| Buying Tips |
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Earrings
There are two categories of earrings: clips for non-pierced ears and posts or wires for pierced ears. Clip earrings use a hinged clip to hold the earring to the wearer's ear. Post earrings use a clutch or earring backing to hold the earring. Wires just slip through the ear and sometimes have a hook in back. Post earrings with an ornament or gem on the end are called ear studs. |
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Rings
Rings consist of two basic components: the shank, or the part that fits around your finger; and the setting, which holds a gemstone. There are many types of settings. See our setting styles. |
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Rings come in various sizes to fit different finger sizes. Use our Ring Sizer to determine your size, or visit any Wal-Mart store to get a measurement. View our Ring Sizer. |
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Get more information about how to select an engagement ring. |
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Bracelets
Bracelets come in two basic types: link bracelets, which are flexible; and bangle bracelets, which are rigid. Some bangles are hinged to make it easier to put them on and take them off. Bracelets, like rings, are often set with gemstones. |
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Necklaces and Pendants
Both are jewelry worn around your neck. The basic difference in the two is that a pendant is a removable gem or jewelry accent that hangs from a chain, and a necklace has the gem(s) or accent(s) permanently attached. A necklace that fits properly lies flat around your neck and shoulders. |
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Chains
Chains are worn around the neck as a necklace or around the wrist as a bracelet. Chains are made from precious metals. Women usually wear a 7-inch chain as a bracelet and a chain of at least 16 inches as a necklace. Men usually wear an 8-inch chain as a bracelet and a chain of at least 20 inches as a necklace. |
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| Popular types of chains include: |
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| Box: |
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| square, interconnecting links |
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| Cable link: |
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| round, interconnected links |
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| Curb: |
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| oval, curved links that lie flat on the neck |
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| Figaro link: |
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| alternating rectangular and circular links |
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| Mariner link: |
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| oval links with bars in the middle |
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| Mesh: |
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| strands of metal intertwined to resemble fabric |
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| Omega: |
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| flat chain with links close together for a smooth look |
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| Rolo link: |
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| connecting round or oval rings, usually in a curvaceous, three-dimensionally contoured manner |
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| Rope: |
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| spiral-like chain with an appearance of two thick strands woven together |
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| Singapore: |
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| a twisted herringbone, resembling a spiraling chain of interlocking elements |
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| Snake: |
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| cylindrical links form a solid, flexible chain with curved edges |
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Clasps
Clasps are used to close bracelets and necklaces and keep them secure around the wrist or neck. |
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| Popular types of clasps include: |
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Barrel: A square-shaped wire fits into a barrel-shaped tube and locks into place. Sometimes a barrel clasp has a figure-eight safety clasp on the side. |
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Lobster claw: This clasp resembles a lobster claw. It has a spring inside and hooks through a circle or tube at the opposite end of the chain. |
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Spring ring: A round clasp that opens with a coil spring. |
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Continue shopping in our Jewelry Department. |
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