Ear Cuff

A wide decorative ring with a gap designed to be pinched onto the ear without need for piercing. Ear cuffs may be pinched onto any part of the ear, not just the earlobe.

Earring

An earring is a piece of jewelry that is worn on the ear. Earrings are attached to the ear through a piercing, except in the case of a clip earring, which clips onto the lobe.

Earring Back

A disk or bead that fits over an earring post and holds the earring securely in place, like a catch.

Electroplating

Coating a metal surface (in fashion or bridge jewelry, usually with copper, nickel, chromium, gold, silver or rhodium) by means of electrolysis. The amount of electroplate on an object is measured in microns (1 micron = 0.001 mm).

Embellishment

Embellishment is anything that enhances the appearing of something without having any functional purpose. In crafts, an embellishment is anything that adds design interest to the piece.

Embossing

The process of raising a domed design on the front of a piece of metal by beating it from behind with punches and a hammer.

Embroidery

Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with designs stitched in strands of thread or yarn using a needle. Embroidery may also incorporate other materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins.

Emerald

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, emeralds come in many shades of green and bluish green. Clear stones with dark yet vibrant color are the most valuable.

Enamel

Colored, opaque glassy material fused onto metal, pottery or glass.

Enameling

A decorative technique in which a vitreous pigment of metallic oxide is mixed with finely powdered glass is applied to the surface of a metal.

Engraving

A pattern made by cutting away the surface of metal, wood, or other surface.

Etched

Very faintly carved decoration scratched onto the surface of a piece.

European Wire

A means of attaching an earring to a pierced earlobe with a curved wire which passes through the earlobe and clasps shut.

Extender Chain

A chain which may be attached to another in order to provide a longer length.

Eye Bead

A bead with a dot, circle or circle/dot mimicking an eye and intended to avert the evil eye. Perhaps the most common of amulets.

Eyepin

A type of finding, an eyepin is simply a long piece of wire with a loop, or "eye", at one end, resembling a needle with an extra-large eye. Beads are strung along the wire to settle on the loop so that they don't fall off the other end. The long end is then crimped or attached to another finding, such as an ear hook.