Different Types of Jewellery: A Complete Guide

That’s why we created this comprehensive guide. We’ll break down the different types of jewellery, from rings and anklets to bracelets and earrings. We’ll also dive into the different types of metals, gemstones, and design trends you can expect.

How Many Types of Jewellery Are There?

The list of jewellery types is seemingly endless – let’s break down some of the most common ones.

Types of Gold Jewellery

Gold jewellery is categorized in two ways: karats and colour. Here are some common karat options to expect when shopping for gold jewellery. 

• 18K Gold: 18K gold has 75% gold content, boasting a rich yellow colour and excellent durability. Popular for fine jewellery and heirloom pieces, 18K gold holds its value well.
• 14K Gold: The most popular choice in the US, 14K gold is a good balance between affordability and strength. With 58.3% gold content, it’s perfect for everyday wear and retains a beautiful lustre.
• 9K Gold: The most budget-friendly and durable option, 9K gold contains 37.5% gold. This makes it perfect for pieces that will experience a lot of wear and tear, like bangles or children’s jewellery.

Beyond karats, the type of metal alloyed with gold can also affect its colour.

• Yellow Gold: This is the classic and most common type of gold jewelry. Its warm, sunny hue is due to the natural color of gold itself, sometimes with additional copper or silver in the alloy.
• White Gold: White gold jewellery tends to have a more modern and versatile look. In this type, yellow gold is alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel to achieve a silvery-white colour. White gold is often plated with rhodium for extra shine and to prevent tarnishing.
• Rose Gold: Rose gold jewellery is crafted by mixing yellow gold with copper. The amount of copper affects the intensity of the pink hue, ranging from a soft blush to a bolder rose.

Types of Nose Jewellery

A simple nose pin does the job, but there are many other ways to adorn your nose. Let’s look at the different types of nose jewellery.  

• Nose Studs: Nose studs are the most common type – available in L-shapes, nose screws, and nose bones (straight barbells with small beads to hold them in place). Studs can be simple or adorned with gemstones and decorative tops.
• Nose Rings: Nose rings include simple hoops, captive bead rings (hoops with a removable bead), and segment rings (hinged hoops). 
• Septum Rings: These horseshoe-shaped pieces are worn in the septum piercing. Popular styles include clickers (hinged rings with a closure) and seamless rings. 
• Nostril Chains: Nostril chains are a more unique option. They feature a stud or ring in the nostril connected by a delicate chain to an earring worn in a standard earlobe piercing.
• Nostril Screws: These have a small decorative end with a curved post that fits snugly inside the nose. Nostril screws have a secure and comfortable fit, minimizing the risk of the jewellery falling out.
• L-Shaped Pins: These feature a decorative top and a straight post with a 90-degree bend at the bottom to keep it in place. L-shaped pins are easy to insert and remove.
• Nose Bones: These are straight posts with a decorative end and a small bead or ball on the other end to hold it inside the piercing. Nose bones have a minimalist and discreet look.
• Hoops/Rings: Seamless rings or captive bead rings (CBR) are classic options that add a touch of edge or elegance depending on the size and style.
• Faux Hoops: Faux hoops create the illusion of a hoop without requiring a full piercing. You can use them to experiment with the look before you fully commit.

Types of Ring Jewellery

Rings come in all sorts of styles. If we got into all of them, the list would never end! Let’s look at a few of the most common types.

• Engagement Rings: The ultimate symbol of love and commitment, engagement rings often feature a centre diamond or gemstone. Popular styles include solitaire (a single stone), halo (a centre stone surrounded by smaller stones), and three-stone rings.
• Wedding Bands: Wedding bands can be plain, engraved, or feature diamonds or other gemstones.
• Cocktail Rings: Cocktail rings are often bold and oversized, designed to make a statement. They typically feature large gemstones or unique designs.
• Signet Rings: Signet rings were traditionally engraved with a family crest or initials. Now, they’re simply stylish accessories for both men and women.
• Stacking Rings: These are thin, delicate rings meant to be worn in multiples on a single finger for a layered look.

Types of Septum Jewellery

If you’re looking for a way to express yourself boldly, septum jewellery will definitely get the job done. Here are the different types of septum jewellery you can experiment with. 

• Circular Barbells (Horseshoes): These barbells resemble a horseshoe, with two decorative ends that screw onto a curved barbell. They’re easy to change and come in various styles and sizes.
• Clickers: Clickers are hinged rings with a closure mechanism that “clicks” into place. They’re convenient and often come with intricate designs or gemstones.
• Captive Bead Rings (CBRs): A CBR is a complete ring with a removable bead held in by tension. 
• Seamless Rings: These are smooth, continuous rings without a closure mechanism for a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
• Septum Retainers: Designed to conceal the piercing, septum retainers flip up into the nostrils for a discreet appearance when needed.

Types of Body Jewellery

Who said jewelry is just for your ears and fingers? Body jewelry is the new wave – here are just a few of the many types. 

• Barbells: Barbells have two removable ends, perfect for belly button, tongue, or eyebrow piercings. You can choose from straight, curved, or circular barbells.
• Surface Piercings: Dermal anchors and surface bars create beautiful, eye-catching designs on your skin. These unique pieces anchor beneath the skin with decorative tops to help you make a statement.
• Plugs and Tunnels: You can expand your earlobes with plugs (solid) or tunnels (hollow) for a dramatic stretched look. These are typically made from stone, glass, or steel.

Types of Clasps for Jewelry

There’s one thing that almost every piece of jewellery has in common: a closure mechanism. Believe it or not, there are many different types of clasps for jewellery.

• Lobster Clasp: True to its name, this clasp resembles a lobster claw – one of the most common and secure clasps. A spring-loaded lever opens and closes the hook, making it easy to use.
• Spring Ring Clasp: This small, circular clasp uses a spring mechanism to open and close a tiny ring. Spring rings are delicate enough for lightweight necklaces and bracelets.
• Barrel Clasp: This clasp consists of two barrel-shaped pieces that screw together – often used on necklaces.
• Box Clasp: This clasp features a tab that inserts into a decorative box, often with a safety latch. Box clasps are typically found on heavier bracelets and statement necklaces.

What Type of Jewellery Can You Wear in the Kitchen?

Food service and preparation areas have strict rules about jewellery for safety and hygiene reasons. 

According to the FDA Food Code, the only acceptable jewellery in the kitchen is a plain band ring. This minimizes the risk of jewellery falling into food or harbouring bacteria in its settings. 

Loose bracelets, necklaces, and dangling earrings are also big contamination hazards, and even rings with stones can trap food particles. 

A recent survey of food service workers found that over 30% admitted to wearing additional jewellery items in the kitchen despite regulations! You don’t want to be a part of this statistic, so keep those bracelets off when in the kitchen.