Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
AB- Aurora Borealis, a rainbow color coating
Accuflex- A brand of wire
AP- Antique Pewter
Beadalon- A brand of wire
Czech- A Czech Republic product
(D)- A natural gem, but dyed for color
(E)- Enhanced by electrical charge for color
FB- Foil bead (similar to lamp bead; foil is used for color)
FN- Findings, ie, “0”rings, spacers, crimps
FP- Fire-polished
F/W- Fresh water, such as pearls
French wire- very tightly coiled wire, used to protect threads at attachment point.
GF- 14/20 & 12/20 gold, (brass+ gold coating+ gold plating)
GP- Gold plated, usually over some type of base metal
(H)- Heated to enhance color
Lamp Beads- Hand-made on a rod in oven; created individually, therefore color, shape and size may vary
MF- Matte finish
mm- Millimeters; 25.4mm = 1 inch; common standard of measurement in jewelry
(N)- Natural; hasn’t been enhanced artificially for color
“0” Ring- A solder- closed jump ring
Platinum Quality- 49 ply (7 bundles of 7 strands) of stainless steel, nylon-color-coated
S/L- Silver-lined; bead hole is lined with a mirror reflection coating
Size 11- 2.1mm seed bead
Size 8- 3.1mm seed bead
Size 6- 4.0mm seed bead
Softflex- A brand of wire
SP- Silver plated
SS- Sterling silver
Tiger Tail- A type of wire
Vermeil- Gold plating over sterling silver; usually 18, 22 or 24kt
