This is the classic in the world of pearls. The Akoya pearl was the first type of pearl that could be successfully cultured. Cultivation began in the early 20th century. Nowadays the majority of these pearls come from Japan. China and Vietnam are secondary sources. The Akoya pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii) is used to cultivate the Akoya pearl. Cultured Akoya pearls are generally between 2 and 9 mm in diameter. They are particularly appealing thanks to their intensive luster and their wide spectrum of pale hues, which range from white and rosé to crème and silver-gray.

An alloy is a metallic mixture consisting of two or more components. Alloys are named after their basic metal. Certain attributes of the basic metal can be improved by blending it into an alloy. Pure gold would be much too soft for use as a jewelry metal; mixing it with other metals to create a gold alloy makes the resulting metal harder and more practical to wear as jewelry. Metals which are frequently included in gold alloys include silver, palladium, and copper. These additions also influence the color: silver makes gold paler; copper gives it a reddish hue. The spectrum of colors for gold alloys ranges from white through greenish-yellow to red. The amount of basic metal contained within an alloy is expressed in karats.

When the Greek god Dionysus became all too insistent in his pursuit of a nymph named Amethyst, the girl was transformed into a sparkling gemstone by the goddess of chastity. That's the story Aristotle tells to explain the origin of amethyst and its alleged ability to protect its wearer against drunkenness. That protective attribute is also the origin of the stone's name: the Greek word "améthystos" means "not drunk." Amethyst belongs to the quartz group and has a rich purple to pale reddish-violet hue. Heat treatment changes its color (see citrine). The most important sources of amethysts are in southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Madagascar.

The anchor chain and the Panzerkette armor chain are two of the most classical chain forms. Characteristic of the anchor chain are the oval links, which are alternately arranged in horizontal and vertical orientation. The anchor chain is one of the strongest types of chains. It serves as the basic form for many variations: for example, the outer surfaces of the individual links can be flattened (flat anchor chain) or slightly rounded (round anchor chain).

According to legend, aquamarines come from the treasure chests of mermaids. The stone's name is derived from Latin and means "water of the sea." It earns this name with its lively, shiny hue, which ranges from pale blue to deep blue and bluish-green. The most avidly sought shade is deep blue. An aquamarine of this color is also known as a "Santa Maria." The aquamarine belongs to the beryl group. Brazil and Madagascar are the most important sources.