An engagement ring is not just a beautiful piece of jewelry; it symbolizes love, commitment, and a special moment in your life. To keep this treasured possession sparkling and in excellent condition, proper care is essential. Here’s a quick guide on how to maintain your engagement ring.  

Discover the allure of peridot, August's birthstone, known as the "gem of the sun." This vibrant green gemstone, found in volcanoes and meteorites, has a rich history and symbolic properties. 

Pearls have long been a sign of opulence and sophistication, so it is no surprise that the lovely people born in the month of June are represented by such a wonderful gem.Pearls have a rich history and symbolism, from their origins in the Persian Gulf recorded thousands of years ago, to the leading ladies of history, to a timeless fashion staple, pearls often symbolize purity and beauty, as well as wisdom, femininity, and a connection with the moon. The earth has given us beautiful gems since the beginning of time, but pearls, like are one of the few "organically created gemstones", meaning they are formed because of a living organism. In the case of pearls, they are formed in species of mollusks, like oysters, clams, and mussels.And, although, natural pearls are incredibly rare, beautiful cltured pearl's make up the vast majority of pearls used in jewelry. Cultured pearls are created with human interaction and care that simulate the environment a mollusk needs in order to create a pearl.This also makes the pearls beautiful, symetrical, and matching. There are in fact 7 attribues that the Gemological Institue of American (GIA), the world's foremost authority on pearls uses to evalute their beautry including size, shape, color,luster, nacre quality, surface and matching. See more: https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/pearl-quality-101-gia-examines-classifies-pearls Akoya pearls are one of the most prized cultured pearls. They are known for their perfect spherical shape and enchanting luster. The akoya pearl is a saltwater pearl, and has the longest cultured history. They are considered to be the classic pearl used in jewelry, with perfect round shapes, bright mirror-like luster and neutral colors. The classic pearl choice. They are rare, too. Unlike their freshwater cousines, akoya pearl oysters rarely produce more than two pearls per harvest. The careful culturing is the reason akoya pearls are so perfectly round. The shape, combined with the color and other attributes is why they are used by the finest of jewelers. In 1893 Mikimoto founder Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world's first cultured pearls. Ever since then, Mikimoto has been seeking to harness the allure of pearls, translating our hopes and dreams into pearl necklaces for over 130 years. Roman Jewelers is incredibly honored to be an authorized Mikimoto partner, the finest pearl designer in the world. This video is worth a watch to learn more about Mikimoto Pearls and their history... https://youtu.be/xC6CM0HK0rE These White Gold Akoya Stud Earrings from Mikimoto are the perfect classic pearl earring. Simple and timeless, the pearl stud earring is an elegant choice to pair for any occasion and can elevate a casual outfit in an instant. Classic Pearl Studs from Mikimoto Some of history’s most fashionable women, in both fiction and real life, wore pearls. Former First Lady Jackie Kennedy was no stranger to pearls and was often seen wearing pearl necklaces. The Akoya Pearl Strand Necklace is sure to make anyone feel as sophisticated as Jackie O. A classic, beautiful pearl strand from Mikimoto Grace Kelly, in her iconic role as Lisa Fremont in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, wears numerous pieces of pearl jewelry. Her pearl bracelet might be too much for some, and the Pearl Strand Bracelet is a simplified version that is reduced in size, but never in class and style. This bracelet is from designer, Lagos. Lagos Pearl Bracelet With such a long history in the fashion world, a true fashion throwback takes us all the way to the La Peregrina Pearl. Supposed to have been found in 1513, the pearl was owned by the Spanish royal family for centuries, until the 19th century. In 1969 ownership passed to Irish actor Richard Burton as a present for his wife, actress Elizabeth Taylor. The pearl is currently in private ownership, but the look lives on.For those looking for a piece of jewelry to emulate a long lost time, look no further than the White Gold Lariat with Akoya Pearls. This necklace is reminiscent of jewelry worn by royalty, and the shape is similar to that of the La Peregrina Pearl. Stunning Lariat Necklace from Mikimoto, Available at Roman Jewelers Today's blog has only touched on pearl jewelry. There is so much more to learn. Next time, learn about south sea pearls...black and golden. Yes,Pearls, no matter their form, color, or manner of creation, are a uniquely beautiful gem that deserve their place in history, and in your jewelry box.Visit Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, NJ, we love pearls and we love selling them. And if you would like to know more about pearls, we would love to meet you. Mikimoto 18K Yellow Gold Twist Golden South Sea Pendant Necklace

In 2024, New Jersey's fashion jewelry trends cater to a wide array of personal tastes, offering versatile pieces that elevate any occasion or outfit. Let's explore how these trending pieces can complement your wardrobe and special moments wherever your adventures take you in the Garden State or beyond. 1. Medallion Pendants: Symbols of StyleMedallion pendants are more than accessories; they’re personal statements. When layered over a simple turtleneck or juxtaposed with a V-neck blouse, these pendants can transform your everyday office wear into a conversation starter. They're also ideal for casual weekend outings, adding depth and interest to a basic tee and jeans combo. We’re falling head over heels for this Roberto Coin medallion as well as this Malka NY Fluorescent Evil Eye.2. Paperclip Chains: The Link to Modern EleganceThe minimalist yet bold paperclip chain is a versatile addition to any jewelry box. Its sleek design adds a modern touch to business casual attire. You can also layer it with other necklaces to create a textured look for a night out. Pair it with a sleek cocktail dress, and you have an effortlessly chic ensemble.3. Diamond Tennis Bracelets: A Resurgent ClassicA diamond tennis bracelet channels all the vintage vibes and adds sparkle to any outfit. This quintessential piece that peaked in the 80s and 90s is deserving of its recent comeback. Its timeless elegance paired with its flexible and comfortable design make it a fantastic choice for elevating a business suit or little black dress for dinner dates. Go the “tried and true” route with a traditional 14K white gold bracelet or venture off the beaten path with a mixed shape bracelet in yellow gold. 4. Yellow Gold: A Welcome WarmthYellow gold's warm hue is incredibly flattering against all skin tones, making it a versatile choice for any event. A chunky yellow gold ring can add a bold statement to a minimalist outfit, while delicate yellow gold chains can bring a subtle glow to summer dresses or complement the richness of autumnal tones in your wardrobe. Add a touch of luxe to your wardrobe with Marco Bicego oval twisted hoop earrings. Upgrade your watch collection with the warm-toned Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 that captivates with 70s vibes. 5. Green Gemstones: A Verdant VisionGreen gemstones are stealing the spotlight this year. This color is associated with nature, vitality, and healing. Emerald and tourmaline bring a vibrant pop of color to accompany spring and summer festivities. Pair this Simon G pendant necklace with a white blouse or sundress, offering a refreshing contrast that's ideal for garden parties or outdoor weddings. Turn heads with these green tourmaline with black opal dangling earrings from Lauren. Level up your daily look with this classic diamond and emerald bracelet.6. Bypass Rings: A Twist on TraditionA symbol of two souls merging as one, bypass rings are a standout accessory for creative or artistic events. They pair beautifully with avant-garde outfits, adding an element of surprise and sophistication. Whether you're attending an art gallery opening or a creative industry award night, a bypass ring is your go-to for making a stylish statement. Get inspired with this pink sapphire and diamond design from Frederic Sage and this double row diamond bypass ring from Gabriel & Co.As the fashion jewelry trends of 2024 unfold across New Jersey, it's clear that there's a perfect piece for every occasion and outfit. From the personal symbolism of medallion pendants to the vibrant allure of green gemstones, these trends offer endless possibilities to express your style. Schedule an appointment or stop by Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, NJ, to find your new favorite design.

Emeralds Bring some Luck to March, but they are May's Birthstone! Either way, emeralds are fascinating gemstones. They can display the most beautiful, most intense and most radiant green imaginable. In fact everyone understands the description ‘Emerald Green’, which is often used to describe something that is a beautiful and intense green. Unlike most gemstones, in an Emerald, inclusions are often tolerated. In top quality, fine Emeralds are even more valuable than Diamonds. Emerald is actually a member of the Beryl family and shares the same chemical and crystal structure of Aquamarine and Morganite. It is relatively hard at 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, however it is somewhat brittle, meaning that it must be worn with care. The name Emerald comes from the Greek ‘smaragdos’ via the Old French ‘esmeralde’, and really just means ‘green gemstone’. Innumerable fantastic stories have grown up around this magnificent gem. The Incas and Aztecs of South America, regarded the Emerald as a holy gemstone. However, probably the oldest known finds were once made near the Red Sea in Egypt. Having said that, these gemstone mines, already exploited by Egyptian pharaohs between 3000 and 1500 B.C. and later referred to as ‘Cleopatra’s Mines’, had already been exhausted by the time they were rediscovered in the early 19th century. Written many centuries ago, the Vedas, the holy scriptures of the Indians, say of the precious green gems and their healing properties: ‘Emeralds promise good luck and ‘The Emerald enhances the well-being. So it was no wonder that the treasure chests of Indian maharajas and maharanis contained wonderful Emeralds. One of the world’s largest is the so-called ‘Mogul Emerald’. It dates from 1695, weighs 217.80 carats, and is some 10cm tall. One side of it is inscribed with prayer texts, and engraved on the other there are magnificent floral ornaments. This legendary Emerald was auctioned by Christie’s of London to an unidentified buyer for 2.2m US Dollars on September 28th 2001. Emeralds have been held in high esteem since ancient times. For that reason, some of the most famous Emeralds are to be seen in museums and collections. The New York Museum of Natural History, for example, has an exhibit in which a cup made of pure emerald which belonged to the Emperor Jehangir. It is shown next to the ‘Patricia’, one of the largest Colombian Emerald crystals, which weighs 632 carats. The collection of the Bank of Bogota includes five valuable Emerald crystals with weights of between 220 and 1796 carats, and splendid Emeralds also form part of the Iranian National Treasury, adorning, for example, the diadem of the former Empress Farah. The green of life and of love! But Let us not forget that Emeralds are LUCKY! The green of the Emerald is the color of life and of the springtime, which comes round again and again. But it has also, for centuries, been the color of beauty and of constant luck. In ancient Rome, green was the color of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. Today, this color still occupies a special position in many cultures and religions. Green, for example, is the holy color of Islam. Many of the states of the Arab League have green in their flags as a symbol of the unity of their faith. Yet this color has a high status in the Catholic Church too, where green is regarded as the most natural and the most elemental of the liturgical colors. In March, Luck is always part of our St. Patrick's day festivities. The magnificent green of the Emerald is a color which conveys harmony, love of Nature and elemental joie de vivre. The human eye can never see enough of this unique color. Pliny commented that green gladdened the eye without tiring it. Green is perceived as fresh and vivid, never as monotonous. And in view of the fact that this color always changes somewhat between the bright light of day and the artificial light of a lamp, emerald green retains its lively vigor in all its nuances. Emerald is mined from a number of sources, however the most famous are from Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia.See the worlds most beautiful Emeralds at Roman Jewelers Gem Show Event, March 16th. Shop these amazing emerald pieces from Roman Jewelers: Oval Emerald & Diamond Pendant Oval Emerald & Diamond Pendant

Your Engagement Ring. Things to consider… When we think of a perfect engagement ring, we mostly think of the style of the ring and the shape and size of the diamond.The thought of the ring's durability hardly ever crosses our minds. However, what other piece of jewelry do you wear as often as your engagement ring?!Let's talk today about how you can keep your engagement ring's durability and for it to look great every day.Diamond rings, in general, and diamond engagement rings are meant to be enjoyed! That’s why so many of us wear our jewelry every day. When you wear your diamond ring this much, it becomes subject to wear and tear. Every time you bump, rub or scratch your jewelry you may be causing some harm. This happens mostly with rings…especially, engagement rings. Purchasing an Engagement Ring that will last a lifetime. When you're shopping for an engagement ring, keep in mind that this fine piece of jewelry will be worn every day. It should be comfortable, flattering, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily wear. Of course, you also want the ring to be a symbol of your love and commitment, which is why many couples choose a diamond engagement ring.Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, so they're very resistant to scratching and chipping. Diamonds' resistance does not mean it is indestructible. Diamonds can break, get scratched, or be chipped. That means that you will have to take good care of your diamond and your engagement ring so that you will be able to enjoy your ring for years to come. See today's diamond availability and pricing Diamond shapes Round and oval diamonds Diamond Shapes Round diamonds are the most popular shape for engagement rings, and they are also the most durable. The round shape means that there are no sharp corners or edges that can get caught on things or break. As such, diamonds with no corners (round and oval shapes) or smooth corners (cushion cut) have less of a chance to be damaged.Princess cutPrincess cut diamonds are also very durable, but they have more edges than a round diamond, so they require a bit more attention.Emerald, pear, and marquise shape diamondsEmerald, pear, and marquise diamonds have pointed corners that can sometimes chip or break if they are hit hard enough. So if you're looking for a durable engagement ring, that is something you may want to consider. Speak with your jewelry consultant about a setting that will not only look lovely, but perhaps protect your diamond as well. Metals Precious Metal: Gold When you're shopping for engagement rings, it's important to think about the durability of the setting. The setting is what holds the diamond in place, so you want to make sure it's strong enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear. 14K and 18K gold are both popular choices for engagement ring settings, but they differ in terms of strength and durability.To understand the strength and durability of metals most often used in engagement rings, let's talk about metallurgy - a study of metals - and briefly discuss the two metals most often used in jewelry making-- gold and platinum.GoldGold has been a popular choice for engagement rings for centuries, being a symbol of wealth and success. As such, the engagement ring setting made of gold conveys status and prestige. With all these benefits, it's no wonder that gold is such a popular choice for engagement rings. There are many reasons for this.Gold is an enduring metal that will last a lifetime, and it can be polished and repolished to restore its original luster. Gold is also a very malleable metal, which means it can be shaped into a wide variety of designs. In addition, gold is hypoallergenic, meaning it is unlikely to cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions (unless you are allergic to the metals in the alloys - a metal or a combination of metals added to the pure gold to make the metal more durable. And finally, gold is a timeless metal that looks beautiful with any type of stone. Whether you're looking for a classic solitaire or a modern halo setting, gold can provide the perfect backdrop for your engagement ring.Let's look at the composition of gold most often used for engagement rings. Pure gold is 24K gold. Pure gold is very soft and usually is not suitable for jewelry. 18K gold contains 75% of pure gold and 25% of alloys. 14K gold contains 58.3% of pure gold and 41.7% of alloys. The purer gold in a metal, the softer the metal is. That makes 18K gold softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents than 14K gold. 14K gold is less pure, so it's harder and more resistant to damage.Whether you choose yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold setting, gold is simply beautiful, giving engagement rings a timeless elegance. Just keep in mind that white gold starts as pure yellow gold and obtains its white color by adding specific alloys. Because of that, the white gold will eventually show its yellow tint and would need to be rhodium-plated to keep its white color.PlatinumPlatinum is a much rarer metal than gold, and it is also more durable and hypoallergenic. In addition, platinum has a natural silvery-white color that complements any diamond or gemstone. While gold engagement rings are certainly beautiful, they simply cannot match the beauty and prestige of a platinum engagement ring.Since we are talking about engagement rings' durability, platinum is extremely durable, meaning that it will withstand everyday wear and tear far better than gold. Platinum engagement rings are so tough that they can be passed down through generations as family heirlooms. So if you're looking for a high-quality ring that will last a lifetime, platinum may be the perfect metal for you.Ultimately, the best metal for engagement ring settings depends on your personal preferences and budget You can find more information about precious metals on the IGS (International Gem Society) website.IGS - learn about precious metals Engagement ring styles Three-Stone Engagement Ring An engagement ring's style can affect a ring's durability. When it comes to engagement rings, there are three main styles: solitaire, halo, and three-stone. Perhaps, you chose a custom engagement ring that does not fall into one of the traditional ring styles. There are only two aspects to a perfect engagement ring style; the beauty of the ring and its comfort and durability. Each style has its unique look, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons in terms of durability.For example, solitaire engagement rings have a classic, timeless look that will never go out of style. However, because there is only one stone in the setting, a bit of care is required.Halo engagement rings are also quite popular, and they offer the added benefit of extra protection for the center stone.Three-stone engagement rings are another option, and they tend to be quite durable due to the simple setting. However, because three-stone engagement rings have three stones instead of just one, it is a good idea to have your jeweler periodically check all three stones to make sure they are nice a tight.The engagement ring's style is an important consideration when choosing an engagement ring. It is important to think about how you will wear your ring and what type of setting will best suit your lifestyle. If you are looking for a classic and timeless Engagement rings are well loved, so require some care Over time, any engagement ring is subject to wear and tear. Even the most well-made ring can start to show signs of damage after years of daily use. When you notice the damage that your engagement ring starts showing, do not blame yourself for it. Wear and tear is a normal process resulting from years of wearing and enjoying the ring.The good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to help keep your ring in great condition. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your engagement ring will retain its beauty for many years to come. Tips to keep your diamond engagement ring in great shape longer Make sure to remove your ring before doing any activities that could potentially damage it, such as gardening, going to the gym where you might be lifting weights, or cooking. Be careful not to expose your ring to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or detergent. When not in use, store your ring in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box. Have your ring professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year, or better yet, every six months. Have your prongs that hold your diamonds professionally checked to make sure the prongs are wearing properly and are protecting your diamond from getting lost. At Roman Jewelers, we strongly encourage our clients to bring their rings into the store every six months or so, to allow us to check the prongs to ensure they are wearing properly. We will also clean your jewelry while you wait, which always results in the same “Wow!” reaction.How to Clean your Diamond Engagement Ring at Home One of the best ways to clean your engagement ring is also the simplest—and that’s just using soap and water. Mix a mild solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water and soak your ring for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime that’s accumulated on the setting or diamond. Brush the inside of the ring and the area under your center diamond. Rinse your ring thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft lint-free cloth.You should never use harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, to clean your engagement ring. These chemicals can damage the metal and setting, and they may also dull the diamond. Abrasive cleaners, such as toothpaste or baking soda, can also damage the metal and setting. If you need to clean your ring more thoroughly, we recommend taking it to a professional jeweler. Store Your Diamond Ring Carefully Store your Jewelry when not wearing it When you’re not wearing your engagement ring, store it in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box. This will help protect the ring from scratches. Do not store your ring in a jewelry box next to other diamond jewelry as diamonds scratch diamonds. That is why placing your engagement ring into a soft cloth is recommended. This would also prevent the diamond in your engagement ring from scratching other pieces of jewelry in your jewelry box. Have Your Ring Professionally Cleaned and Inspected Regularly We recommend having your engagement ring professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year, or better yet, every six months. This will help ensure that the ring is in good condition and that any damage is caught early. At Roman Jewelers, we offer complimentary cleaning and inspection.By following these simple tips, you can help keep your engagement ring looking brand new for many years to come. Insure your Engagement Ring An engagement ring is a big investment, so you want to do everything you can to protect it. That's why insuring your engagement ring is a smart choice. Your ring will be covered in the event of loss, theft, or damage. The cost of ring insurance varies depending on the value of your ring, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.There are a few different ways to get insurance for an engagement ring, and the best option for you will depend on your circumstances. Many homeowners’ insurance policies will cover engagement rings, so if you have existing coverage, that may be the simplest option. You can also purchase a separate insurance policy for your engagement ring. This can be a good choice if you don't have other insurance coverage or if you want more comprehensive protection. Whichever option you choose, insuring your engagement ring is an important step in protecting your investment. What does insurance cover? But what does ring insurance cover? In most cases, engagement ring insurance will cover the cost of the ring if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. Some policies may also cover the cost of repairs if the ring is damaged. However, it's important to read the details of your policy carefully before you buy it, as some policies have exclusions and limits on what they will cover. For example, some policies might not cover engagement rings that are lost or stolen while you are traveling. Roman Jewelers is Here for You Roman Jewelers is always available to inspect your ring or provide any advice about caring for it. We offer a free professional evaluation of your ring to identify any areas of weakness and provide solutions to make sure your ring lasts a lifetime (or longer). Stop by our store today or call us at 908-575-1242 to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to help you keep your beautiful engagement ring looking its best for years to come!

So you're getting married! Roman Jewelers and Gabriel would like to help you find the perfect wedding band--for both style and comfort. Guys tend to gravitate toward the traditional wedding band design butmany are stepping out and embracing more elaborate looks. Sometimes, couples choose to coordinate their wedding bands, often choosing the same design and metal color but men’s bands have a distinctly more masculine appearance with wider bands, angular cuts and often the absence of stones.Though it seems simple enough, when shopping for a men’s wedding band the following should be considered. FIT Men often choose comfort over fashion, so the fit therefore is an important consideration when choosing a wedding band.It’s best to try on several models and really compare the differences in feel. The most common fits are: Comfort Fitmeaning that the inside of the ring is rounded, which helps it slide over your knuckle easier. Flat or Standard Fitrings are flat on the inside of the ring, which means the inside diameter is the same as you move along from one edge to the other. WIDTH Width is an important consideration because ultimately it will affect how the band looks on the finger and therefore impacting the overall appearance of the hand.Bands measuring 4 to 6 millimeters tend to look great on most fingers, but wider than 6mm should be left to those who have longer and thicker fingers as it tends to make them appear shorter and wider. The width also affects the price as more metal means a higher price point.Consider your budget as this is one area that is easy enough to alter while still maintaining the overall design of the ring. FINISH There are several common finishes that can give a men’s band an element of interest. GabrielStyle:MBM0111-60W4JJJ Sand blast– this finish makes the ring appear as if it’s encrusted with diamond chips because it sparkles and shimmers beautifully in the light. It feels coarse to the touch with a grainy feel. Gabriel Style:MBM0101-60W4JJJ Satin –This finish gives a softer more matte effect to the ring for those who prefer a less shiny finish. Gabriel Style:MBM0112-60W4JJJ Hammered –This type of finish is quite unique in appearance in that it has a sort of dimpled look, like a hammer was used to pound each dimple on the surface of the ring, thus giving it its name. This is a great choice for the more active guy as it hides small scratches and dents best making it the perfect style for camouflaging heavy wear. Gabriel Style:MBM0136-60W4JJJ Brushed –A brushed finish has a textured appearance and is similar to a satin finish in that it is also not shiny. It looks as if the texture was made with a wire brush. You can see tiny brush-like marks on the finish, hence its name. Similar to the hammered finish, it helps to hide scratches and thus is perfect for a more active gentleman. Gabriel Style:MBM0119-60M4JJJ Engraved –Engraving on wedding bands adds interest to an otherwise plain finish. The patterns of the engraving can form beautiful designs and are done with the precision of machinery so they are perfectly symmetrical. EDGE The edge of the band is another attribute to consider which affects the overall look of the ring. Astraightedge is commonly found on men’s bands giving off a clean, simple appearance. According to psychologists, the very shape of the square is associated with male character traits: firmness, perseverance, practicality, charisma and leadership. Individuals who are characterized by an analytical type of thinking, those who are ruled by rationality tend to gravitate to straight bands.But is this type of edge comfortable? The answer is yes as long as the edge is not sharp and the wearer chooses comfort fit for the inner design. Gabriel Style:MBM0101-60W4JJJ Abevelededge adds an extra dimension to a plain wedding band giving it a more architectural and sleek appearance. Beveled wedding rings feature three faces, unlike traditionalwedding ringswhich have one continuous outer surface. Gabriel Style:MBH0120-80W4JJJ Aroundededge, as the name implies, has a softer edge that’s smooth to the touch and is considered to be the most comfortable to put on. Gabriel Style:MBM0115-60W4JJJ METAL The most common choice for a men’s wedding band remains 14 karat gold as it’s not as soft as 18 karat or platinum. While yellow gold still remains a common choice for men’s wedding bands, white toned metals such as white gold, platinum and palladium have gained popularity among the masses in the US. Yellow Gold– 14 karat or 18 karat yellow gold is a classic look universally appreciated around the world for its timeless elegance. Because pure 24 karat gold is too soft for jewelry, the less pure 14 karat rings will be tougher even than the 18 karat bands that contain more pure gold. So depending on your lifestyle and activity level choose a karat that suits your needs.Yellow gold also looks great alongside white gold rendering it a perfect two tone combination. White Gold– 14 karat or 18 karat white gold is another very common gold choice for men’s wedding bands. Because white gold is usually rhodium plated for enhanced durability and reflection, in time it may require re-polishing as the rhodium plating tends to wear off with time. White tones are most popular for women’s engagement rings making it a great match with the men’s band. Platinum– Another great choice for a wedding band is platinum. With itsrarity, hardness and luster, platinum easily ranks at the top of the most expensive and prestigious choices for a wedding band. Due to its high durability, it is easy to maintain with basic care and occasional re-polishing. Platinum is also the perfect metal for those who are allergic to the alloys used with yellow and white gold. Rose Gold– Though not as popular as yellow and white, rose gold is a unique choice for the fashion forward man. For those that appreciate the color but don’t feel comfortable with an all rose gold band, it looks fantastic in a two tone design in combination with a white metal. You should consider the above points when choosing your wedding band. Trying on multiple styles at Roman Jewelers will assure that you choose one that will be the most comfortable to wear and looks best on your finger, as well as ensuringthat you order your correct size.

By: Robin Lefkowitz-Huska, Guest Blogger The garnet gemstone is often associated with its deep red hue, but one of the most common misconceptions is that garnets only exist in shades of red, ranging from rust-colored to deep violet-red. In reality, garnet refers to a large group of rock-forming minerals that occur in a rich palette of colors—from burgundy red to light, translucent green. Among all garnet colors, the rarest are blue, colorless, and those that change color under different lighting conditions. Garnets were first discovered in Madagascar in the late 1990s. Since then, deposits have been found in many countries including the United States, Russia, Brazil, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Turkey. The word “garnet” originates from the 14th-century Middle English word gernet, meaning dark red. It is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning seed—an allusion to the gemstone’s resemblance to the deep red seeds of a pomegranate. January’s Birthstone Those born in January are fortunate to have the beautiful and diverse garnet as their birthstone. While garnets are commonly red, they also appear in stunning shades of orange, yellow, purple, and green. Some rare garnets even change color—from blue to purple—under different lighting conditions. Many believe the true value of the garnet birthstone lies in its ability to bring good health, wealth, and happiness to its wearer. History In ancient Rome, garnets were set into signet rings worn by clergy and nobility to seal important documents with wax. The Victorians popularized garnet jewelry by creating elaborate statement pieces made with clusters of tiny red garnets. During the Middle Ages, garnets were worn as protective amulets by soldiers and were believed to ward off disease and aid healing. Red garnets adorned Egyptian royalty and were buried with mummified bodies as treasured possessions for the afterlife. Garnet was believed to be one of the four precious stones given to King Solomon by God. Garnets have been found as beads in necklaces dating back to 3000 B.C. Garnets rank between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. The philosopher Plato had his portrait engraved on a garnet. Demantoid garnet is among the rarest and most valuable varieties, discovered in mid-1800s Russia. January-Born Celebrities January is filled with famous birthdays, including Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake, Oprah Winfrey, David Bowie, Stephen Hawking, Zayn Malik, Howard Stern, Orlando Bloom, Patrick Dempsey, Ellen DeGeneres, Jackie Robinson, and Kerry Washington. Shop Roman Jewelers’ Gabriel & Co. full selection of garnet jewelry here. References https://www.gia.edu/garnet-history-lore