Types of Pearls

The most common types of pearls include freshwater, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian. Each type of Pearl has unique characteristics. Knowing the differences between each type of Pearl, allows the buyer to make an informed decision when selecting your own pearl jewelry.

Freshwater Pearls are the least expensive. They are cultured in mussels produced primarily in lakes and rivers in China. As many as fourteen pearls can be cultured in one mussel. Most freshwater pearls vary in size from 4mm to 11mm. The shape can include round, near round or semi round, oval, button, and coin as well as baroque and semi-baroque. The color can vary from white, cream, gold, peach, pink, or purple. Over time many have grown rose or green. The luster can vary from excellent to fair. The surface can also range from clean to moderately blemished.

Akoya pearls were the first spherical cultured pearls, introduced early in the twentieth century. They are produced primarily in Japan. Akoya pearls are known for their rich color and high luster. They range in size from 2mm to 10mm with an average of 6-7mm. They are mostly round or near round in shape. Their color ranges from white to cream with a few yellow, pink, or blue overtones. Their luster is usually excellent and their surface is usually clean to lightly blemished.

South sea pearls are cultivated in either silver-lipped oyster or gold-lipped oyster, the names are derived from the color of the shell interior's outer edge. South Sea pearls originate in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. South Sea pearls are generally the largest cultured pearls on the market. They range in size from 9mm to 18mm with an average of 13mm. They tend to be more oval in shape but can range from round to baroque. Their color can be white, cream, silver, gold, or blue and is determined by different oyster types.  Their luster can be from excellent to fair. Their surface can be clean or lightly blemished.

Tahitian pearls are among the most exotic, sought-after pearls on the market today. They were first introduced to the international market in the mid-1970's. A pearl is a Tahitian pearl only if it is cultured in Polynesia. While very often described as black, their colors cover the full spectrum from dark-black to silver-white, and nearly every color in between, including the most popular green and peacock. Tahitian pearls range in size from 8mm to 14mm with an average of 9-10mm. About 40% of Tahitian pearls are round in shape, with the rest being oval, button, drop, baroque or semi-baroque. Their luster can range from excellent to fair. Their surface can range from clean to heavily blemished.

Platinum Jewelry

Platinum is a highly sought after metal for jewelry.  It can be an appealing option because of its durability and its strength.  Platinum does not wear down over time, like some other metals can.  Although platinum can be scratched, it will not chip or splinter.  This makes it a great option for jewelry, particularly rings. It is the strongest of jewelry metals.

It can lose some of its shine over time but your jeweler can bring back the reflective finish using a simple process. Buffing with a soft cloth can also keep the luster looking shiny. Most fine jewelry made with platinum is 95% pure platinum with 5% other alloys.

Platinum jewelry is easy to care for. Soaking platinum in a mild solution of warm soapy water and gently scrubbing with a soft brush is usually all that is required to keep platinum looking its best. It will need less maintenance than gold or silver due to its durability.

Is Silver the new Gold?

With the price of gold skyrocketing, silver jewelry seems to be becoming in higher demand.  In the past, wedding rings and most gemstone jewelry was made with gold.  But these days, you can find a lot of diamond and gemstone jewelry in silver.  We are often asked about whether or not it is a good idea to purchase precious gemstones on silver.  And our answers is "Yes it is!"  It is important to be informed about how to best care for silver jewelry.

Pure silver, also called fine silver, is soft and easily damaged.  In order to be sturdy enough to be made into jewelry, it is usually combined with other metals. A variety of other metals can be added to silver to improve its strength and durability. The most popular of these alloys is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. Copper is the most popular because it is able to be added to silver without effecting the color while still increasing the hardness. Sterling silver is a good choice for jewelry because of its durability and beauty.

Sterling silver can be marked with words such as sterling, sterling silver, ster, or.925 to show the quality.
With proper care, your fine quality silver will last a lifetime. Silver jewelry should be stored in a cloth pouch or separate compartment in your jewelry box to minimize scratches and other damage. Silver should not be exposed to harsh chemicals such chlorine, bleach or ammonia as these can damage silver.

Silver can also tarnish when it reacts to sulfur and hydrogen in the air. Care can be taken to prevent this dulling process. A commercial product aimed at reducing tarnish can be used with a polishing cloth. Tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes noticeable. Regular cleanings will keep your silver bright and shiny.  A cleaning at a jewelry store once a year is recommended to keep your silver looking new as well.

Gold Jewelry

We are often asked a lot of questions about gold including how to care for it and what the differences are between the karats. Gold is the most popular option for fine jewelry.

Unlike other some other materials, gold won't tarnish, rust or corrode.  It is very strong yet it is the most malleable of all metals. Pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry so it is alloyed with a mixture of other metals including cooper, nickel, zinc, or silver to give it more strength and durability.

Karatage, noted by a number followed by "k" indicates purity, or how much of the metal is gold.

Karatage is expressed in 24ths, making 24k gold 100% gold. Fine jewelry usually ranges from 10K to 18K and the purer the gold, the softer it will be and the more expensive it will be.

Karatage also impacts the richness of color. Yellow gold is richer in 18k gold compared to 10k gold. With white gold, the color usually is enhanced using rhodium, a hard and durable plating. Over time, if the rhodim plating begins to wear, white gold jewelry can be restored to it's original color using a simple process that can be performed by most any jeweler. There is one type of White Gold that does not require rhodium plating. It is known as x1 gold. Rose gold is mixed with copper which gives it the beautiful pink color.

When properly cared for, gold jewelry can last a lifetime. Gold jewelry should be stored separate from other pieces to avoid scratching. It is best to remove jewelry before bathing as soap can leave a film. Removing jewelry pieces before strenuous activity can help prevent scratching. Gold can be cleaned with commercial jewelry cleaning products. A soft gold polishing cloth can be used for polishing.

Pros and Cons of Titanium Rings

People sometimes ask me, as a jeweler, what kind of metal is your ring?  I wear a titanium wedding band and I love it! Titanium provides several unique factors that make it a great metal for use in jewelry. Titanium is very affordable, making titanium wedding bands a popular option. Titanium rings also come in many variations and can be easily engraved.

Its strength and durability make titanium a great choice for a ring. Titanium is the hardest natural metal in the world making it a very durable option. It is very strong and is three times the strength of steel and much stronger than gold, silver, or platinum. Titanium is also very light weight. It's more resistant to dents and scratching than other metals as well.

Pure titanium is safe for anyone to wear as it is 100% hypoallergenic so it will not react to skin as some other metals do. Titanium does not react to sunlight or salt water as some other metals do. This is especially important for titanium wedding rings which will be worn every day for many years.

Titanium does not require any special maintenance to keep it looking its best. Unlike white gold rings, which often have a coating to help them stay more white, titanium rings do not require a coating. The natural color of titanium will not fade. To clean a titanium ring, a soft cloth and warm soapy water can be used.

One of the drawbacks to titanium rings is that they are not able to be re-sized. Since titanium is so strong and durable, once the ring is made, it cannot be made larger or smaller. This should be considered when buying a wedding band that you plan to wear for the rest of your life.

Another concern some people have about titanium is whether or not it can be cut off in case of an emergency. Titanium can be cut off but it may take longer than a gold or platinum ring. Most hospitals and jewelers carry necessary tools to remove a titanium ring if an emergency occurs.

As with any jewelry item, it is important to make an informed decision about titanium rings. They do offer affordability and are hypoallergenic. However, not being able to be re-sized can be a drawback for some people.

How to Care for Gemstone Jewelry

Gemstones can be durable when they are taken care of appropriately. Jewelry containing gems can remain beautiful for generations to come with proper care. These tips will help ensure that your gemstone jewelry will remain beautiful for years to come.

The best way to clean gemstone jewelry is actually with ordinary dish detergent and water. A soft brush, such as a toothbrush, can be used to scrub gently behind the stone. Then rinse off the jewelry with water.  Pat dry with a soft cloth.

Extreme caution should be used  with home ultrasonic cleaners.  They can be used to clean more durable gemstones or plain gold jewelry. Gemstones that can withstand ultrasonic cleaners include Ruby, Citrine, Sapphire, Diamond, Garnet, Amethyst, and Chrysoberyl.  Softer gemstones, such as Peridot, Emeralds, Pearls, Tourmaline, Coral, and Tourquoise may become damaged. Any gemstone that has inclusions also may be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. When in doubt, don't use them.

Jewelry should be removed before vigorous activities as softer stones can become scratched. Harder stones can become chipped or fractured. Also, do not expose gemstones to extreme temperatures. Some gemstones, such as Opal, Pearls, Coral, Tourquoise, and Amber are quite heat sensitive, including to sudden changes in temperature. Do not leave them sitting in hot sunlighs, near radiators, or in hot cars.
Gemstone jewelry can be ruined by everyday household items as well. Do not expose them to the chemicals in cleaning products. Also beware of cosmetics, fragrances, and hair care products which can contain harsh chemicals as well.

It is good practice to put jewelry on last when getting dressed. At the end of the day, jewelry should be removed first. Gemstone jewelry should be stored in a cloth-lined box. It is important to keep gemstones away from other jewelry items which may scratch the stones.

Stainless Steel Wedding Bands

Stainless Steel wedding bands are a wonderful alternative to traditional gold or platinum.  When deciding if a stainless steel band is right for you, it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of a steel ring.

There are lots of positive aspects to buying a stainless steel ring.  It is durable and resists scratching and tarnishing.  It also won't rust or corrode.  This can be an important feature, since a wedding band is usually put through a lot of wear and tear when it is worn daily year after year.  Since steel is used to build a skyscraper, it should be durable enough for a wedding band!

Steel rings are far less expensive than gold.  They are also less expensive than other alternative metals such as titanium or tungsten. They also look a lot like platinum, but cost much less. They can be quite versatile and can be used for tension set engagement rings for diamonds or can be easily engraved.

Stainless steel rings are easy to maintain. They can be cleaned with warm water and dish detergent to keep them looking their best. A soft cloth can be used to polish them. After years, they can lose their original polish, but a jeweler can restore their shine relatively inexpensively.

Steel rings are also more eco-friendly than many other metals. Their production produces less waste and requires less energy than other metals. Most stainless steel rings are hypoallergenic, unless they are mixed with nickel.

One of the major negatives for some people is that stainless steel rings cannot be re-sized or repaired. This is an important consideration when choosing a wedding band as it will not be able to be re-sized in the future if you gain or lose weight. They can however, be easily cut off in the case of an emergency.

Stainless steel wedding bands are relatively new and there are not available in as many options as other metals. However, they are very versatile. They are an affordable, yet expensive looking alternative to precious metals.

Rings Engraved in Your Handwriting!

Wedding rings and wedding bands are offering much more variety these days.  Gone are the days of the predictable diamond engagement ring with either a plain band or a diamond band.  Shoppers these days tend to be looking for unique options.

The most unique option we can find is to have your band engraved in your own handwriting!  What a great way to include a special message and increase the sentimental value by putting that message in your handwriting.  The inside and outside of the bands can be engraved. 

By writing out your handwritten message, it can then be copied to the ring to look exactly the same.  What a great way to send a personalized message to your loved one. 

A variety of metals can be handwritten engraved including white and yellow gold, platinum, titanium and stainless steel. Rings can be engraved on the inside for a secret message, on the outside to show a little love note, or both. Rings can often accommodate at least 40 characters so there is room for a favorite quote or saying.

The XOE Ring Collections include a special line of rings that can be customized with handwritten engraving. It is made up of an inner ring and an outer ring that fit together. The inner ring seems to "float" weightlessly within the outer ring. When removed, they can be separated and then reunited. They can be mixed and matched with different metals for a truly custom look. With four different surfaces, it allows for four different engraving the spaces (the inside and outside of each ring). Prices start around $200.

For a truly unique wedding band, one engraved in your own handwriting is sure to be an original. Rings can often be purchased online simply by completing the engraving order form and scanning the image or mailing the sample to your jeweler. The fun part is deciding what to have inscribed in metal forever in your own handwriting!

Jewelry as a Gift

Buying jewelry as a gift can be exciting, or it can be scary!  It can be a very personal gift or can be impersonal as well, depending on the type of jewelry.  Diamond earrings are a romantic gift where as a brooch seems to be on the less personal end of the spectrum.

How to pick jewelry out for someone else?  Well one good question to ask yourself is, what sort of jewelry have you seen them wear in the past?  Do they wear a lot of silver bracelets or rings?  Do they seem to stick with themes with their jewelry?  Do they wear yellow gold?  These are important places to start.  You might not want buy a yellow gold necklace for someone who only wears white gold.  And you don't want to purchase silver for someone who may have an allergy.

If you are purchasing earrings for good friends that you know where earrings, it might be an easy task to pick out a pair that you can picture them wearing.  Or picking out a cute necklace that you know will look nice on them, might be fairly simple.  However, if you are looking to purchase for someone you don't know as well, a great aunt or a neighbor, it can be a little trickier. 

When you don't know the recipient very well, try to stay somewhat neutral.  Don't go for a really flashy gemstone or a large piece.  Perhaps a simple pendant.  Necklaces or brooches can be a safer bet to buy for those you don't know as well.  A black onyx necklace for example, can be pretty and simple and will go with just about anything.  Or how about pearls?  It doesn't need to a a string of pearls but could be a simple pearl pendant on a chain.  Again, it would be a fairly neutral option. 

Jewelry can be a well appreciated gift.  It often shows how well we know someone and how much thought we put into purchasing a special gift for someone we care about.

Posh Daddy Dog Tags

The Posh Mommy Collection certainly did not forget about Dads.  Posh Daddy Dog Tags are customized dog tags for fathers.  They can be engraved with the names of their children, birthdates, or the family crest.   Often, they are engraved with the childrens' names on one side and the family crest on the other.  They come with a 24 inch bead chain.

There are lots of famous Posh Daddys.  Carson Daly, Jason Priestly, "The Guncles, and Jay Demarcus from Rascal Flatts!

We offer Posh Daddy Dog Tags in Sterling Silver for $75.  They are also available in gold (email us for a price quote).  It just makes us smile every time we sell one of these to think of a dad out there wearing a tag with the names of his children!  They make a great gift too!

Kera Beads

Beads and charms are definitely a hot item.  One of the reasons we like to sell Kera Beads is because they are versatile.  They are interchangeable with most major brands, including Pandora.  There are several bracelets to choose from and there is a necklace available as well.  Soon we will be adding the earrings.  Then  you can build your own jewelry using a variety of beads.

One of our favorite beads is the Kera Watch Beads.  They are fully functional watches!  There are two styles to choose from and they look great on a bracelet surrounded by beads of your choice.


The Kera Bead Collection offers a variety of beads.  You can search them by category including silver, glass, natural material, beads with crystals, dangles, and lock beads.  There are lots of cute animals to choose from.  The Kera Wolf Bead is our most popular bead, followed by the alligator.

We are adding new beads regularly so check back often to see the additions to the collection.  They priced well below most other major brands and make a gift for those who have started a bracelet or for those you think would enjoy creating one.

Posh Mommy Collection

One of our collections that we are most excited about is our Posh Mommy Collection.  We just love this collection of personalized necklaces.  You may have heard of Posh Mommy already.  It was featured on Ellen's Mother's Day episode as a giveaway to the audience members.  It was also recently featured on the CBS Early Show as one of the hottest personalized items of the season.  It's been featured in several magazines as well including People, In Touch, In Style, and Star.  There are lots of celebrity Posh Mommys and Posh Daddys as well so it is often featured being in worn around famous necks!

What is this jewelry that is receiving so much attention (for those of you who have not heard of it).  Posh Mommy Necklaces are customized pendants that can be engraved and set with birthstones.  Most typically, childrens' names are engraved on them on one side and birthdates or nicknames are engraved on the back.  They can be set with birthstones that show through on both sides as well, making them a unique piece of jewelry!

The Posh Mommy Loop is our most popular Posh Mommy necklace.  It can be engraved only or set with up to five birthstones.  The slightly larger Posh Mommy Forever Loop (about 1.5 inches in diameter) can be set with up to six birthstones and has a larger engraving space.  It is a popular gift for grandmother's this holiday season.    The Posh Mommy Wee Loop is a slightly smaller than an inch in diameter.  Unlike the other loops, the engraving reads straight on.  It can be set up with up two childrens' names.  More than one Wee Loop can be worn on the same chain.

We love it when customers get creative with these loops.  Today we had a customer order the Posh Loop and the front engraving is "To the Moon and Back" and the back engraving is "Always and Forever"  How cute is that?  

After the loops, it is hard to say whether the Posh Mommy Tall Tags are more popular or the Posh Mommy Discs.  We sell a lot of both of them.  We like it when people mix them up for a truly customized look.  We sometimes sell a tall tag with one child's name and a round disc with another child's name.  We really like the tall tag pictured above with the name and the date listed on the disc. 

The Posh Mommy Mini Tags can also be mixed with the round discs or the tall tags.  They are very cute and seem to be just the right sized little pendants.

Customers seem to get especially creative with the Posh Mommy Squares.  I recently purchased one for a friend as a wedding gift and had her and her husband's names engraved on the front with their wedding date on the back.  These squares can fit up to five lines of text.  Some moms list their childrens' names as well as the names parents names' to make it a family necklace.  We love this idea too!  We've had some pet lovers include the names of the pets too.  Great idea!

We offer the Posh Mommy collection in sterling silver.  It is available in white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold as well.  If you are interested in gold, send us an email and we'll offer you a quote.

We're excited about our new blog!

At the Jewelry Ninja, we're very excited about our new blog.  We hope to be able to offer more insights on fashion and jewelry and to gain more feedback from our readers.  We're happy to offer more information on the products that we sell and to answer any questions that people might have about jewelry.  Thanks for joining us.  We love to offer great deals at Jewelry Ninja!


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