How do people express the feeling of love to their boyfriends or girlfriends? If I went out into the streets of New York City and polled 100 complete strangers, what do you think they would say? Flowers? Chocolates? An expensive dinner at a 5-star restaurant? All very possible and likely choices. However, the overwhelming consensus opinion is quite simple…if you love someone deeply and completely, you express that love in a manner that is powerful and timeless…with an engagement ring. And not just any engagement ring…a diamond engagement ring which has stood as the symbol of marriage and affection for what seems like forever. That is the way it’s always been and always will be, right? Maybe not… You might be surprised to find out that the diamond engagement ring and marriage is not the invincible pairing it seemingly has been for hundreds (and really, thousands) of years. Like most industries, the market for engagement rings has seen a substantial shift when it comes to what customers want. Think of the shift in the last several years to electric vehicles. Think about how many Tesla cars you see on the road during your morning commute. Each year brings new trends and ideas to the party and 2022 is no exception. Let me lead you on a journey that will help strengthen your knowledge of what engagement rings were, what they have become, and where we see them going this year and beyond. THE PAST: Where Did Engagement Rings Come From? Excellent question! Here is a fun fact for you to throw out at your next dinner party…DID YOU KNOW that the earliest record of an engagement ring (or “promise ring”) goes back over 5000 years in Ancient Egypt? From the Great Pyramids, records of engagement rings have been found in Rome and Greece. Earliest depictions of rings even featured hand carved etchings of the bride and groom within the ring! Talk about a high pressure project… After diamonds were discovered and the technology was developed to cut them properly, their beauty and value stood unrivaled as the mainstream gemstone of choice for a marriage proposal. Now that we have gotten a taste of the past, let’s take a look at what the 21st Century has brought us as we enter 2022 and what engagement rings look like now. Right this way… THE PRESENT: Modern Trends In Engagement Rings Like most industries over the past 20+ years, the market for engagement rings has grown and expanded far beyond the conventional diamond engagement ring. What was seen as the one true option when looking to “pop the question” has become a foundational backbone. Creativity and ingenuity have become major factors in what people look for in an engagement ring in 2022. Let’s look at some of those trends now and some ways we are branching off from a conventional diamond engagement ring. A Unique Cut: When actor Ryan Reynolds proposed to his wife Blake Lively, he did so with an engagement ring that was anything but conventional. The ring he proposed with was a 12-carat diamond that is oval in shape, centered around a simple rose gold band, covered in smaller diamonds. The ring cost is estimated at $2 million dollars and is an absolute show stopper (go Google it now and see for yourself…I will wait here after you check it out…). This is just one example to illustrate new behavior in the mindset of consumers. Lately, fancy cut diamonds, such as oval, cushion, and marquise cut diamonds have risen in popularity, to name a few. Each cut offers a unique style and energy to the ring which is sure to be a trend which will continue. Non-Diamond Gemstones: Another trend gaining popularity this year is using a non-diamond gemstone as the center stone for an engagement ring. Rubies and Sapphires provide that “wow” factor to a ring (as most precious stones do) while also being extremely unconventional. Think about it…would you want to be the person at the party who everyone is talking about your one-of-a-kind ruby engagement ring? Come to think of it, an “Engagement Ruby” does have a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Even pearls have emerged as popular examples of a modern approach to a timeless style. Natural Diamond vs. Lab-Grown Diamond: Today, shoppers are more knowledgeable about engagement rings and the options available. The lab-grown diamonds entered the stage a few years ago, and will continue to gain popularity and demand. The differences between the two types of diamonds can be shown under very thorough examination (i.e. microscope) but are virtually identical to the naked eye. This makes lab-grown diamonds a hot commodity amongst ring-seekers. What is even more enticing is that lab-grown diamonds can cost 30%-40% LESS than natural diamonds. Not to mention the fact that natural diamonds take somewhere between 1-4 BILLION years to form! Two Stones Are Better Than One: One of the most unique and "fashion-forward” styles in engagement rings is called Toi et Moi. Toi et Moi is French for you and me, also called a two-stone ring. This modern twist on an engagement ring consists of not one, but two complementary gemstones. And, yes, when it comes to an engagement ring, you would want to invest in something that represents romance in addition to a breathtaking look. After all, an item that embodies love should look as if it personifies the romance and affection that any lasting relationship is built on. Here comes another fun fact for that dinner party you might be going to…DID YOU KNOW that one of the first recorded instances of a Toi et Moi style engagement ring was used in the marriage of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine? Yeah, me either… The two gemstones united in the engagement ring, is a very intimate and sweet symbol. It is a representation of the love which unites two people in a marriage and offers an extremely outside the box look. Bottom Line…along with purchasing your first house or first dog (some would argue that a first dog is the most important…I won’t argue that one), buying an engagement ring is one of the most personal and important decisions you will make in your lifetime. Compared to an engagement ring, not many items can elicit the emotion and incredible memories that come with an engagement ring and the four words that most often precede it (will you marry me?). As we have seen, there are many new trends and an ever-changing landscape of creativity coming into the engagement ring space in 2022. That being said, finding a jeweler that you trust who will help you fall in love with a ring that speaks directly to you should always be a top priority. Finding the right jeweler will always be one of the most important steps you can take on your journey for the perfect custom engagement ring. And when it comes to custom-made engagement rings, the sky is truly the limit to the amount of creativity and personalization that a custom engagement ring can have. That ring will always serve as a beacon in your world, a testimony that you have found the perfect person to share your life with, and that your relationship is unique in this world. As we have seen and will continue to see, ring style, diamond and gemstones shapes, and even diamond and gemstone’s origin can be ways to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. So why shouldn’t your ring represent your unique love? Well…IT SHOULD! I do believe that you are a one in a billion person and your engagement ring should reflect who you are and who you choose to spend the rest of your life with.

Please Join Roman Jewelers' online jewelry auction. 100% of the proceeds from the auction will be sent to UNICEF to ensure that Ukraine's Children have access to safe water, nutrition, healthcare, education, and protection. Monetary Donations of any amount are also accepted. The owners and staff of Roman Jewelers, like many of you, have been deeply affected by the unfair and unnecessary war in Ukraine. The children, who are the least responsible for it, suffer the most from its consequences. And, the effects can be lifelong. It is important for our company to help in any way we can. It is why we started this online auction site. The website also accepts monetary donations of any amount. Roman Jewelers has a personal story, too. As many of you know, Roman & Sophie Shor defected from the communist USSR in the early 1980s. Their love of America is so strong because their beliefs in the pursuit of freedom, their support of democratic values, and their very deep understanding of the effects of government suppression are even stronger. Beliefs that have been passed down to their daughter and co-owner, Lucy Zimmerman. We have employees past and present, too, that are Ukrainian. Their loved ones are still there and being affected directly by this invasion. It is all heartbreaking. Jewelry is beautiful, just like children. Just like peace. And, just like Ukraine, itself. Please take a look at the jewelry in our auction and consider bidding. It is Roman Jewelers' way to raise money doing what we know--sharing our love of jewelry. And you will know when you wear it--or gift it--that it is even more meaningful. Thank you so much for your support and thank you to our Generous Sponsors. In Peace & Gratitude, The Roman Jewelers' Family

Roman Jewelers is pleased to announce that it will be participating in the Women's Jewelry Association's (WJA) third annual March is Me Month campaign to align with Women’s History Month in March and International Women’s Day on March 8, 2022. The campaign was developed in collaboration with over 30 members of WJA’s Women’s Executive Leadership Forum with the goal of empowering women to purchase fine jewelry for themselves. March is Me Month will officially launch on March 1, 2022, calling on every woman to celebrate herself, visit a retail jeweler like Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, and treat herself to a piece of fine jewelry no matter the reason.The campaign is an industry-wide initiative supporting women’s empowerment. Lucy Zimmerman, co-owner of Roman Jewelers said, "My Mom and I both believe women can do anything and be anything and that deserves to be celebrated. I've seen that first hand by her example." Ms. Zimmerman's "mom," is her mentor and co-owner, Sophie Shor. They work hand and hand everyday along with a staff of mostly women ("and some great guys, too") to run the company started by Zimmerman's Father, President, Roman Shor. "I'm so proud of my daughter. Not just because of her hard work and business achievements, but because she is generous, kind and a good friend to all. She is always there for our Roman Jewelers team, for our family and for our community." Ms. Zimmerman's response, "Thanks, Mom" adding she learned from her the importance of being grateful."Women work so hard inside and outside their homes, parenting children, and volunteering and helping their communities. Sometimes, they don't take time for themselves," adds Ms. Zimmerman. She says it is precisely why Roman Jewelers was on board with the "March is Me" campaign, so women will, "empower and reward themselves...maybe even with a well deserved, beautiful piece of jewelry."Jewelry gifts for self purchase can be as modest or magnificent as the woman chooses. Often, Ms. Zimmerman says some of the designer brands like Lagos, Gabriel and Mikimoto are popular choices because of style and price, and adds that ladies always love diamonds that remind them to sparkle every day and all year long. Jewelry Store Co-owners and Mom and Daughter duo, Sophie Shor (L) and Lucy Zimmerman.

There's event at Roman Jewelers did you say? WHY YES! Roman Jewelers is planning or hosting an event that you will love right now. At Roman Jewelers, we are proud to offer our customers the best events! You can always count on our team to putting together a fun and memorable event. Are you looking for a new piece of jewelry or want to learn more about gemstones, see a new brand or meet the designer in person. We have the perfect event for you.Our events range from Designer Trunk shows and new Product Launches, to rare loose gemstone showcases and more. We also love to give back to our community and host charitable events for our valued charities. Our "Share your Heart" ongoing event is a wonderful way to Wear, Share, and Care. All profits from the sale of this pendant go to the local charity of your choosing. If you would like to know more about the events that are happening in store right now, please visit our events page on our website. We keep it up to date and current so you know what is in store for you. Invite a friend and come on out to one our amazing events!

Attendees of the Hunterdon Healthcare Fundraiser "Night Under the Stars" on October 27th at Hamilton Farms in Gladstone, NJ were told a personal story by Roman Jeweler's Co-owner, Sophie Shor. In addition to sharing her story about the care she receives at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, she also shared the custom designed "Share your Heart Pendant," with the crowd of 250. Her Hope: Raise money for the group that has become so important in her life.The Share your Heart Pendant was donated that evening by Roman Jewelers and sold for $100.00, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the organization.Attendees purchased 60 of the sterling silver pieces, raising $6,000 dollars just that night. Mrs. Shor expressed that evening that her “heart” was well cared for by the Cardiac Rehabilitation team and she wanted to thank them. She encouraged all to support them that evening and beyond. Sophie, Shor, Co-owner of Roman Jewelers shares her personal story about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centerand announces to attendees that 100% of the proceeds of the custom designed necklace will benefit the group. The pendant was created by Roman Jewelers’, Co-owner and General manager, Lucy Zimmerman. She also happens to be Mrs. Shor’s daughter. Ms. Zimmerman selected a heart shape for this exclusive creation because it is truly a symbol that is universally adored and can be given as a gift to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, graduation, or other special occasions. As a 4thGeneration jewelry designer, Lucy was determined to craft a distinct piece, and after many designs, she was able to design a heart that was unique. Little did she know it was also so appropriate for her Mom to introduce that evening.The Share your Heart Pendant will be available for sale at Hunterdon Healthcare’s Hospital gift shop as well as at Yesterday’s Treasures, the non-profit highend resale shop that helps support the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation. It is located in Flemington at the corner of Route 31 and Sand Hill Road. Robin VonOhlsen, Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation’s Manager of Retail Services said that the shop sold a necklace on day one, adding,"Our supporters are always coming in looking fr a meaningful gift, like jewelry. This season, with the tiein to helping the cardiac rehabilitation center, the significance of a gift from our shop has double the impact. And the pendant is just beautiful...not to mention so well made." For further information about purchasing a Share your Heart Pendant stop into Yesterday’s Treasures: https://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/service/wellness/yesterdays-treasures/ The pendant can also be purchased at Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, NJ or on the store’s website at https://www.romanjewelers.com/charity/wear-share-care

Peridot, August Birthstone, is also a choice for many fashionable designers and featured in our cases at Roman Jewelers.The vivid green of the peridot (pronounced pear-a-doe), with just a slight hint of gold, is the ideal gemstone color to go with that light summer wardrobe. No wonder – since the peridot is the gemstone of the summer month of August.The peridot is a very old gemstone, and one that has never gone out of fashion. It is also ancient-- found in Egyptian jewelry from the early 2nd millennium B.C.. The stones used at that time came from a deposit on a small volcanic island in the Red Sea, some 45 miles off the Egyptian coast, which was not rediscovered until about 1900 and has since been exhausted. A few years ago, however, peridot deposits were located in the Kashmir region of Pakistan and the stones from these deposits have an incomparably beautiful color and transparency.The ancient Romans were also fond of this gemstone and esteemed its radiant green shine, which does not change even in artificial light. For that reason they nicknamed it the 'emerald of the evening' . An interesting fact about the peridot is that it is one of the few gemstones which come in one color only--a rich, green color with the slight tinge of gold is caused by very fine traces of iron. The intensity of the color depends on the amount of iron actually present and can vary over all shades of yellowish green and olive, and even to a brownish green. August's birthstone adds a wonderful variant to the color spectrum of green gemstones, a color so uplifting and versitile.

Roman Jewelers and Lagos are hosting a TRUE LOVE, TRUE BLUE event August 19 - 22. This year, the event features exclusive new styles and features the Lagos Caviar Collection. See the smart caviar watch bracelet, the first fine jewelry bracelet for your Apple Watch™ and enter to win a lagos bracelet! Our customers love Lagos, designed by master jeweler, Steven Lagos using classic techniques to create enduring and sophisticated styles in both sterling silver and gold. Appointments are not required, but can be madehere.

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.