Why Diamonds are the Ideal Symbol of Love and Commitment
Diamond Producers Association
Everyone knows that a diamond is the ultimate way to mark an engagement — but there are actually specific reasons why this precious gemstone is the ideal symbol of love — of what is most precious and meaningful in our lives. In the midst of a very important wedding season, we asked fine jewelry expert Tanya Dukes about the key characteristics that explain why diamonds have been chosen to mark engagements since 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with the first recorded diamond engagement ring. Here are five reasons diamonds will always be the ideal symbol of commitment:
Diamonds Are Unique
When it comes to love, we all have our own unique stories — so it’s only natural that an engagement should be represented with a one-of-a-kind gem. Given the extreme conditions under which diamonds are created, followed by their long, intense journey, means every diamond bears unique markers of its formation. These slight imperfections — that on a polished stone are visible only through a loupe — are what makes them truly individual. “While brilliant polished diamonds may look similar to the naked eye, every diamond is unique on the inside. Each has its own birthmarks, its own growth patterns and its own personality,” Duke explains. “So when you find the diamond that speaks to your heart and feels like a reflection of your relationship — there is a real reason why you feel drawn to it.”
Diamonds Are Natural
When you start to learn about how diamonds are formed, their arduous journey to the earth’s surface, let alone the ability to then find a gem quality diamond of any size, you begin to understand why they are miracles of nature. “Most diamonds were formed between 1–3 billion years ago — before the dinosaurs — more than 100 miles underground. They catapulted to the earth’s surface via ancient volcanic eruptions, withstanding the most extreme heat and pressure on their journey. That alone defies belief,” says Dukes. The fact that diamonds are so strong, resilient and enduring, “makes them such a fitting representation of love and commitment.” That’s why it makes perfect sense that we honor and celebrate this rare occasion with a similarly rare gem.
Diamonds Are Valuable
As a finite natural resource, diamonds are inherently valuable. In fact, one of the top producing mines in the world — the argyle diamond mine in Western Australia, where 90% of the world’s rare pink diamonds have been found — is set to close in three years. Gem-quality diamonds — because of their rarity and scarcity — are the world’s most portable form of wealth, and they not only hold their value, it increases over time. However, the emotional value sets it apart as well. ”Your diamond ring is connected to your relationship, it’s present as you make memories, and it’s with you as your love story deepens and evolves,” says Dukes. “Diamond jewelry is one of the only luxury items that becomes more valuable to you the more it is worn.”
Diamonds Are Timeless
Along with your loved ones, “diamonds are your daily companions,” Dukes points out. “And their brilliance never dulls and never gets old!” While trends come and go, the sparkle of a diamond is something that will always be in style. Diamond jewelry also carries with it the promise of becoming a family heirloom. The significance of the love that a diamond represents, and the fact that it touches our skin, means that the diamonds themselves become imbued with our memories, and are a physical link between generations. “Diamond jewelry connects your love story to those that will follow after.”
Diamonds Are Universal
While their rarity and beauty makes them valuable, their variety and versatility means there are diamond engagement ring designs that fit every budget. “There shouldn’t be an intimidation factor when it comes to the price point of diamonds,” says Dukes. “Whether you choose a three-stone ring, a solitaire, a halo or a pavé diamond design, you can achieve a beautiful look that reflects your style and your budget.”
Stack Your Rings with Style
Sophie's Stackables were custom designed by Roman Jewelers to create the perfect stackable look
Layering has always been a fashionable trend and it is no longer limited to clothes! Layered jewelry looks are already very popular, and stackable rings has become the latest fun and simple trend that can complete and compliment any gal. Here are some suggestions for wearing stackable rings.
Thin and delicate stacking rings are fun and inexpensive and there are so many ways to have fun by stacking them all or even placing one ring on one finger—or one ring on 3 different fingers (or your thumb). Because the thin look is in, experiment a bit.
Mixing metals was once a jewelry faux pas, but some of today’s best looks combine rose, white, and yellow metals. The trick is to mix and match them so that they are balanced and interesting. This is also true with stackable.
Keep with a “certain” style. Don’t be too matchy-matcy, but try to stick to geometric or design looks that go together. Stick to one thickness so there’s cohesion and try not to mix up too many different stone colors or other shapes or rings from different eras.
Keep the colors a bit uniform or neutral. Have fun, but you don’t really want to look like a string of Holiday lights.
Make a statement with your stackable by not adding too much other jewelry. Earrings are okay, but stay away from another stacking concept—like necklaces or especially bracelets at the same time.
Stylish stacking is balanced—and right now it is finer and daintier. Move them around and see what works best.
Keep your nail polish simple. Neutral nail polish will make your stackable rings the stars of your hands. Metallic colored polish will also make your rings pop! But off colors like a bright orange or blue might look tacky.
Sophie's Stackables were custom designed by Roman Jewelers to be the perfect stackable ring, or to mix and match with some of your existing jewelry in gold, silver, or costume. They also have a great story of their own. Read more herehttps://www.romanjewelers.com/sophiesstackables/
Tips to Check Your Ring Prongs...or Stop into Roman Jewelers
Jewelry is meant to be enjoyed and loved! That’s why so many of us wear our jewelry every day. When you love your jewelry this much, it is much more is subject to wear and tear, and every time you bump, rub or scratch your jewelry you may be causing some harm. This happens mostly with rings…especially engagement rings.
At Roman Jewelers, we strongly encourage our clients to bring their ringsinto the store every six months or so, to allow us to check the prongs to insure they are wearing properly. We will also clean your jewelry while you wait, which always results in the same, “Wow!” reaction from our customers.
There are a few things that you can do at home periodically to check to see if your center stone is loose, and if the prongs are worn.
Tap-Test: Hold the ring up by your ear and gently tap anywhere on the setting. Typically if the stones are loose, you will hear the stone rattle.
Rub-Test: Run your fingertip across the top of the prongs. Do they feel sharp? Does one of the prongs feel different than the others? If so, you should bring your ring in for professional inspection.
Visual Inspection:Look closely at your prongs. Do any of them have a lot of fibers caught beneath them? Do they catch on sweaters or other clothing? If so it could be an indication that one of the prongs has lifted off of the stone.
We have jewelers on site full-time, so if you are in doubt, please stop in and speak with our experts at Roman Jewelers.
Simon G. Defines Holiday Sparkle & Extended Hours, too!
Boulder Opal from Simon G's Collection
“Simon G. is our customers’ favorite designer,” is something we say every year around the holidays, and this year’s Simon G. Show confirmed it once again! At our most successful show yet, we asked customers why they love Simon G.—the answers are not surprising: the same reasons our staff and jewelers all over the world love the line—Quality, Price Point, and Design.
If you missed the show, do not fret. Our collection of Simon G. jewelry is extensive, and there is still time to find the perfect gift. This year, the Simon G. trunk featured a few very special and rare pieces, including a Blue Sapphire from Sri Lanka, hand-picked by Simon himself, and a Boulder Opal from Australia that burst with color and warmed up the room. Stunning diamond tennis necklaces were on display, showing that when it comes to diamonds, Simon G. takes things very seriously.
In fact, when Simon G. creates pieces for his collection, his hope is that each piece becomes a family heirloom. His passion for diamonds has made him a leading designer in bridal and fashion jewelry for more than 25 years.
Lucy Zimmerman, Co-owner of Roman Jewelers, says, “We are thrilled to be on Simon G.’s calendar this time every year and grateful for the support of our loyal customers who return annually. We expect that we added a few new fans this year, too.”
Roman Jewelers has extended holiday hours starting Saturday, December 15th. The store will be open from 10 AM - 8 PM through December 21st, 9 AM - 8 PM on December 22 and 23, and 9 AM - 4 PM on Christmas Eve. Last-minute gifts can still be found!
A new 5th Ave. sign was just perfectly placed in Bridgewater
Roman Jewelers is perfectly located at the intersection of 5th Ave and Commons Way. Officially, Roman Jewelers is located at 500 Commons Way in Bridgewater, but last week a new sign appeared on the corner—something many customers and employees noticed right away.
Serendipity? Roman Jewelers thinks so.
Many years ago, store owners Roman and Sophie created an advertising campaign that let customers know that all the best of 5th Avenue in New York City could be found at Roman Jewelers in Central New Jersey. It was true then, and it still holds true today.
With world-renowned jewelry brands such as Mikimoto, Marco Bicego, Tacori, Hearts on Fire, Lagos, and fashion-forward designers like Freida Rothman, there is little need to fight traffic or cross the river to shop for the designer brands found on Fifth Avenue in NYC.
Apparently, an older, worn, and tired sign had previously stood on the corner—but it went largely unnoticed. Now, with a brand-new “5th Ave.” sign in place, customers and employees alike are smiling.
Roman Jewelers would like to personally thank the individual or department responsible for this fortunate circumstance—whoever they may be.
“I think we owe them a personal thank you and a tour of the store,” said Lucy Zimmerman, who owns Roman Jewelers alongside her parents, Roman and Sophie.
Until the mystery is solved, Roman Jewelers will continue to provide a little bit of Fifth Avenue—right here in Bridgewater.
A Special Campaign to Support Our Local Nonprofit Organizations
February is a month dedicated to love. From National Heart Month to Valentine’s Day, there are countless opportunities to show others how much we care. At Roman Jewelers, we felt it was the perfect time of year to launch our Share Your Heart campaign.
On Thursday, February 1, 2018, we invited more than 40 local nonprofits to join us for a special launch event at our Bridgewater location. Organizations from Hunterdon and Somerset Counties were introduced to a one-of-a-kind heart pendant that was specially designed to support their fundraising efforts throughout the year.
During the launch party, executive directors, board members, and interns from nonprofits across Hunterdon and Somerset Counties had the opportunity to network with one another, meet our staff, and learn firsthand why we established the Share Your Heart campaign.
Sophie Shor, Vice President of Roman Jewelers, shared that she created the campaign to develop a unique and thoughtful way to support local nonprofits.
“Creating beautiful jewelry and supporting local nonprofits are two things we believe we do very well at Roman Jewelers,” said Sophie.
The Share Your Heart pendant was designed by Sophie’s daughter and General Manager, Lucy Zimmerman. Lucy selected a heart shape for this exclusive design because it is a universally adored symbol and can be gifted to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions.
As a fourth-generation jewelry designer, Lucy was determined to create a truly distinct piece—a challenging task with such a classic symbol. After many design iterations, she created the perfect pendant for this meaningful campaign.
When someone purchases this sterling silver pendant, which retails for $100.00, Roman Jewelers donates $50.00 of the sale to the purchaser’s favorite charity, either in their name or in honor of someone special.
The necklace is available for purchase at our Flemington and Bridgewater locations, as well as online at romanjewelers.com and on our Facebook page.
In addition to being a beautiful gift, the Share Your Heart pendant is truly a gift that keeps on giving. At the conclusion of the event, our staff presented each attendee with their own pendant as a thank-you for the incredible work they do within their organizations and communities.
For nearly 30 years, Roman Jewelers has been dedicated to supporting charities and strengthening our communities. Giving back is woven into the fabric of our company and reflected in the people who work here, as well as in our owners.
Perfect Imperfection: Baroque Pearls and What I Love About Them
Do you remember the movieForrest Gump?For those who do (and perhaps even those who have never seen it) you’ll recall Forrest’s iconic line: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” I like to think of this line every time I look at pearls, because the same concept applies to them—you never know what you’re going to get. Since pearls are created entirely by nature, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Similarly to opening a box of chocolates, when you open an oyster to find a pearl you never know what you’re going to get. Often, you’ll find a perfectly round pearl. But you’ll also sometimes find a totally irregular pearl—one that’s shaped unlike any other. These kinds of pearls are called Baroque pearls, and (in my opinion) are the most interesting type of pearl.
I’m the first to admit that I’m a complete perfectionist. I look for precision in everything I do-- in my everyday work, in the places that I visit, in nature, but most of all in jewelry. When it comes to jewelry design, I like clean lines and perfectly shaped jewels. But, interestingly enough, I am completely fascinated by imperfect Baroque pearls. Not only does their perfect imperfection look stunning in jewelry design, Baroque pearls also have a fascinating history and background.
Let’s start with their name—baroque. Even the sound of the word evokes an image of something unique and extravagant. Where exactly does baroque come from? According to various dictionaries,the word originates either from French (where baroque means “irregular shape”) orthe Portugueseword barroco(meaning “irregular pearl”). In English the word “baroque” points to a style in music, architecture, and the arts (known as the Baroque Period) that existed in Europe from the early 17th century to the late 18th century. The period was known for featuring many decorative parts and details in its artwork and architecture. The baroque style was filled with creativity, new art forms, embellishments, and adventure. These elements are also present in Baroque pearl jewelry, making its name very fitting.
Today, the attraction of Baroque pearls lies in the very nature of their imperfection. The different shapes and sizes of baroque pearls makes them extremely intriguing and beautiful—not to mention unique—when put together. Baroque pearls allow for unleashed creativity and pure imagination in jewelry design. If you like jewelry that is unique and different, baroque pearl necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets are the choice for you!
As with any pearls, the most valuable baroque pearls come from the South Sea and Tahiti. Lucky for designers and jewelry lovers, a high percentage of the pearls harvested in these areas are baroque.
Akoya Pearls are the close cousins of South Sea and Tahitian pearls—similar in nature but smaller in size. Akoyapearls aresaltwaterpearls, and the name "Akoya" comes from the oysterthat produces them. That oyster is known as the “akoyaoyster”andis found and farmed mainlyin Japan and China.Akoya pearls arefrequentlywhite or creamincolor, with overtone colors of rose, silver, or cream.
The most valuable and cherished pearls are South Sea pearls. As the name implies, these pearlsare found in the warm waters of the South Sea that surroundsAustralia, Indonesia and the Philippines. These pearls are produced by the silver or golden lipped oyster, known as the Pinctada Maxima oyster. Both golden and white South Sea pearls are very rare.
Exotic black pearls (which come from the black lipped pearl oyster) are called Tahitian pearls. Like the name suggests, these pearls come from Tahiti, but also several other French Polynesian islands. Though they are often referred to as black pearls, their color can actually vary from light creamy white, to gray, to green, to iridescent peacock, to deep black. Tahitian pearls come in so manydifferent shades and colors that matching them into a finished strand is an enormous task. Quite often, a jeweler has to go throughthousands of loose Tahitian pearls to create a single strand.
Pearls can also come from freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. These pearls are logically called Freshwater Pearls.The majority of cultured freshwater pearls come from China, and (similar to Tahitian pearls) range in color from light shades like soft pink, lavender, peach, and white to dark shades like peacock and black.
Even though pearls are intended by nature to be perfectly round, the fact that they sometimes turn out irregular only allows for creativity and distinctiveness in jewelry making. In the world of jewelry-making, where uniformity and perfection are often strived for, Baroque pearls offer a unique take that is beautiful in its own right.
Even for someone like me, a perfectionist through and through, the individualityof Baroque pearls is highly appealing because it allows an appreciation for nature’s imperfections. But don’t let me sway you-- what do you think? Do you prefer perfectly round or imperfectly baroque pearls?
For more information on beautiful baroque pearls, or to inquire about purchasing your own pearl jewelry, make an appointment with Roman Jewelers today.
10 Reasons We Love Fine Jewelry
As Marilyn Monroe sang, diamonds (and really all fine jewelry) are a girl’s best friend. There’s no better feeling than receiving a beautiful new diamond bracelet, or trying on a pair of birthstone earrings.
Here are a few specific reasons why we love fine jewelry.
1. There’s something for every occasion
Whether you need something as simple as a gift for your niece’s birthday, or as elaborate as a necklace for your wedding day, there’s a piece of jewelry for you.
Fine jewelry comes in a wide variety of styles, colors, and price points, making it appropriate for every occasion and need.
2. It completes any outfit
Try to find a piece of clothing that doesn’t go well with simple diamond studs—it’s nearly impossible. Fine jewelry adds the finishing touch to any look.
Universal pieces like diamond earrings or pearl strands complement almost anything, while more elaborate jewelry can enhance even the most complex outfits.
3. It reflects the wearer
Perhaps the best part of fine jewelry is how it showcases personal style. Whether you’re wearing a custom-designed engagement ring or a simple bangle, the jewelry you choose reflects who you are.
4. It can be as formal as you want
Most fine jewelry can be dressed up or down. Pearl studs, for example, can be worn casually, professionally, or formally—making fine jewelry incredibly versatile.
5. It’s customizable
Whether you’re designing a new custom piece, renovating antique family jewelry, or engraving an existing piece, fine jewelry can be uniquely yours.
Customization makes each piece as special as the person wearing it.
6. If it breaks, you can fix it
Unlike many items, fine jewelry doesn’t need to be replaced when damaged. You can take broken pieces to a jewelry repair shop and restore them to like-new condition.
7. Each piece has a personal meaning and story
While this is especially true for custom designs, every piece of fine jewelry tells a story. Fine jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s a memory.
8. It’s universal
Jewelry is worn across all cultures and languages. Fine jewelry is a universal symbol of beauty and connection that transcends borders.
9. It commemorates life’s special moments
Engagement rings, wedding bands, and anniversary bands celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones.
Each piece serves as a lasting reminder of the moment it represents.
10. It becomes a part of you
Jewelry you wear regularly becomes part of your signature look—and eventually, part of who you are. Over time, it feels less like an accessory and more like a personal extension.
To inquire about fine jewelry of your own, contact us at our Bridgewater or Flemington locations. Contact information is available here.
Why a Custom Engagement Ring?
when it comes to buying an engagement ring. Between the diamond, setting, band, and other details, there are countless options. And sometimes, the right combination of these options just can’t be found. Custom engagement rings are usually for those who can’t find what they want in a display case or those who just want to create something original. The custom ring-making process allows a customer to work side-by-side with a skilled jewelry team to design and create a jewelry piece that has everything they are looking for. First, one of our designers will meet with the clients to discuss what they are looking for in their custom engagement ring. This designer will then sketch a draft of the potential ring, and edit it according to the customer’s feedback and critique. Once the drawing is finalized, it is sent to a digital model maker, who translates the design into a 3-D, computerized version. From there, we create a wax model to be approved by the customer, cast the ring, and set it with diamonds to create the finished product. Not only does custom jewelry design allow you to get exactly what you want from a ring stylistically, but it also gives an engagement ring greater meaning and purpose. Custom jewelry design lets you bring your own story and personality to your engagement ring, to create something that represents you rather than the company it was purchased from. The magic of a custom engagement ring is that it is as unique as the relationship it commemorates, something that cannot be said for a regular store-bought ring. For more information on custom engagement rings, or to inquire about making your own custom engagement ring, visit Roman Jewelers.