What you Need to Know about Engagement Rings
An engagement ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry that a woman will wear in her lifetime. Because of that, shopping for an engagement ring can be extremely difficult; just how are you supposed to pick a piece of jewelry to represent an eternal love? Luckily, there are certain helpful facts that make the task of shopping for an engagement ring seem much less daunting. Let’s start with the diamond. Choosing a diamond is one of the hardest parts of choosing an engagement ring, because it requires the most consideration. One of the most common ways to evaluate the quality of a diamond is by looking at “the 4 C’s”: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. It’s important to note that, due to other factors, two diamonds graded equally along the 4 C’s are not necessarily equal in quality or value. Still, the 4 C’s are important to consider when generally determining what quality diamond you would like to purchase. Beyond the 4 C’s, you must consider what shape of diamond you’d like to choose. Diamonds come in different shapes—round, princess, pear, and oval shapes, as well as many others. It is important to choose a diamond shape that not only reflects the style of the wearer, but also complements the ring’s setting and the wearer’s hand. Beyond the diamond, you must choose a type of precious metal for the setting of the engagement ring. There are many options when it comes to precious metals, and they come in a variety of different colors and prices. The preference of the wearer and price of the precious metal are of importance in this selection. However, one should also consider choosing a metal that matches the skin tone of the wearer. The type of setting, which is the method by which an engagement ring’s diamond is secured in the ring, is another component to consider when choosing an engagement ring. The most common type of ring setting is a prong setting in which a small, claw-like prongs grip the diamond to hold it in place. Other setting types include bezel, tension, pavé, halo, flush, and many others, each with its own unique look and attributes. The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting an engagement ring is the woman who will be wearing it. Would your lady prefer a plain band or one studded with smaller jewels? Does she like more discrete or more extravagant jewelry pieces? Knowing and keeping the wearer’s preferences in mind will make the process of finding the right engagement ring much easier, and you’ll be sure to find her a ring she will love. For more information on engagement rings, as well as assistance in shopping for one, make an appointment with Roman Jewelers today.Make An Appointment
Do you Shine Bright like a Diamond? If you're born in April you do!
Happy Birthday to those born in April 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.
Diamonds! April's Birthstone
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.
Chocolates and Chocolate Diamonds; just two of my favorite things
Here are just two of my favorite things; chocolates and chocolate diamonds. Both come in small packages, and both make my everyday-life more enjoyable. What are chocolate diamonds; are they real diamonds? Yes, they are. Most chocolate diamonds come from diamond mines in Australia. They come in different shades of browns, like cognac, cinnamon, brown, and champagne. Champagne colored diamonds are usually lighter in color with a slightly reddish undertone, while the cognac color is warm reddish golden-brown. And just like chocolates, let chocolate diamonds bring you joy and happiness.
Bring New Life to Your Diamond Jewelry and Love it Again
Choose a halo setting like this one from Tacori to remount your round diamond.
We are always surprised to hear from friends and customers that they are no longer wearing their engagement or wedding rings. It’s sad, actually—and the reasons they aren’t wearing them are even sadder. The good news is that Roman Jewelers can help! We’ve set up a special event on August 20 & 21 so everyone can love (and wear) their jewelry again.
There are several reasons women no longer wear and love their diamond jewelry, including simply not liking it because it feels outdated. Whether it’s the cut, the metal color, or even the size of the diamond, many women choose to leave their rings in a jewelry box instead of enjoying them.
That’s why we’ve decided to host a special event where customers can Remount, Refashion, Trade Up, or Trade In their diamonds.
The event will be held on August 20th in Flemington and August 21st in Bridgewater.
Remounting your existing diamond ring gives it new life and added protection in a new setting. Roman Jewelers will set your diamond(s) into a new ring while you wait during this event—or anytime with an appointment.
Refashioning allows you to create a custom piece using heirloom jewelry or stones from other designs. You may want to commemorate an anniversary or meaningful life event with a one-of-a-kind creation.
You can also Trade In or Trade Up what you already have. Some women want larger or higher-quality diamonds, and during this event only, Roman Jewelers will purchase your old diamonds and apply the credit toward a new diamond, new setting, or anything else in our store.
Best of all, many of these services happen while you wait. With three jewelers on staff and an appointment, you can watch your diamond jewelry transform into something you’ll love and wear again.
To schedule an appointment:
Flemington: (908) 782-8240
Bridgewater: (908) 575-1242
Things
With the Royal Wedding just days away, the Jewelry Information Center has been keeping the public interested in all things Royal and Jeweled. Royal Families have always understood the importance of jewelry as heirlooms. Here are two of the JIC’s (and our) favorite heirlooms of the British Monarchy.
Granny’s Chips Brooch
Queen Elizabeth affectionately christened the diamonds in the pictured brooch "Granny's Chips" because they were originally owned by her grandmother, Queen Mary. The "chips" are two large, beautiful diamonds: a 94.4-carat pear-cut stone and a 63.60-carat square-cushion cut diamond. Wouldn't we all like to have heirlooms that size?
Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara
The Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara—so named because of the Lovers Knots bows incorporated into the design—was an appropriate gift from Queen Elizabeth to Princess Diana on her wedding day. Its origin dates back to 1914, when Queen Mary commissioned the crown jeweler Garrard to create a copy of a tiara owned by her maternal grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse-Cassel.
Will Kate wear this?
What Moms Want
Mother's Day is on Sunday, and we all know that moms love jewelry. With so many options in a wide range of prices, jewelry makes an easy, fun, personal, and memorable Mother’s Day gift. So, what should you get Mom?
Diamond Stud Earrings
Mom has been wanting these for quite some time, and maybe now is the perfect moment to get them—especially if she has done something amazing, like welcoming her first child. Perhaps she has graduated from college, or maybe you have. Thank her with the ultimate Mother’s Day gift: classic diamond stud earrings.
Chamilia Bracelet
The budget-friendly and highly personal gift of a Chamilia charm bracelet speaks directly to Mom and all she has done for you and your family. With so many beads to choose from, finding the one that’s perfect for her is simple—and simply beautiful.
Circle of Life Necklace
Available in many sizes, the Circle of Life Necklace is a heartwarming and elegant choice for Mother’s Day. The Italian-designed Roberto Coin Circle of Life necklace will truly take her breath away. Additional designs include matching earrings and rings. It’s the perfect way to thank her—because let’s face it, where would you be without her?
Key Pendant
Key pendants are a hot fashion item that moms love and want. Choose one that is beautiful, elegant, and crafted with exceptional quality, like the ones at Roman Jewelers. The best way to tell Mom she’ll always have the key to your heart is with a gift she can wear every day of the year.
John Hardy
Every fashionable mom knows that when it comes to designer jewelry, John Hardy is a must-have. Sterling silver designs handcrafted in John Hardy’s Bali studio bring natural beauty to every piece. Inspired by the world around him, John Hardy creates jewelry Mom can wear anywhere—from the office, to school volunteering, and even evening fundraising events.
This is just a small glimpse of what’s available for Mom this Mother’s Day. Jewelry makes the perfect gift because it’s so personal—something she will cherish forever.
New Sparkle for Diamond Studs
Diamond studs never go out of style. But, if you would like to add a very special sparkle to your diamond stud earrings, you can have a circular "jacket" made to surround each diamond with a circle of either pavé or smaller prong-set diamonds. Thiswill allow you toadd even moreimpact to your beautiful stones on special occasions. Another way to customize your diamond studs is to put them into a bezel setting that also has a circle of diamonds or other gemstones like sapphires or rubies.
Buyer Beware!
I’ve been thinking—what makes people believe that spending $399 on a three-carat diamond tennis bracelet is a good deal? Why do consumers carefully study reports to understand the quality of a vacuum cleaner, yet fail to take the time to learn about diamonds before making such an important purchase?
Last Christmas, a young man stopped by my store and asked me to clean a new bracelet he had purchased for his wife from a department store. He mentioned that the price was so attractive he couldn’t resist buying it.
Of course, I cleaned the bracelet—but it still didn’t sparkle. He asked me to leave it in the ultrasonic cleaner for a few more minutes. I did, yet the bracelet looked no better.
I explained to him that diamond quality is what truly determines brilliance and sparkle.
So, is spending $399 on a three-carat diamond tennis bracelet really a good deal?
Buyer beware!