Let’s celebrate May by learning about this month’s birthstone – the emerald. The radiant gemstone ranges in ravishing shades of green, which include blue to yellow undertones. Generally, deep green emeralds are more coveted than diamonds. The name “emerald” was derived from the Greek root “smaragdos”, which literally means “green gemstone”. Some of the earliest people to appreciate emerald were ancient Egyptians who excavated the gemstone near the Red Sea, in a location now known as “Cleopatra’s Mines”. Much like Cleopatra, the most famous fashionista of ancient times, Hollywood’s most glamorous gals, including Angelina Jolie and Elizabeth Taylor, have adorned themselves with emerald jewelry on the red carpet. Jolie famously paired gorgeous teardrop earrings at the 2009 Oscars with a simple black gown. The green really popped against the black dress. Jewelry aficionado Taylor had a stunning suite of emerald and diamond pieces in her $150 million dollar jewelry collection. Many were gifts from husband number five, Richard Burton. Here at Roman Jewelers, we are proud to carry emerald bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings designed by Simon G. His collection includes fashion-forward designs that feature highly saturated gemstones that look magnificent in any setting. A red-carpet earring look, designed by Simon G is pictured above. To learn more about the Simon G. collection at Roman Jewelers, please visithttps://www.romanjewelers.com

Pink Diamonds work for April Birthdays, too! Who is lucky enough to be born in April? If it is you, your birthstone is the diamond. Diamonds symbolize so much: beauty, strength, resilience, purity, and a whole lot of sparkle. Read on to learn more. A Symbol Of Innocence…Though diamonds are revered among minerals for their superior strength and durability, they also are associated with innocence. The diamond’s super-hard structure makes it virtually incorruptible. Its dual strength and purity make it the perfect adornment when worn as jewelry. More Than Wedding Jewelry…In the United States, the diamond is typically associated with the engagement ring. It symbolizes the commitment of matrimony. But the diamond is also a key player in the most stunning jewelry in the world. Its unique structure paired with skilled cutting techniques allow it to refract light in a way that is truly mesmerizing. The April girl is lucky to have the diamond as her signature gem! Religious Significance. The use of diamonds in jewelry and engagement rings is relatively recent compared to its use in religious rituals and customs. In India, diamonds have been regarded as religious icons for over 3,000 years. In the Bible the diamond represented one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and according to the book of Exodus, was used to adorn the garments of the priests serving in the temple. In the book of Jeremiah the diamond was used as a tool and as an instrument of judgment. The World of Colored Diamonds. And remember, not all diamonds are white! While diamond hues are often paler than a colored gemstone, their rarity gives them a sought-after status among jewelry buyers. But, there are black diamonds, chocolate diamonds and the coveted yellow or pink diamonds, most precious of all.

Roberto Coin Amethyst & Diamond Necklace February can be bitterly cold, but getting that perfect piece of jewelry can warm the hearts of those you love. There are lots of exciting things going on this month like the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on 2/6, Valentine’s Day on 2/14 and a great deal of birthdays that deserve very special attention. So, if you want to treat the special woman in your life like a queen and need beautiful gift ideas, we suggest you take inspiration from February's birthstone: Amethyst -- a regal gem with deep roots in nobility and power. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst had the power to protect it’s owner from getting inebriated. Now is the time for you to become intoxicated with the beauty of this stone. It ranges in shades of pink rose and light lilac to the deepest hue of purple. Throughout history, amethyst has adorned glamorous royals like Marie Louise of Austria, the second wife of Napoleon and modern royal icons like Princess Diana, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Today, you don’t have to be of noble blood to enjoy the regal sophistication of amethyst. Thanks to the discovery of new deposits, including a large find in Brazil, the semi-precious stone is more accessible than ever. Our favorite designers, like John Hardy, Roberto Coin, Scott Kay and Tacori have incorporated amethyst into their fashionjewelrycollections, pairing it with white and yellow gold, silver, and even diamonds for a dramatically stunning effect. So with only 29 days in February don’t delay. Just because it’s the shortest month, doesn’t mean you can’t give a gift that will last a lifetime.

Red Garnet Rings by Marco Bicego This red garnet ring is designed by Marco Bicego and available at Roman Jewelers. As Aquarius’ zodiac stone and the second wedding anniversary gem, garnet provides a versatile family of affordable gems that can be enjoyed year-round. But, probably, the garnet is known mostly as January’s birthstone. A Family of Gems Garnet is actually the group name for a family of gemstones that come in almost every color. They’re beautiful, durable, and most garnets are very affordable. The name “garnet” comes from the Roman word granatus, meaning “seed,” because the gems were thought to resemble pomegranate seeds. The m