hand cast Created by melting metal with a torch and pouring it by hand into a mold. Most modern casting is done by machine. A hand-cast piece reflects the artistry of the jewelry maker.
hand crocheted Derived from the French word for "hook," crochet was practiced in Europe as early as the 16th century. Crochet is a continuous series of loops of yarn made by a single hooked needle. Nuns were the first to utilize the skill as a way to imitate lace. Irish nuns passed it on to Irish women to help supplement their incomes during the potato famine of the 1840s. When these women immigrated to America, they brought the craft with them. It spread like wildfire and became a fashionable and feminine pastime during the late 19th century.
hand faceted The art of hand cutting small planes into a gemstone to enhance its ability to reflect light. The more facets created on a gemstone, the more brilliant. Metal may also be faceted either by hammering or by casting it into a mold. Faceted metal also reflects light and adds a handmade, artistic element to the piece.
hand hammered Created by shaping metal with a jeweler’s hammer. It creates a unique look as each piece is not exactly the same. The technique can be used to work just one part of the piece, such as a bead, or the entire piece, such as an earring or bracelet.
hand-tooled An exclusively handmade and handcrafted process in a variety of mediums from metal and leather to wood. The material is embossed, decorated or chiseled with various patterns and elaborate motifs entirely without the aid of machinery.
hemp Hemp has been used as a textile from as far back as early Chinese civilization. It’s a natural fiber that is made from the stems of the Cannabis sativa plant. The stems are processed to dissolve the gum or pectin as well as separate the fibers that are then treated, softened and woven into yarns and fabric. Hemp has natural water-repellent properties; is durable and breathable; and has both the look and feel of linen. And, when combined with cotton or linen, it’s one of the best wash-and-wear warm-weather fabrics.
herringbone A broken twill weave, so called because of its shape (small Vs running to the top of the fabric) that resembles a herring’s backbone. It’s composed of vertical sections, alternately right hand and left hand in direction. The twill changes direction perfectly where the weave breaks. Herringbone began life as a popular choice for men’s suiting, sport coats and topcoats.
houndstooth An irregular 1/2- to 2-inch colored square check fabric with points at two corners. Consists of alternating colored checks, produced by a yarn-dyed twill weave. So called because of its dental similarity to our four-legged friend.