Yesterday, we lost Elizabeth Taylor—a legendary actress famed for her beauty, her charitable endeavors, and her many love affairs. One of her most famous love affairs was with jewelry itself. In 2002, she wrote a book entitled My Love Affair with Jewelry, sharing lavish photographs and stories from her extraordinary jewelry collection. The book reveals how deeply passionate she was about jewelry—not only for owning and wearing it, but for its natural beauty, ancient history, and emotional significance. Many pieces in her remarkable collection were historic treasures, including the Shah Jehan Diamond and the famous La Peregrina pearl. She also owned what became known as the Taylor-Burton Diamond. Elizabeth Taylor’s Shah Jehan Diamond is an 88.7-carat yellow diamond discovered in India around 1450 and given in 1621 to Queen Mumtāz, the favorite wife of Shah Jehan. The gem is inscribed in Parsee with the words “Love Is Everlasting.” A diamond seemingly taken from a storybook, it appeared and disappeared throughout history until Richard Burton gifted it to Elizabeth Taylor on her fortieth birthday. “I would have liked to buy the Taj Mahal for Elizabeth,” Burton once joked, “but it would have cost too much to transport it.” Thus, it became known as the Taj Mahal Diamond. Another extraordinary gem in Elizabeth Taylor’s collection was the La Peregrina pearl—a large, pear-shaped white pearl and the largest ever discovered. Found in 1513 in the Gulf of Panama, its history is as remarkable as its beauty. The pearl became part of the Spanish Crown Jewels under King Ferdinand V and later passed to King Charles V. In 1556, it was gifted to Queen Mary I of England, who was often depicted wearing it in portraits. After her death, the pearl returned to Spain, remaining there for 250 years. In 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte captured Spain and carried the pearl with him, earning it the name “La Peregrina”—the Wanderer. Over the centuries, it traveled between Spain, France, and England before Richard Burton purchased it for Elizabeth Taylor in 1969. Elizabeth wore the pearl often, including in several films she starred in with Burton. She famously recounted a moment when her dog accidentally swallowed the pearl—fortunately, it was recovered unharmed. In 1968, Richard Burton purchased a flawless 69-carat diamond for Elizabeth, originally known as the Cartier Diamond after Cartier paid a record $1,050,000 at auction. Burton bought the stone the following day and renamed it the Taylor-Burton Diamond. Elizabeth first wore the pear-shaped diamond publicly at Princess Grace’s 40th birthday party in Monaco. In 1978, she sold the diamond to fund the construction of a hospital in Botswana. In her book, Elizabeth shared a humorous story involving Lucille Ball, who once tried on the famous diamond while Liz and Richard were visiting the set of The Lucy Show. The ring got stuck, causing momentary panic before it was finally removed amid laughter. Elizabeth Taylor’s love for jewelry was unmatched, but her philosophy about ownership was even more remarkable. She once said: “I don’t believe I own any of my jewelry. I believe that I am their custodian—here to enjoy them, to give them the best treatment in the world, to watch after their safety, and to love them.” She also reflected: “Nobody ever owns anything this beautiful. We are only the guardians.” Putting it all in perspective, Elizabeth once remarked: “You can’t cry on a diamond’s shoulder, and diamonds won’t keep you warm at night. But they’re sure fun when the sun shines.”

Every customer that wants a custom design comes in with an idea of what they are trying to accomplish—from the simplest hint like, “I want it to look like something my Grandma would wear,” to elaborate and detailed descriptions of exactly what they envision. Sometimes, customers see something they like in a magazine and want Roman Jewelers to recreate it with different touches or different stones. In the end, they choose custom because only a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry will do. “Custom design starts with the customer,” says Allyson Quaglia, jewelry design expert and Director of Sales at Roman Jewelers. Allyson, along with co-owner and 4th generation jewelry designer Lucy Zimmerman, carry on the tradition of custom design at Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater and Flemington, NJ. Allyson describes a recent situation where a customer wanted to use colored stones from several family heirlooms and also wanted to match an existing pair of earrings. It may sound challenging, but the customer worked with Allyson from start to finish, and together they brought the idea to life. Allyson starts the process by getting an idea of the customer’s style. She walks with the customer around Roman Jewelers, looks at pieces in the cases, and gathers information on preferences—traditional or modern looks, or even something a bit art deco. Often, they discuss techniques incorporated into certain jewelry pieces, like engraving versus millgrain, and the type of finish or polish they prefer. The next step is a quick sketch. The designers at Roman Jewelers are experts at putting pencil to paper right in front of the customer and showing concepts within minutes. Once the customer approves the look, the sketch is created as a 3D CAD drawing and reviewed again. After approval of the CAD drawing, an actual wax model is made, and the customer comes in to see it. Time and care are given at every step so there are no surprises—only amazement. Once the wax is approved, a mold is created and the jewelry is cast. After casting, the final finishing touches are done by an in-house bench jeweler. The piece is cleaned, pre-polished, and stones are set if applicable. Fine detail finishing then continues depending on the complexity of the design. Customers often enjoy returning to see the final setting or polishing of their custom-designed work of art. “That is precisely what it is: a work of art,” adds Allyson. “It is something cherished, memorable, and personal—a piece that can be worn and enjoyed for a lifetime, and beyond.” More information about custom design at Roman Jewelers can be found at https://www.romanjewelers.com/page/custom-jewelry.html

SK Cobalt Available at Roman Jewelers, Flemington Next week, Roman Jewelers will be adding the SK Cobalt collection of men’s wedding bands to their collection. Scott Kay, creator of the line, calls cobalt “the most superior contemporary metal known to man.” According to his company, the cobalt used in creating the rings, BioBlu 27, is by far the most sophisticated, safe, white, hypoallergenic, 100% solid, scratch-resistant, and luxurious cobalt alloy in the world. SK Cobalt jewelry and cobalt bands evoke strength, masculinity, and personal style. Dana Venezia, Flemington’s assistant store manager, agrees, saying, “I love it, and I think our customers are going to love it because it is an amazing alternative to gold, platinum, or palladium at a friendly price point. It is made in the USA, which makes me proud to sell it.” BioBlu™ 27, while previously used for the production of finely crafted surgical tools, is now being used for the first time in the crafting of cobalt jewelry.SK Cobalt is proudly created, engineered, and designed into the finest cobalt bands in the United States of America. The SK Cobalt Collection of wedding bands represents Strength, Beauty, and Love that cannot be tarnished. Throughout history, women have passed down wedding rings as family heirlooms from generation to generation, from mother to son to daughter-in-law, with pride. The SK Cobalt Collection is designed to start a new tradition of heirlooms: SK Cobalt wedding rings will be passed from father to son to grandson, from generation to generation, with pride. The SK Cobalt wedding band collection consists of eight styles, each representing qualities found in a groom-to-be: Troy Collection – Strength, Courage, Battles fought for Love Braid Collection – Strong Bonds, Lives Intertwined, Strength of Love Prime Collection – Pride, Love, Strength Unity Collection – Dependable, Steady, Lasting Century Collection – Lasting Love, Trust Devout Collection – Commitment, Enthusiasm, Devotion Code Collection – Belief, Principle, Values Native Collection – Strength of Character, Natural Love

Roman Jewelers Wedding Winners Photographed by Transposure Fine Art Photography Do-gooders say, “I do.” Congratulations to James & Marah Silvestri! This past week, the winners of the Roman Jewelers Wedding contest were married. After raising more than $20,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey and winning the charity contest last fall, the couple celebrated their nuptials at the Villa at Mountain Lakes in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, courtesy of Frungillo Catering. Guests danced the night away to musical entertainment by Craig Scott Entertainment, which even included a Michael Jackson impersonator who amazed and delighted attendees. In addition to the contest sponsorship and wedding rings donated by Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater, the generous contributions of all the Romantic Partners were widely noted and admired. The floral arrangements perfectly complemented the venue, Marah looked stunning in her gown by Donna Morello, and the couple’s video preview has already gone viral. The couple graciously took time during the festivities to thank Roman & Sophie Shor, owners of Roman Jewelers. The groom shared that without the Roman Jewelers Wedding contest, the wedding—especially on such a short timeline—would never have been possible. According to Sophie Shor, owner of Roman Jewelers, “The Romantic Partners are the businesses that truly care about our communities. I’m not going to be shy about telling everyone I know to shop at their establishments. They are charitable businesses offering only the finest products.” The couple also generously made a donation to Special Olympics New Jersey in honor of each guest and shared how their involvement with the charity changed their lives forever. The Romantic Partners who made this magical evening possible include: The Villa at Mountain Lakes – www.Frungillo.com Conroy’s Creations – www.ConroysCreations.com Transposure Fine Art Photography – www.Transposure.com Hilton Waikoloa Village – www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com, www.waikoloabeachresort.com Opulent Events – www.OpulentEvents.net Donna Morello Wedding Gowns – www.MariageCouture.com Mikimoto – www.mikimotoamerica.com Craig Scott Entertainment – www.craigscott.com NJ Limo Bus & Limousine – www.NewJerseyLimoBus.com LeMedSpa – www.LeMedSpaBucks.com Occasions – Absolute Media Productions – www.AbsoluteMediaProductions.com Printech – www.Prin-Tech.com Dieci Lifestyle Salon & Spa – www.DieciSpa.com Dress for Success – 973-857-7068 Enjou Chocolat – www.EnjouChocolat.com

Roman Jewelers Named in Best of Weddings 2011 Roman Jewelers is pleased to announce that they have been selected as a 2011 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section in The Knot North/Central NJ magazine and on TheKnot.com—the leading wedding resource trusted most by brides. The award is based on customer reviews and nominations, along with evaluations of products and services by The Knot experts. One review from customer Katherine Schiavone said, “Sandy is the best thing that ever happened to Roman Jewelers. I had something very specific that I wanted for my wedding band and she found it! I receive so many compliments on my ring and it is all because of Sandy! If you go to Romans, ask for Sandy—she works Saturday and Sunday. You will walk away happy!” Knot representative Nikole Spangler added that brides especially enjoy seeing Roman Jewelers carry highly sought-after bridal jewelry brands such as Tacori and Simon G. “We are thrilled about this and would like to thank all of our amazing brides and grooms for the nomination. We will continue to do our best to make every bride and groom happy—whether we design a custom piece for them or they choose from our vast inventory,” the team shared.

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

Christmas and New Year’s are the most popular times to get engaged, and many “guys” came into Roman Jewelers to do their shopping this year. So far, we don’t have any requests for returns, so the proposals must have gone well! Furthermore, the rings must have been well received by the ladies—which is fabulous news. Maybe all of those hints paid off! But really, his hard work, research, and decision to team up with a Roman Jewelers sales consultant ensured a great choice and a happy fiancée. So, here’s the report on what was hot in Central Jersey! The flurry of engagement ring purchases in our stores seemed to align with fashion trends reported by national trade magazines and celebrity news—a return to more traditional, albeit quite large, colorless or near-colorless diamonds. Here in Central New Jersey, we found that the average center diamond purchased this season was slightly larger than 1 carat. Most of the diamonds sold were round, but radiant cuts appealed to many and came in as the second most popular choice. Cushion cuts also remained popular, along with pavé and halo settings. White gold was by far the metal of choice. Many of our customers selected Tacori, Scott Kay, and Simon G. settings because they loved the designer aesthetic and admired the fine detail and craftsmanship of these sought-after designs. Other couples opted for a custom-designed look. With custom designers on staff and a team of full-time jewelers at both our Flemington and Bridgewater locations, custom design is often the first—and only—choice for couples seeking something truly unique. Here’s to 2011, many happy couples, and lots of sparkle!

For a "Royal Look" we suggest an Oval Sapphire, like this one from Tacori. It's official: Prince William and fiancée Kate Middleton will be married! In true romantic fashion, William proposed with an heirloom ring, none other than the ring his late mother Princess Diana wore. A stunning Oval Sapphire sits at the center—representing truth, sincerity, and constancy—and is framed with a halo of diamonds. Sapphires have been prized as great gemstones since 800 BC and have been worn by royalty throughout history. King Solomon wore a sapphire ring, and the British Crown Jewels are full of large blue sapphires, the mark of prudent and wise rulers. Ever since Prince Charles gave Princess Diana a sapphire engagement ring, more couples have adopted this beautiful tradition. Sapphire stands for truth, compatibility, commitment, and mutual understanding. It is a perfect, meaningful choice for engaged couples, and is also recommended for a couple’s 5th or 45th anniversaries. The sapphire has long been associated with chastity, piety, and repentance. It brings wisdom and truth, increases perception and understanding of justice, helps find peace of mind and serenity, and promotes a life of sincerity—helping preserve one’s innocence while learning life’s truths. Sapphires are also associated with romantic love, representing fidelity and devotion. It is also used in quests to increase faith, hope, and joy, and to keep thoughts pure and heavenly.

The winner of the Roman Jewelers Wedding Contest, presented by New Jersey Bride, will be announced on October 7 at 6:30 PM at Roman Jewelers’ Renaissance Plaza in Flemington. Sponsored by Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater, the contest will award a free luxury wedding to the couple who most successfully completed their “good deed plan”—the ideas and goals they set in August to conduct the most effective fundraising and awareness campaign for a local charity. Since August 2nd, finalist couples have been raising money and awareness for local charities, including: America’s Grow-a-Row Anderson House The ARC of Hunterdon Hunterdon Art Museum Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity SAFE in Hunterdon Special Olympics New Jersey Woodlands Wildlife Refuge From selling decorated wooden bears to hosting wiffle ball tournaments, dinners, luncheons, comedy nights, and benefit concerts, the couples have gone above and beyond. According to Sophie Shor, co-owner of Roman Jewelers, “They are amazing, hard-working, and dedicated philanthropis