At the top of a pendant, a bale is the loop through which the necklace chain passes.
Bandouliere
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), a bandouliere is a strap that allows the bag to be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody (see: crossbody).
Bezel
On jewelry and watches, a bezel is the setting that surrounds the focal point gemstone or watch face.
Boucle
On clothing (especially Chanel), boucle is a nubby tweed-like fabric typically made from varied colored and textured yarns (see: tweed).
Bowler
A bowler handbag silhouette has a domed top, flat bottom, and two handles.
Box chain
On jewelry, a box chain is constructed of rectangular-shaped links.
Brocade
Brocade fabrics have designs and motifs embroidered or debossed into their surfaces, and are not reversible due to the loose threads on the rear side (see: jacquard).
Bucket bag
A bucket handbag has a cylindrical shape and a flat bottom. It can have handles, a shoulder strap, or both.
A camera handbag is rectangular-shaped with a flat front. Its silhouette is inspired by vintage camera bags.
Case
On watches, a case houses the face, dials, and inner-workings of the timepiece (see:chronograph).
Caviar leather
On Chanel handbags and accessories, Caviar leather is one of the brand's signature materials, and is distinguished by its evenly pebbled surface texture.
CC turn-lock
On Chanel bags (especially on Classic Flap styles), a CC turn-lock features interlocking CCs with a center twist-lock closure (see: Mademoiselle lock).
Chevron
As a surface pattern, a chevron embellished piece features a series of repeating V or zig-zag shapes.
Chronograph
On watches, a chronograph feature means that the timepiece has a stopwatch feature that is controlled by a button on the side of the case (see: case).
Clochette
On handbags, a clochette is a bell-shaped leather key cover that's attached to a fob. Fobs with clochettes are often included on bags with locks (see:fob).
Clutch
A clutch handbag is hand-held, without a strap.
Coated canvas
On handbags and accessories, coated canvas is a water resistant material known for its durability. It features thick canvas covered by layers of a pliable resin-like material.
Continental wallet
A continental wallet is oblong and designed to store paper currency flat, unlike the smaller French wallet (see: French wallet).
Convertible
On handbags, a convertible piece can be worn or carried multiple ways. An example is a shoulder bag with a removable strap that can also be carried as a clutch or wristlet.
Crossbody
On handbags, a crossbody bag has a strap that's at least 21 inches long, allowing it to be worn diagonally across the shoulder (see: bandouliere).
Crystal
On watches, a crystal is the glass portion that sits on the front and covers the face.
Crystal canvas
On Gucci handbags, Crystal canvas is coated with a glossy high-shine top layer.
On handbags, an east-west bag is horizontally shaped. The term is often used when there are similar bags in the same collection, but the east-west bag is more oblong than the other styles (see: north-south).
Embossed
On surface designs, embossed motifs are raised from the surface of the object (see: debossed).
Espadrille
On shoes, an espadrille style features braided jute on the sides of the sole.
On a watch, a face is where the number markers and hands of the timepiece are affixed.
Fob
A strap that tethers a smaller object to a larger one, a fob is often seen on pocket watches and handbags (see: clochette).
French wallet
Also called a compact wallet, a French wallet folds paper currency in the middle when closed, as opposed to the oblong continental wallet (see: continental wallet).
On leather, grained surface texture is natural to the skin, as opposed to man-made.
Gripoix
On costume jewelry (especially Chanel), gripoix is a glass bead or cabochon known for its smooth surface. Gabrielle Chanel began using gripoix beads in her jewelry in the early 20th century.
Gussets
On handbags and wallets, gussets are pleated panels that allow open compartments to expand at the sides.
On Chanel bags (especially on Reissue styles), a Mademoiselle lock features a rectangular logo-inscribed plate with a center twist lock closure (see: CC turn-lock).
Mary-Jane
A Mary Jane shoe features a strap that crosses over the top of the foot and buckles or buttons on the outside of the vamp.
Mineral crystal
On watches, a mineral crystal is a piece of glass that covers the face. Due to its fabrication, it scratches more easily than a sapphire crystal (see: sapphire crystal).
Mixed media
A mixed media piece is made from a variety of materials. For example, a mixed media handbag can be made from python, ostrich, leather, and coated canvas.
Mules
Shoes which allow the wearer to slip his or her feet inside without a heel or foot strap (see: slides).
On handbags, a north-south bag is taller than it is wide. The term is often used when there are similar bags in the same collection, when the north-south bag is the taller one of the group (see: east-west).
Nubuck
Deerskin leather used for shoes, handbags, and other small accessories. Nubuck is susceptible to water spots and cannot be exposed to moisture.
A flat square or rectangular pocket that is topstitched along its outer edges, so that it's entire silhouette is visible (see: slip pocket).
Patent leather
Genuine leather with a glossy high-shine top coat.
Patina
On untreated leather (especially Louis Vuitton Vachetta), patina is the darkened hue that results from exposure to skin oils, air, and other elemental factors. Vuitton's Monogram canvas pieces are typically trimmed with Vachetta leather that achieves a honey-colored patina over time (see: Vachetta leather).
Perforated
A hole-punch effect that can be uniformly applied, and is used to render surface patterns.
Pilling/pills
Small balls comprised of loose fibers, result from repeated surface abrasion on a material.
PM, MM, and GM
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), PM MM and GM denote sizes, with PM being the smallest, MM being medium, and GM being the largest.
Pochette
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), a pochette bag is a petite carry-all suitable for day or evening use. It often has a detachable strap that allows the bag to be converted into a clutch or wristlet.
Push-lock
On handbags (especially Louis Vuitton), a push-lock is opened by pressing a small button to open the latch. Some push-locks have built-in locks (see: S-lock)