures elapsed time in hours, seconds and minutes in addition to its regular timekeeping function.

Case Sizing

The size of a watch case can vary greatly among models, ranging from as small as 27 mm to as large as 47 mm. Smaller faces are often more delicate and lightweight. Larger faces typically feature wider straps with more stability and comfort. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and lifestyle habits.

VIEW SIZING GUIDE

Size May Vary

The diameter of a men's watch case usually starts at 35 mm. Women's case sizes typically start at 27 mm.

VIEW SIZING GUIDE