What’s Your Jewelry IQ?

By: Teresa McGlothlin
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
What’s Your Jewelry IQ?
Image: Image Source / DigitalVision / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Jewelry is more than just a pretty face! There's a world of knowledge to be found behind the counter of your favorite jewelry store, and we want to see how much you know. Are you as jewelry savvy as you think you are, or are you already an expert? Once you answer these challenging questions, you could apply for a job as a jewelry maker. 

Did you know that cameos date back to ancient Egypt or that there's a recently discovered stone poised to knock diamonds out of their top slot? Throughout this quiz, we're going to put what you know and what you think you know about jewelry, gems and metals. After you get through them, you'll be able to add a few more IQ points to your already impressive score. 

From Figaro chains to herringbone bracelets, there's nothing about jewelry that isn't completely fascinating. As you go through each question, try to choose the option that you feel best answers our question. Even if you're not certain, you should be able to pick out the correct response logically. Will your jewelry IQ be as high as you think, or are you about to go to jewelry school? Let's find out!

emerald
ProArtWork / E+ / Getty Images
If you wanted to adorn yourself with May's gemstone, which one would you buy?
Diamond
Sapphire
Ruby
Emerald
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Because of their density, an emerald will always look bigger than a diamond of the same size. If you know that emeralds are a member of the beryl family, like morganite and aquamarine, your jewelry IQ is already pretty high!

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marquee diamonds
Pixabay by PINKIGIRN
Are you able to correctly identify the cut of diamond you see here?
Pear
Princess
Marquise
Oval
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sometimes, the marquise cut is called the football-shaped cut. Its history dates back further than the gridiron, though. The marquise cut dates back to King Louis XV. He wanted to impress his mistress with a diamond cut that mimicked the shape of her lips.

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pendant with jump ring
Kristina Strasunske / Moment / Getty Images
You know your stuff if you know that most pendants are attached to necklaces using which of type of finding?
Jump ring
Key ring
Eye pin
Bail
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pendants are usually attached to chains using jump rings, but jump rings have other uses too. Jump rings are designed to be used without soldering or additional wire, and they're also used to make decorative chains and articles of chain-mail clothing.

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rose gold
Copyright Amy Kolodziej / Moment Open / Getty Images
Okay, jewelry nerds. In order to make rose gold, what element needs to be added?
Iron
Manganese
Copper
Aluminum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rose gold comes in every shade between red and pink. The unique hue is made when gold is mixed with copper, making what jewelers call an alloy. The more copper in the allow mixture, the redder the rose gold will be.

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amethyst
Baac3nes / Moment / Getty Images
Many jewelry enthusiasts know that the gemstone seen here is said to calm its wearer. Can you name it?
Garnet
Amethyst
Rose quartz
Tiger's eye
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Amethyst is considered the most expensive of the gems found in the quartz family, but some find it more valuable than its monetary cost. The purple-hued stone is used to balance the crown chakra by holistic practitioners.

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hope diamond
Wiki Commons by Moskey71
What well-known name is given to this gem? It's one of the world's most famous.
Tiffany Diamond
Oppenheimer Blue
Hope Diamond
Graff Pink
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Weighing in at 45.55 carats, the Hope Diamond is considered the largest blue diamond on record. Legend says that the diamond was stolen from a sacred idol in India before it was cursed.

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garnets
lissart / E+ / Getty Images
You probably already know this, but which one of these gemstones has a name that comes from pomegranates?
Morganite
Garnet
Ruby
Rose quartz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Garnet is the gemstone said to be the perfect gift for those celebrating their second wedding anniversary. The reddish-purple stone's name comes from the Latin word "Garanatus," which refers to the color found surrounding pomegranate seeds.

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ring sizer
Beadaholique via YouTube
Do you know the name of this tool that jewelers use to measure ring size? Try not to overthink it!
Round tool
Ring round
Keychain sizer
Ring gauge
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you visit a jewelry store to purchase a ring, there's a good chance your jeweler will pull out a ring gauge. Each ring on the ring gauge represents a ring size and will help you find your true fit. Many people use a special measuring tape, but the ring gauge is the industry standard.

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rhodium
Doug Armand / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Those with expensive taste and jewelry knowledge might have a ring made from which metal in this photo?
Titanium
Rhodium
Silver
Gold
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One ounce of platinum costs $860, but one ounce of rhodium can cost up to $5,000! It's used more often than you think, though. Rings made from white gold or platinum are usually coated with rhodium. It helps both metals keep their silvery luster.

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omega chain
mscarrieb12 via YouTube
Can you name the type of chain that jewelers frequently use to make chokers?
Omega chain
Serpentine chain
Box chain
Herringbone
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are two easy ways to recognize an omega chain. Their individual segments are joined together in a way that makes them lay flat, and they are never longer than 20 inches. They are the preferred chain type for those who love wearing chokers.

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onyx
Hemera Technologies / PhotoObjects.net / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Jewelry-savvy folks know that this black gemstone is said to repel negative energy. Which one is it?
Black tourmaline
Black diamond
Black opal
Onyx
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Onyx doesn't have to be solid black. A type of onyx called sardonyx comes with white, red or tan stripes. Sharp jewelry buyers know that most of today's onyx has been treated to intensify the dark black color it is commonly associated with.

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engagement ring
The List via YouTube
What sort of price did Prince Harry pay for Meghan's cushion diamond engagement ring?
$350,000
$1 Million
$98,000
$125,000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For only $350,000, Prince Harry custom-designed the stunning engagement ring he presented to Meghan Markle. The cushion set consists of three diamonds. The large diamond in the center is surrounded by two diamond from Princess Diana's personal collection.

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citrine
SunChan / E+ / Getty Images
In French, the name of this gemstone means "lemon." Which gemstone is it?
Citrine
Peridot
Topaz
Tanzanite
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Citrine might mean "lemon" in French, but it means a lot more to spiritual practitioners. They consider citrine to harvest the sun's energy, and they believe that it can be used to increase willpower.

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lobster clasp
Carol Yepes / Moment / Getty Images
You couldn't wear jewelry without clasps to fasten them. Which type of clasp do you see here?
Fishhook
Pushbutton
Spring ring
Lobster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lobster clasps, or bocklebee clasps, were created by a professor in 1959. However, it wasn't patented until 1976. A little spring mechanism keeps the clasp shut until you pull it back. You probably already knew that, though, didn't you?

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various gemstones
Don Farrall / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Put on your thinking cap! When it comes to stones, what does the Mohs scale measure?
Hardness
Luster
Reflection
Weight
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Diamonds sit at the top of the Mohs scale with a measurement of 10. Other things can be measured by the Mohs scale too. Regular window glass has a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale.

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daith piercing
Corrine & Matt via YouTube
This kind of piercing is said to help relieve migraines. What is it?
Helix
Rook
Conch
Daith
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Daith piercings look adorable, but they also help those that suffer from migraines. Though there's no proven science, wearers swear that having the innermost fold of cartilage pierced does the trick.

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gold
Image Source / DigitalVision / Getty Images
10K gold or 24K gold: Which one is stronger and holds up better under pressure?
18K
24K
14K
10K
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gold is one of the softest metals, and karats are used to measure its purity. The higher the number, the less gold has been combined with other metals. In this case, 10K gold is far stronger than pieces made from 24K gold.

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opal
alicat / E+ / Getty Images
Tell us which month gets to claim opal and tourmaline as its birthstones?
April
October
March
January
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

October gets to claim opal and tourmaline. According to the American Gem Society, gemstones date all the way back to the 12 tribes of Israel, when 12 gems were placed on a special piece of armor.

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aquamarine
Lebazele / E+ / Getty Images
Where would you need to travel to buy an aquamarine directly from a local?
Brazil
France
Belarus
Japan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aquamarines can be found from the United States to Nigeria, but they are primarily mined in Brazil. An aquamarine weighing 55,000 carats was unearthed there in 1910. To date, it's the world's largest.

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mens bracelet
Image Source / Image Source / Getty Images
On average, how many inches in length are most men's bracelets?
7
9
8
10
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On average, men's bracelets are 8 inches long, but they can be found measuring anywhere from 7.5 inches to 9 inches. At a standard of 7 inches, women's bracelets are commonly made a little smaller.

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sapphire
ProArtWork / E+ / Getty Images
You already know that diamonds are the hardest gemstone, but what's the next hardest?
Opal
Tanzanite
Tiger's eye
Sapphire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Corundum is the mineral that we commonly know as sapphire. Diamonds fall at a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, but sapphires are a close second measuring at a solid 9. Emeralds are the next in line at 7.5 to 8.

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graff pink
World News via YouTube
What's the name of this famous gem? It weighs in at 24.78 carats.
Graff Pink
Hope Diamond
Oppenheimer Blue
L'Incomparable Diamond Necklace
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You would have to shell out at least $46 million to get your hands on the Graff Pink. Once it was owned by world-renowned jeweler Harry Winston, but it was purchased by the founder of Graff Diamonds at auction in 2010.

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brooches
japatino / Moment / Getty Images
Channel your fashion sense and tell us where a brooch should never be worn?
The enter of the collar
The eft upper breast area
The center of a blouse
The right upper breast area
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brooches were at the height of popularity during Victorian times, but you can still wear them now. Fashion experts say that it's perfectly fine to wear a brooch on either label or in the middle of your collar. They should never be worn in the middle of your blouse or dress, though.

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mother of pearl
Kelly Cheng / Moment / Getty Images
What name is given to this material created by mollusks as an inner shell and used in decorative jewelry?
Mantle lining
Head flake
Foot bone
Mother of pearl
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nacre, or mother of pearl, is the shiny hard coating found on the outer layer of a pearl. Mother of pearl is strong, and its iridescent qualities make it perfect for decorative or intricate pieces.

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bloodstone
Ron Evans / Photodisc / Getty Images
Which one of these stones is the astrological birthstone for Pisces?
Bloodstone
Sodalite
Fluorite
Onyx
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like each of the months, each of the astrological signs has a birthstone too. The heliotrope known as bloodstone is the gem for those born under the sign of Pisces. It's said to help align the lower chakras and to alleviate anxiety.

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blue topaz
SunChan / E+ / Getty Images
On the birthstone chart, blue topaz is usually associated with which winter month?
January
December
February
March
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Zircon is December's official birthstone, but there are others that get to share the fame. Turquoise, tanzanite and blue topaz are also associated with it. November gets to claim its sister stone — the yellow topaz.

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titanium
Monty Rakusen / Cultura / Getty Images
More modern wedding bands are made from the element seen here. What is it?
Copper
Aluminum
Zinc
Titanium
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Titanium is more than just a Sia song! Titanium, Ti on the periodic table, is highly resistant to scratching or corrosion. When mixed with other metals, it becomes one of the strongest metals. It's the perfect choice for ring wearers who are always on the go.

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figaro chain
Stockbyte / Stockbyte / Getty Images
This type of chain is identified by its pattern. Do you know what kind it is?
Hayseed
Figaro
Rope
Belcher
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Figaro-style chains are easy to recognize. They are made when a pattern containing one long link is connected to three smaller links. If you were to purchase a 14K gold Figaro chain, it would cost you around $100.

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puka shells
Ryan McVay / DigitalVision / Getty Images
You would have to go to Hawaii to find shells to make what sort of necklace seen here?
Paua shell
Heishi shell
Puka shell
Niihua shell
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Puka shells wash up on the shores of Hawaii already tumbled by nature. They start off as a type of cone shell and become worn down by the surf. Puka shells symbolize good intentions, and they are frequently given to boost someone's luck.

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cameo
A_Carina / E+ / Getty Images
You know this! Can you pick out the right name for this raised-relief style of pendant?
Silhouette
Shadowbox
Carved relief
Cameo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cameos date all the way back to ancient Egypt. More expensive cameos are carved from shell, but reproductions can be found made from all sort of materials, like plastic. Cameos are known as raised-relief carvings, and they usually feature a person or a small scene.

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circlet
art-4-art / E+ / Getty Images
Do you know the name of this headpiece that's sometimes called an open crown?
Tiara
Hoop
Circlet
Diadem
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Different from tiaras or diadems, circlets lack the height of other crown types. Circlets usually have one center jewel, and their delicate appearance makes them perfect for any formal occasion.

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bangles
jayk7 / Moment / Getty Images
Their inflexible nature sets them apart from other types of bracelets. What sort of bracelet do you see here?
Bangle
Cuff
Tennis
Charm
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unlike other styles of bracelets, bangles are at least 8 inches in diameter. They are unable to flex and move, and they lack clasps. Bangles are worn by slipping them over the hand and onto the wrist.

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tie bar
CHEN PIN LIN / Moment Open / Getty Images
Your jewelry IQ is high if you know this! What name is given to the sort of jewelry in this photo?
Tie bar
Cufflink
Hairpin
Shirt stud
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you wear a tie bar, it should be placed near the fourth button on your shirt. Tie bars look great, but they serve a practical function. They help ties stay in place so you never have to worry about finding it in your coffee!

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stud earrings
harpazo_hope / Moment / Getty Images
When you first have your ears pierced, what type of earring is used?
Barbell
Stud
Huggies
Dangles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stud earrings are the type of earrings worn after you first have your ears pierced. They are small with a sharp end that makes piercing through the earlobe easy. Once the ears have healed, other types of earrings can be worn.

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temple rings
Wiki Commons by Лапоть
During medieval times, these were worn on women's heads. Do you know which name is right?
Bajoran ring
Temple ring
Threader ring
Cluster ring
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Often attached to skirts or belts by their large hoops now, temple rings once adored each of side of a medieval woman's head. Usually placed on the side of a head wrap, temple rings are still found in many cultures.

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pierced ears
Image Source / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Out of these areas, which area is the least painful to have pierced?
Ear lobe
Navel
Nostril
Eyebrow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While it's impossible to get a piercing without some level of pain, the ear lobe is the least sensitive place to pierce. There are nerves in your earlobe, but they are not as touchy as the nerves found in other parts of the body.

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lincomparable necklace
Red Point News via YouTube
Which one of these pieces of jewelry is known as the world's most expensive necklace?
Heart of the Ocean
Heart of the Kingdom
A Heritage in Bloom
L'Incomparable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With diamonds that have a total weight of 637 carats, the L'Incomparable diamond necklace is the world's most expensive. The last known selling price of the necklace comes in at a whopping $55 million!

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heart of the ocean
Paramount Pictures / 20th Century Fox / Lightstorm Entertainment
Replay the movie in your head. "Titanic" featured which one of these fictional necklaces?
Heart of the Ocean
Graff Pink
Tiffany Diamond
Oppenheimer Blue
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the 1997 box-office hit "Titanic," Brock Lovett scours the sinking ship for the Heart of the Ocean necklace. Though the necklace is fictional, many fans wanted to believe it was real.

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bronze
ralucahphotography.ro / Moment Open / Getty Images
The Romans most commonly made jewelry out of which material?
Gold
Bronze
Platinum
Tungsten
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ancient Romans were more advanced than a lot of cultures, but they were still primitive compared to human life now. Their tools were best suited to make jewelry from bronze. It was the most popular metal of the time, but gold was used in rare instances and for royalty.

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moissanite
swaite / E+ / Getty Images
Can you name this stone that is often confused for a diamond?
Cubic zirconia
Clear quartz
Moissanite
Agate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Moissanite is poised to give diamonds a run for their money. Moissanite sits at a 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, and it's becoming a popular substitute for those who want to avoid the diamond trade.

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