Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September!

For those who were born in the month of September the Sapphire is the traditional birthstone. 

The popular September Birthstone of the Sapphire is found in the following countries:

• Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Kashmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.  
  
  
  Fast Fact: Sapphire is 9 on the mohs' scale while diamond, the hardest material is 10, hence, this gem is ideal for rings, earrings, necklaces for everyday wear. 
  
  
  
  

Tanzanite & Turquoise are the Birthstones for the coming month of DECEMBER

Tanzanite is found only in one place worldwide.It is named after the East African state of Tanzania. Its attractive hue is one that sometimes mimicks blue sapphire. This gemstone increasingly gained popularity thanks to the New York Jeweler, Tiffany. It is today one of the most covetted gemstones in the world.



Turquoise:Traditional Birthstone for the month of december.



The name turquoise, is derived from the French expression Pierre tourques or simply Turkish stone, originated in the thirteenth century.Turquoise varies in color from greenish blue, through robin's egg-blue, to sky blue shades and its transparency ranges from translucent to opaque.

Caring for your Pearl Jewelry

Golden South Sea Pearl | Diamond Pendant in 18K white gold

Golden South Sea Pearls, Diamond Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold by SJ Jewelry

Fresh Water Keshi Pearls, Ruby Earrings in 18K yellow gold by SJ Jewelry
 

Pearls are very soft and need special care an attention. They never should be tossed on top of or next to other gems in your jewelry box. Always store them separately in a jewelry pouch.
Besides being soft, pearls can be easily damaged by chemicals like perfume, vinegar and lemon juice when they are in direct contact. Always put on your pearls last after you have applied perfume.

After you wear your pearls, just simply wipe them off with a soft cloth or chamois, which may be dry or damp. This will prevent dirt and perspiration from accumulating, which is slightly acidic.

November Birthstone- Topaz and Citrine

SJ Jewelry- Blue topaz & Diamond in 18K white gold Ring

SJ Jewelry- Blue topaz, sapphire in 18K yellow gold Ring

SJ Jewelry- Citrine, sapphire in 18K yellow gold Ring

SJ Jewelry- Citrine gemstone set in 18K yellow gold Ring

Citrine and Topaz and both the official birthstone for the month of November according to the American gem society. Topaz comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones available in the market. Citrine gemstone can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pastel yellow to dark brownish orange similar to the color above.

For more Citrine and topaz designs, visit us at www.sjjewelry.com

Peridot is the Birthstone month of August

Peridot, fire opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Peridot for the gemstone for people born in the month of August. Peridot is found in a wide spectrum of green colors from light-yellow to dark olive.

Birthstones representing each month are meant to empower the wearer with gifts specifically needed for each of these seasonal trasitions. When the human condition falls short of spiritual or mental needs, these precious gemstone have been believed to gift their owners strength and endurance in many forms.

Sj International: Understanding Cuts in Gemstone- Cabochon



Sugarloaf cut blue sapphire and diamonds in 18K white gold ring



Cabochon is a method of cutting gemstones with a convex, rounded surface that is polished but unfaceted.  Cabochons come in many different shapes.  Oval, round, and cushion shapes are the most common.  One of the most desirable and unique way of cutting is the “sugarloaf” cut. (both of the above blue sapphires are sugarloag cut) Blue Sapphire in Cabochon Cut is in fact the most ancient and historical way to cut and polish a gemstone.
For more on brilliant cut, click here.

Understanding Cuts in Gemstones

Common Cut Used on Gemstones :

Brilliant Cut :
A brilliant-cut gemstone has facets that are positioned and cut in such a way to radiate the best light from the gemstone. Gemstone cutters also make sure that the angles will enhance the brilliance of the gemstone. Such cuts are typically used for diamonds and transparent gemstones.

The most popular variation of all is the full-cut round brilliant, a popular engagement ring choice. It has fifty-seven or fifty-eight  facets. The single brilliant cut, on the other hand, has fewer facets of seventeen to eighteen. A variation of brilliant cut with triangular shape is called trillion while a square brilliant cut is also known as princess cuts.

Brilliant Oval Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamonds, 18K White gold Ring