Fittings and Findings:
"C" Clasp: This is the earliest type of clasp.
Trombone Clasp: Popular in the 1890s but can be found on European pieces from 1940s.
Tube Hinge: Earliest type of hinge.
Ball Hinge: Used from about the 1890s.
Fish Hook Ear Wire: Earliest type of ear wire.
Kidney Ear Wire: Used as far back as 1870s and still popular at present.
Threaded Studs: Used circa 1890.
Screwbacks: Date from about 1894. Not too common currently.
Clipons: Circa 1934.
Motifs:
Circa 1837 - 1860
Greek and Roman designs
Gothic and medieval designs
Garter jewelry
Grapes
Vines and leaves
Eyes (eye miniatures)
Hands
Knots
Serpents
Hearts
Circa 1860-1885
Acorns
Anchor, heart and cross
Beetles
Bells
Crosses
Etruscan motifs
Buckles
Fringes
Tassels
Monograms
Insects
Hearts
Serpents
Ram's head
Archaeological motifs
Circa 1885 - 1910
Clovers
Crescent and stars
"Cross-over" designs
Hearts
Birds
Flowers
Horseshoes
Moon and owl
Man in the moon
Shamrocks
Sporting
Bats
Insects
Circa 1885 - 1917 Art Nouveau
Female head
Serpents
Dragonflies
Flowing lines
Flowers
Swans
Peacocks
Bats
Circa 1920 - 1930s Art Deco
Geometric lines
Abstract designs
Motifs denoting speed
Stylized floral motifs
Circa 1932 - 1940s
Stylized flowers
Cones
Sputnik type motifs
Bows
Ovals with bows
Feathers
Cornucopia
Birds