Chatham Created Sapphire and Emeralds

Jewelry Ninja's Chatham Created Sapphire and gemstones exhibit the exact same chemical and physical properties as natural gemstones, but cost much less.  Created gemstones are created by scientists in laboratories that mimic the settings where natural Sapphire occur.  Scientists use several different methods to produce the highest quality gemstones.  It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between natural gemstones and lab created gemstones with the naked eye.  Trained gemologists using high powered microscopes sometimes have difficulty determining whether a gemstone was created in a laboratory or in a natural setting.

Mario Lopez's Posh Daddy Dog Tag

Mario Lopez and Courtney Mazza with Posh Necklaces

Just when we thought Mario Lopez couldn't get any cuter, he gets a Posh Daddy Dog Tag!  Somehow wearing a necklace with his daughter's name makes him that much more attractive!  Courtney's Posh Mommy Square with a birthstone looks adorable as well!



Aquamarine- The Birthstone for March

Aquamarine is the the birthstone for the month of March.  With its beautiful blue blue color and durability, it makes a great gemstone for fine jewelry.  It is a fairly tough stone that is safe for everyday wear.  Aquamarine can often be found in rings and necklaces.

Customized Jewelry

People often want to know if Jewelry Ninja can do customized pieces of jewelry.  Yes we can.  Perhaps you want a ring with a specific gemstone and if have not seen it on our site.  Just ask.  We can probably have it made up for you.  Or if you see a style ring you like but you would like to have a bigger diamond or a different shaped diamond, we can do that too.  Or maybe you see a 14K white gold ring, but you'd like it in 10K yellow Gold.  We can do that.  Maybe we can even do it in rose gold.

Amethyst - February's Birthstone

Amethyst is a pinkish violet to deep purple quartz gemstone. It is a hard stone, making it a popular choice for everyday wear jewelry.  It can be cut into a variety of shapes and is more brilliant in natural light.  The price is generally more dependent on the cut and color and not the size of the stone.  The darker colors are typically more desirable. 

Amethyst has been a popular stone for centuries.  The Greeks used to think Amethyst would protect against "drunkeness."  It has historically been featured in British Crown Jewels.  Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

Amethyst is a versatile stone that looks great in earrings, pendants or rings.  Dark purple Amethyst is often paired with diamonds for a spectacular combination.  Amethyst also looks great in either yellow or white gold. 

Chances to Win Free Jewelry!

There's several options available to win free jewelry from Jewelry Ninja.  You can go to Go Graham Go where you can enter to win a $50 gift code to Jewelry Ninja.  There are several ways to enter, including simply sharing your favorite Jewelry Ninja piece of jewelry.  The contest ends on 2/16. While you're you're there, read the review of the Posh Mommy Forever Loop.      

You can also enter at Today's Woman for another chance to win a $50 gift code.  But hurry because this one ends on 2/7!  But you'll have plenty of time to receive an item in time for Valentine's Day if you win this one.  You can also find a review of the Posh Daddy Dog Tag, which makes a great gift!  Carson Daly, Jay Demarcus, Ian Ziering, and Jason Priestly are all proud Posh Daddy Dog Tag owners!

And if you don't win any contests, you can always just share with us who you think could use a little jewelry to spark up their life!  We love to give away jewelry for contest winners, but we really love to give it to people who deserve a little pick-me-up in life!

Spinel - The Underappreciated Gemstone

Spinel is a beautiful, yet underappreciated gemstone.  In the past it was confused for being either ruby or sapphire.  In fact, it used to be placed in crowns and considered to be the "best rubies."  Spinel is available in a wide range of colors including red, pink, violet, blue, orange, and black.  It has excellent hardness and clarity as well, making it a great gemstone for jewelry.

Spinel does not require heat treatment to improve clarity, unlike many other gemstones.  In fact, there are not treatments that improve color or clarity.  Spinel is known for its brilliance and luster.

One of the best parts about Spinel is that no major gemstone or jewelry companies have ever marketed it.  This makes it still very affordable.  Many customers have never even heard of Spinel. 

Spinel is a fairly rare gemstone.  It is only mined in a few places in the world.  If it were heavily marketed, the supply would more than likely run out very soon. 

Black spinel is often paired with diamonds in the growing trend of "black and white" jewelry.  With the cost of silver being good and the price of spinel being very affordable, spinel and diamond jewelry make a beautiful combination. 

Since spinel is affordable, a lot of whimsical creations have been made as well.  Snake or spider pendants are often seen on the market.  Spinel is a good gemstone for rings as well as necklaces and earrings and is safe for daily wear. 

We love spinel because it's not only beautiful but very affordable compared to the more heavily marketed gemstones.  Just don't tell anyone.  If everyone falls in love with spinel, the price will go up!



Lockets

Lockets have been around for centuries.  Initially they were used to carry herbs or medicine.  They began to be used to store pictures during the Victorian Era.

Today there are a wide variety of lockets available on the market.   They can come in different metals including gold and silver.  They can hold one, two or even up to six pictures.  They come in various shapes as well from round to heart shape and some are set with diamonds.  Engravable lockets can be mongramed or names can often be engraved on the back. 

Our favorite locket is the musical locket.  These lockets hold a picture and when you open it, they play a tune.  We sell three musical lockets.  The tunes our lockets play include My Girl, Unchained Melody, and You are My Sunshine.  The You are My Sunshine locket is the most popular, with almost every purchaser telling us a story about this song reminding them of childhood memories. 

Top 10 Jewelry Gifts for Valentine's Day

When shopping for Valentine's Day, many people search for jewelry as a gift idea. Jewelry makes a great gift because unlike the flowers or chocolates, jewelry can last a lifetime. Jewelry can also offer sentimental value and is a gift that can be used daily.

Here is a list of the top ten best Valentine's Day Jewelry gift ideas for women:

1. A Silver Heart Shaped Toggle Bracelet

Tiffany's made this silver bracelet popular and now many other stores offer this classic item for a great price. Sterling silver makes a great gift option. It can be easily cleaned and is durable. The heart on some of these bracelets can be engraved or it can be left as a blank heart.

2. A Diamond Right Hand Ring

A diamond ring does not have to be an engagement ring. Right hand diamond rings make a beatiful and sparkly choice. Just make sure you are clear on your intentions if you give a woman a diamond ring!

3. Garnet Jewelry

Garnet gemstones are a beatiful red color, making them a romantic choice for Valentine's Day. Garnet earrings, necklaces, or rings often come in heart shapes. Garnets are a durable stone and they make a great choice for jewelry.

4. Diamond Stud Earrings

Diamond stud earrings make a great addition to any jewelry box. They are simple yet elegant and will never go out of style.

5. Posh Mommy Necklace

Posh Mommy necklaces are personalized necklaces that allow for engraving and stone setting. Originally made for mothers, they are often set with childrens' birthstones. Posh Mommy necklaces were featured by CBS News as one of the top ten gifts personalized gifts of the Christmas shopping season and this will surely roll over into the Valentine's shopping season as well.

6. Couples Ring

If a diamond ring is not what you are after, a couples ring can be a romantic idea. Have it set with your birthstones and even engraved.

7. Journey Diamonds

Journey Diamond jewelry is a beautiful and romantic option. Journey diamond pieces are made up of at least four diamonds that gradually grow larger. This is meant to represent the love of a couple that grows over time, making it perfect for Valentine's Day.

8. Ring Engraved in Your Handwriting

A ring that is engraved in your handwriting is sure to be a wonderfully appreciated gift. There are many ring styles available that can be engraved in handwriting. Whether you are looking for a wedding band, a right hand ring, or an engagement ring, putting a special message in your handwriting is guaranteed to be a treasured gift.

9. Moissanite Jewelry

Moissanite is a lab created stone that comes with a lifetime guarantee to never lose its brilliance. It is the only stone more sparkly than a diamond. It is less expensive than a diamond but almost as hard. Its fiery brilliance makes it a great option for rings, earrings, or pendants.

10. Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets make a great gift option because new charms can be added at any time. There are many styles and options available. They are a beautiful piece of jewelry that can exhibit memories as well as show off one's personality and style.

A guide to buying Diamond Jewelry for Men

Men often tell us they are overwhelmed about where to even start when they are considering purchasing diamond jewelry.  There are lots of fancy words about cut, carat, color, and letters and numbers that symbolize different grades. When purchasing diamond jewelry, there are a few key points to keep in mind that will help make the process simpler.

The first step is to consider what type of jewelry. There are different options available ranging from earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches. No matter which one you choose, it will be important to keep her personality in mind. Buying a gift that the recipient will enjoy wearing is far more important than the clarity of the diamond.

Diamond earrings can be a great gift for women of all ages. If she does not own any diamond earrings already, start with some diamond stud earrings. They can be worn with anything and are a great addition to any jewelry box. They come in various size diamonds as well. If you are uncertain which size to purchase, 1/3CT is a good place to start. If she already has some basic diamond earrings, there are many sorts of hoops and dangles available as well, depending on your budget. Earrings can seem expensive, since you are buying at least one diamond per ear.

Diamond rings do not necessarily have to be an engagement ring. There are plenty of right hand diamond rings available. These are usually made up of several diamonds and they are often in various shapes. They can be set in gold, silver, or platinum and the prices can vary. If you are interested in purchasing a right hand diamond ring, consider whether or not she already wears any other rings. If she wears a yellow gold ring on her left hand, a white gold or sterling silver ring would not match as well as another yellow gold ring. If the recipient's ring size is unknown, the ring can be purchased in a stock size and re-sized at a later date.

Diamond necklaces are a great option. They can vary greatly from a single solitaire diamond or many diamonds can be put together to create fancy shapes such as hearts or bows. Diamonds in necklaces are often paired with colored gemstones as well. When purchasing a diamond necklace, determine if you are purchasing a necklace that can be worn with some more casual clothing or if it will be a fancy necklace that is only meant to be worn with a gown.

Bracelets make a beautiful gift. Diamond tennis bracelets are a sparkly, but pricey option. Diamond bracelets can also just include a single solitaire diamond. Bracelets often come in various wrist sizes which can usually be adjusted after purchase if necessary.

When purchasing diamond jewelry, the technical aspects of the diamond, such as cut and color, are important, but they are less important than the overall piece of the jewelry. Look at the big picture and ensure that the piece you are purchasing looks like something the recipient would like to wear. Spend less time focusing on the smaller details and do not attempt to become a diamond expert overnight.

Purity Rings

Purity ring sales have increased over the past decade.  They used to only be sold in Christian gift stores but this has changed recently as they have increased in popularity.  They are usually associated with the Christian faith.

Purity rings have traditionally served as a symbol of a person's commitment to remain sexually abstinent until marriage.  Several Christian groups led movements in the 1990's to encourage adolescents to make a pledge of purity and they often use a ring to symobolize their commitment.

There are many different purity ring designs available on the market. Some of them include Christian symbols or imagery.  Other designs have increased in popularity such as the "Unblossomed Rose" ring or the "Gift Wrapped Heart" ring. Others include an engraved message such as "True Love." In the past, rings were mostly sterling silver but gold rings are becoming increasingly available. Prices can range from under $20 to several hundred dollars. There are more masculine designs available for males.

Garnet - January's Birthstone

Garnet, the birthstone for the month of January, is a popular gemstone choice for jewelry.  It is relatively cost effective stone that is beautiful.  The colors of Garnet can range from red to green to purple.  The only color that garnet is not available in  is blue. Reddish brown is the best known color for Garnet.  Because of its rich red color, Garnet makes a great gift for Valentine's Day.  It is beautiful when it is paired up with brilliant diamonds as well.

The durability and strength of the stones make it a good choice for jewelry pieces.   The stones can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes as well.  Garnet that appears to be more violet red looks beautiful in white gold, silver, or platinum.  The reddish brown shades look most stunning in a yellow gold setting.

Garnet is easy to care for and is low maintenance.  It can be cleaned with warm soapy water and can tolerate gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush.  Garnet jewelry can last forever with proper care.

Journey Diamonds

The Journey Diamond Collection has a beautiful story behind it.  Each piece is made up of at least four diamonds that get gradually larger in size.  This is to represent the love of a couple that grows over time.  Journey Diamond pieces of jewelry are available in rings, earrings, and necklaces.  They are a popular gift for occasions such as anniversaries and Valentine's Day because of their romantic symbolism. 

The necklaces are the most popular of the Journey Diamond Collection.  They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  There are hearts, circles, zigzags, and curved lines.  Any Journey Diamond necklace would make a great addition to the jewelry box.  It piece is a classic item that will accent any other piece of jewelry.  There are matching sets with shapes or they can be mixed.  They are available for a variety of prices as well.

Jewelry as a Valentine's Day Gift

It's hard to believe we are thinking about Valentine's Day already.  With Christmas and New Year's out of sight, it's time to look forward and see that Valentine's is right around the corner.  And when shopping for a Valentine's Day gift, it makes sense to start shopping early.  Often there are sales to be found from retailers rotating their stock and also from new sales for the next holiday.

A popular gift idea for Valentine's Day is of course, jewelry.  Jewelry in the shape of a heart is a classic gift and the most popular.  One of the best parts about buying jewelry as a gift is that it can last a lifetime!  Unlike chocolates or a fancy dinner, jewelry can be around for decades or even passed down to the next generation. 


When shopping for jewelry as a Valentine's Day gift, there are some things to remember that can make your shopping easier.

• The amount of money you spend on a gift does not equal the amount of love you have for the recipient.  I think people sometimes think they need to spend a certain amount of money if they have been dating for a few years and another amount of money if you've been together for two years.  This isn't necessarily true.  Showing that you invested a lot of thought and time into picking out the gift can be more appreciated than if you had spent a lot of money purchasing the first item you found.
• Make sure do your homework on the recipient before you go shopping.  Keep in mind what sort of jewelry the recipient already wears.   If you notice they wear yellow gold, try to get something that will match by purchasing a yellow gold item. If the recipient has a more eclectic look and they mix and match yellow gold with silver already, then you may have more of a variety to choose from.
• Also be sure to do your homework on the item you are considering purchasing.  Make sure you at least know what the gemstone is.  Garnets are a red color that make it a popular Valentine's Day Gift.  Diamonds are of course the most popular item for Valentine's Day.
• Get creative with the way you present your gift as well.  There are lots of romantic ways to present a ring or a new necklace.  
• Personalized items can make a great gift.  Engraved items such as necklaces, rings with birthstones, or engraved lockets can be a romantic and sentimental gift.

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.