TL;DR: jewellery is the British spelling and jewelry is the American one, and the two spellings are the start of a longer list of differences in ring vocabulary. This short glossary covers the words you are most likely to meet when shopping across the Atlantic, so you can describe what you want and understand what you are told. Pieces start from £600.
The spelling
In British English we write jewellery, and in American English jewelry. Both mean the same thing. We use the British spelling on this site.
Ring words that differ
- Claws (UK) and prongs (US), the metal arms holding a stone. See claws or prongs.
- Colour (UK) and color (US), which changes the spelling of terms such as fancy coloured diamond.
- Carat and karat, where American English separates the weight of a stone from the purity of gold. See carat versus karat.
- Post (UK) and mail (US), for sending a parcel.
- Platinum, gold and silver are the same in both places.
Gold purity
In the UK, gold purity is usually written as 9ct, 14ct or 18ct, with ct standing for carat. In the US the same purities are written 10k, 14k or 18k, with k standing for karat. The common purities differ slightly too: 9ct gold is popular in the UK, while 10k is the lower purity more often seen in the US. Both describe the share of pure gold in the alloy, and we tell you exactly which we use.
Ring words that are the same
Many words are shared on both sides, so you can use them with confidence. Solitaire, halo, pavé, bezel, cathedral, eternity and signet all mean the same thing in the UK and the US. Engagement ring and wedding band are understood everywhere. For help with the parts of a ring, see describing ring parts in simple English.
Words for the shopping process
- Bespoke (UK) and custom (US) both describe a ring made for you. See what the words mean.
- Resize is used in both places.
- Customs duty and import tax apply in both countries.
Words for grading and paperwork
Most diamond grading terms are shared. Cut, colour, clarity and carat describe the same things on both sides of the Atlantic, only the spelling of colour changes. A report is sometimes called a certificate or a cert in both countries. An appraisal (US) and a valuation (UK) both describe a written estimate of value for insurance. See reading your invoice and certificate.
Money and measurements
Our prices are shown in pounds, so the figure in your own currency depends on the exchange rate. Ask us which currency your invoice will be in. Stone weight is in carats everywhere, and sizes of stones are described in millimetres, which are the same for everyone. Ring sizes are the one measurement that differs, which is why we check them with you carefully.
Sizes
UK ring sizes use letters, and US sizes use numbers. We do not rely on conversion tables, because getting the size right at a distance depends on how you measure. Our guide to sizing a finger for a bespoke ring from abroad explains how, and we check measurements by video.
How we handle the difference
We use whichever word you use. If we use a term you do not know, ask, and we explain it plainly.
Working with us
We work by video consultation and message, send sketches and CAD renders, and make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are. Overseas, the customer pays import duty and tax, and delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Frequently asked questions
Is jewelry spelled wrong in the UK?
It is a regional spelling. We use jewellery.
Do UK and US jewellers use different gold terms?
Yes, ct in the UK and k in the US, and we explain any term in writing.
Is an appraisal the same as a valuation?
Broadly, yes, both are written estimates of value for insurance.
Do you ship to the US?
Yes, with insured, tracked delivery.
Who pays duty?
The customer.