Roman Jewelers has provided engagement ring shoppers with the best of both worlds. Through our new Ringbuilder software, customers can shop our vast inventory of diamonds and even design (or redesign) their own ring. And, as always, our knowledgeable sales staff will be there every step of the way. Start designing your ring with Ringbuilder It’s Simple Roman Jewelers’ Ringbuilder software brings your engagement ring ideas to life. Use Ringbuilder to choose a diamond from our database of over 38,000 certified diamonds. You won’t find a more extensive diamond inventory anywhere. Once you’ve selected a diamond, place it into a setting—ranging from a classic solitaire to a designer masterpiece. Roman Jewelers offers many more settings in our stores, including designer collections from Tacori, Scott Kay, and Simon G., but Ringbuilder is the perfect place to begin. When you’ve created your concept, visit Roman Jewelers to meet with an engagement ring expert who will help refine your design and ensure it fits your budget. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling the store directly. It’s Personal Choosing a diamond online is a great way to start, but Roman Jewelers believes that truly holding, comparing, and viewing a diamond under the microscope is essential to becoming an educated buyer. That’s why we recommend beginning with Ringbuilder and then visiting us in-store. We take great pride in educating customers through every step of the diamond buying process. You’ll quickly discover that two diamonds with the same color, clarity, and carat weight are not necessarily equal in value. There is more to diamond quality and brilliance than just the 4 Cs. We often ask our customers which diamond “speaks to them.” It may sound silly, but it’s true—there is a perfect diamond for you and your loved one, and you’ll know it when you see it. It’s the Best of Both Worlds We understand that buying or redesigning an engagement ring is a meaningful and often significant investment. Roman Jewelers provides a powerful online resource to help you explore diamonds, designs, and budgets—an excellent place to begin. Next, meet with our engagement ring experts in-store. You’ll find that a personal diamond experience with one of our sales professionals remains the best way to make one of the most important purchases of your life. Explore Ringbuilder and start designing today

By Guest Blogger: Sandy Heimberg What a joy it is to choose an engagement ring! What a happy event—one of life’s defining moments. Or so you might think. “Oh, really?” you say. “It’s also scary, stressful, and very expensive.” My answer? It doesn’t have to be—if you do it in the way that’s best for you and your intended. Advice on buying an engagement ring Know your budget First and foremost, know your budget. The right jeweler will work within it and never push you to overextend yourself. They’ll also discuss a payment plan that fits your lifestyle. Decide how much of a surprise you want Consider whether it makes sense to choose both the setting and the center diamond yourself. Only you know if your fiancée has something specific in mind. If she does, it may be better to let her select a few settings from which you can ultimately choose. She may also want to designate her preferred diamond shape and metal choice. You can then return to the store later to complete the purchase—without her knowing the financial details. Choose the right jeweler The right jeweler will clearly explain what’s covered regarding repairs, stone loss, resizing, and refinishing. Choose wisely—interview jewelers to find the best fit for you. Your jeweler should act as your educator and guide throughout the process. All your questions should be answered, and you should be encouraged to view diamonds under a microscope to understand their unique “fingerprints.” Compare stones. Every diamond has its own personality. Above all, your jeweler should make you feel like the most important client in the world—because you are, regardless of your budget. You’ll feel the stress melt away once you realize you’re working with a patient, knowledgeable professional whose goal is to make you comfortable and thrilled with your final purchase. Feel a little better now? Good—go out and make that engagement ring purchase with confidence! Congratulations!

By: Lucy Zimmerman For me, there is nothing more enjoyable than designing new one-of-a-kind jewelry and creating new cooking recipes. The love for original jewelry comes from my Dad, and my passion for cooking comes from my Mom. Both jewelry design and cooking usually begin with inspiration. Sometimes I walk into a supermarket, see rows of bright, colorful vegetables, and decide to make a wonderful vegetable stew—mixing vegetables with spices and a little bit of butter. Jewelry design works the same way. Sometimes I see a stone that takes my breath away and immediately imagine it in a one-of-a-kind ring. Other times, something as simple as a flower inspires me to create a new piece of jewelry. Whatever inspires you, let your imagination run wild and allow it to take you to places you haven’t been before. Just to share with you, here is one of my recent designs. I was fascinated by the beauty of this blue tanzanite—with just a hint of purple—when I first saw it at a jewelry show in Las Vegas. I purchased the stone and began sketching, first imagining it as a pendant, and eventually deciding on a ring. And now, from jewelry to cooking—here is my favorite recipe for Russian Blinis. My Mom taught me how to make these delicious crepes when I was a little girl, and I’m happy to share it with you. Russian Blinis Serve with sour cream, jelly, or sugar. Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 eggs 2 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 3 tablespoons vegetable oil Directions In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs, salt, and sugar. Gradually add one cup of milk and whisk together. Add flour and mix well. Slowly add the remaining cup of milk and stir to combine. Add oil and beat until very smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve a thin batter. Heat a non-oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan. Tilt the pan in a circular motion so the batter coats the surface evenly. Cook for about 1 minute until the bottom is lightly browned. Loosen with a spatula, flip, and cook the other side. Serve hot.

Sophie & Roman Shor Recognized for Service to Hunterdon Community by Senator Leonard Lance On Saturday, May 8, 2010, the Hunterdon County YMCA hosted its 20th Annual Recognition Dinner at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, honoring Roman and Sophie Shor, founders of Roman Jewelers, for their outstanding service to the community. Congressman Leonard Lance was in attendance and presented the couple with a congressional award. Through this event, the YMCA raised over $105,000 for its financial assistance program, setting a new record. This program allows individuals facing economic and social challenges to participate in YMCA programs and services, including summer camp, childcare, and health and wellness activities. The funds raised through the Annual Recognition Dinner will help local children attend camp, participate in sports, and receive childcare provided by the YMCA. In addition to the YMCA, the Shors are active supporters of the Hunterdon Medical Center, Safe in Hunterdon, and the local police and fire departments. They also maintain a special commitment to school children and seniors, regularly assisting through donations and educational seminars. Most recently, the Shors have lent their energies and talents to the event "The Roman Jewelers Wedding", designed to encourage volunteerism and philanthropy in young adults. Last year’s premiere event proved to be a wonderful way to inspire commitment and awareness in a younger generation, raising over $100,000 for various local and national charities.

Warning! Sex and the City 2 Jewelry Spoiler following... We’ve been watching Carrie Bradshaw’s jewelry style for many years. In Sex and the City 2, when Big captures her heart in a final scene of the film, he presents the NYC diva with an eye-popping 5 carat black diamond ring and tells her "because you are not like anyone else." This is where movie-goers reach for the tissues. But, who could take their eyes off that rock?! The buzz is already swirling about the scene with what is arguably the most significant piece of jewelry in the movie's entirety: a 5 carat black diamond ring set in 18K white gold surrounded by 80 round natural white pave diamonds equaling 0.35 carats by designer Itay Malkin. Will this ring fuel a black diamond trend? Let’s hope so. Black diamonds, particularly when set with contrasting white diamonds have already become a popular, beautiful trend. And black diamonds are certainlya conversation starter. But what are they? Black diamonds are typically enhanced diamonds. We hear a lot about enhancements of diamonds, often in a negative way, but the case of the black diamond is quite different. The black color in a natural black diamond is actually the result of numerous inclusions. Most of these inclusions are graphite and because there are so many, black diamonds fracture very easily. This makes them very difficult to cut, polish and finish. So, in order to work with them and show off their beautiful black opaque color, the genuine black diamond is treated, to create abetter quality diamond with a more uniform color. Black diamonds are still diamonds…they are graded for clarity, cut, color and carat weight and certainly make for a unique engagement ring, especially when set with contrasting white diamonds—as shown in Carrie’s ring. Black diamonds generally cost less than white diamonds and are an elegant gem with a rich look. Black diamond jewelry is available at Roman Jewelers in Flemington & Bridgewater NJ. www.romanjewelers.com

If you are in the market for an unusual ring, have an idea for something different and spectacular but don’t know where to start—read on to find out why going the custom way may be right for you. By Lucy Zimmerman 1. Use “old” to make “new” Did you inherit an engagement ring from your grandmother or a diamond wedding band from another woman in your family? The “old” pieces carry a lot of sentimental value. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to re-use these diamonds in your own ring? Work with your designer to incorporate the stones into a new engagement ring. Your ring will not only be unique, but will also carry a part of the special women in your family. 2. You love your friend’s engagement ring, but don’t want to be a copycat You don’t have to be. Talk to a jewelry designer about the ring you admire and describe what you like about it. Is it the simplicity, intricate filigree details, or the bold mix of white and yellow gold? Think style, and you’ll end up with a ring where every detail is you. 3. You don’t want a traditional engagement ring—you’re a trendsetter The plain Tiffany-style ring isn’t for you. Maybe a three-stone ring? Still not right? If you’ve visited countless jewelry stores and haven’t found “the one,” it’s time to talk to a designer. Describe your vision and sketch your ideas. Any detail helps your designer bring your dream ring to life. 4. You want to remember how the ring was made You want to be involved at every step—from sketch to wax model to casting and stone selection. Custom designing isn’t just a process; it’s a journey. 5. You love what Hollywood actresses wear Celebrity rings are stunning—but not always realistic. A good designer can help you substitute stones, scale designs, and adjust details to stay within budget while keeping the look you love. 6. Details only known to you Want a hidden ruby, initials, or special date inside your ring? A skilled designer can place personal details in the gallery—keeping them meaningful and private. 7. You love period jewelry, but not estate pieces Whether it’s Art Deco geometry or Edwardian lace-like elegance, tell your designer the era you love. They’ll guide the design to reflect that period beautifully. 8. You know a jeweler whose work you admire A great jewelry designer is like a trusted doctor. If you’ve found one—stick with them. 9. Use your artistic abilities If you can sketch your dream ring, even better. An experienced designer will refine your idea and ensure the design is structurally sound. 10. You have no idea what you want That’s perfectly normal. Visit stores, try on rings, browse magazines, and take notes. A good designer will help combine the elements you love into one perfect ring. Author: Lucy Zimmerman is a fourth-generation jewelry designer at Roman Jewelers in Flemington & Bridgewater Commons Mall, New Jersey. For more information about Roman Jewelers and custom design work, visit: https://www.romanjewelers.com/design-your-own-ring/choose-your-style

When it comes to fashion and jewelry, what do Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, and Carrie Underwood have in common? All of these celebrities have been seen wearing a simple necklace—a circle. Its meaning encompasses the meaning of life itself. The necklace is called the Circle of Life, a perfect combination of simplicity, elegance, and meaning. Long before Oprah wore her Circle of Life necklace on her show, this simple geometric symbol carried deep significance across cultures throughout history. The message is as timeless and beautiful as the design itself: unity, wholeness, and completeness. The Circle of Life necklace makes the perfect gift for any woman and for any occasion—Mother’s Day, the birth of a child, a birthday, graduation, marriage, or any meaningful milestone, whether happy, emotional, significant, or celebratory. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you with an idea for your next jewelry gift. With the Circle of Life, you truly can’t go wrong. The circle brings everything together—those life moments that, when combined, form the canvas of your life. At Roman Jewelers, we offer several variations of the Circle of Life necklace in different metals and designs, including the sought-after couture creations by Italian designer Roberto Coin. Roberto Coin designs these necklaces with diamonds and offers them in a variety of sizes to suit every style.

Congressman Leonard Lance Presents Recognition to Roman & Sophie Shor of Roman Jewelers Photo by Dabour Photography May 8th was a special evening for Roman & Sophie Shor, owners of Roman Jewelers. They were recognized by the Hunterdon County YMCA for their service to the community during a lavish, warm, and friendly event held at Fiddler’s Elbow in Bedminster, New Jersey. And there was even a surprise guest. According to the YMCA, Roman and Sophie were chosen as honorees for their impressive history of outstanding community involvement. The theme of the Annual Recognition Dinner was “Build a Campfire, Build a Memory,” with the goal of raising funds for the YMCA’s financial assistance program—and raise they did. The evening generated funds in excess of $100,000, and Roman & Sophie were congratulated by New Jersey Congressman Leonard Lance. According to Mrs. Shor, it was the best surprise of the night. She said, “When Mr. Lance handed us the congressional recognition award, it was one of the best moments of my life. Only 30 years ago, Roman and I came to America from Russia without a penny, and now to receive recognition from a congressman in the country we love and thank for all of our success is truly incredible.” All of us at Roman Jewelers know that success for Roman & Sophie did not come without tremendous hard work and dedication. Thank you, Roman & Sophie! You set the bar high. The community respects you immensely, your employees admire you, and the jewelry industry is truly fortunate to have you as mentors and role models.

Mother's Day is on Sunday, and we all know that moms love jewelry. With so many options in a wide range of prices, jewelry makes an easy, fun, personal, and memorable Mother’s Day gift. So, what should you get Mom? Diamond Stud Earrings Mom has been wanting these for quite some time, and maybe now is the perfect moment to get them—especially if she has done something amazing, like welcoming her first child. Perhaps she has graduated from college, or maybe you have. Thank her with the ultimate Mother’s Day gift: classic diamond stud earrings. Chamilia Bracelet The budget-friendly and highly personal gift of a Chamilia charm bracelet speaks directly to Mom and all she has done for you and your family. With so many beads to choose from, finding the one that’s perfect for her is simple—and simply beautiful. Circle of Life Necklace Available in many sizes, the Circle of Life Necklace is a heartwarming and elegant choice for Mother’s Day. The Italian-designed Roberto Coin Circle of Life necklace will truly take her breath away. Additional designs include matching earrings and rings. It’s the perfect way to thank her—because let’s face it, where would you be without her? Key Pendant Key pendants are a hot fashion item that moms love and want. Choose one that is beautiful, elegant, and crafted with exceptional quality, like the ones at Roman Jewelers. The best way to tell Mom she’ll always have the key to your heart is with a gift she can wear every day of the year. John Hardy Every fashionable mom knows that when it comes to designer jewelry, John Hardy is a must-have. Sterling silver designs handcrafted in John Hardy’s Bali studio bring natural beauty to every piece. Inspired by the world around him, John Hardy creates jewelry Mom can wear anywhere—from the office, to school volunteering, and even evening fundraising events. This is just a small glimpse of what’s available for Mom this Mother’s Day. Jewelry makes the perfect gift because it’s so personal—something she will cherish forever.