Demi-parure
de·mi·pa·rure | ˈde-mēp-pə-ˈru̇r
noun
A partial set of jewelry
A parure is regarded as a complete set, inclusive of a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and brooch - all coordinating with one another. However, a demi (the French term for “half”) is a set of jewelry that is not considered a full set. Therefore, this may encompass any combination of the native parure. A couple of examples include a pair of earrings and a bracelet, or a brooch and a necklace. With that being said, a demi-parure is lacking pieces of a full set. Nevertheless, demi-parure are pieces of the same set, design, and hue of jewelry that are coordinated to be worn together. Historically speaking, a parure encompassed roughly 6 or 7 pieces, while a demi-parure encompassed 3 pieces (typically a pair of earrings, a brace, and a necklace). The term demi-parure originates from the late 16th century; though, in the early 2000’s, the word “parure" became a word describing a trio of matching items, while a demi-parure was transformed into any 2 matching pieces.