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K

Karat - The standard measure of gold purity wherein one karat is 1/24th pure, meaning 24 k gold is pure gold.

Knotted pearl strand - The knotting system for pearl strands that insures the pearls will not rub against one another. Such contact could chip and wear down the precious nacre.

L

Lab-grown stones - Any gemstone that is simulated in the lab using the same, or similar, properties found in the natural stones. These simulants are not considered imitations, but they are not natural.

Lacquer coating pearls - Used to create a lustrous shine, but it wears off quickly. Pearl essence, a fish-scale recipe, provides better luster and lasts a little longer. Both treatments should be fully disclosed.

Laser drill holes - Tiny holes drilled into diamonds with a laser beam to dissolve or chemically reduce black spots. The enhancement is permanent, therefore legitimate, but must be disclosed.

Loupe - The magnifying tool used to examine gemstones and jewelry. Typically to 10X magnification.

Luster - The deep inner glow that makes pearls uniquely beautiful. Luster is created by tiny crystals of nacre built up over the irritant. Natural pearls tend to have thicker nacre than cultured pearls, hence deeper luster.