Custom rings designed by Lucy Zimmerman at Roman Jewelers

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 to me from my Dad, and for cooking from my Mom.

Both, designing jewelry and cooking, usually start with inspiration.

Sometimes, I walk into a supermarket, look at the row of bright colorful vegetables, and decide on making a wonderful vegetable stew, mixing the vegetables with spices and a little bit of butter.

As for jewelry design, sometimes I see a stone that takes my breath away, and I imagine that stone in a one-of-a-kind ring.  Sometimes, it could be something as simple as a flower that makes me think of making a 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 in it when I first saw it at a jewelry show in Las Vegas. I purchased the stone and made sketches for it, imagining it first in a pendant, and then finally deciding on a ring.

As for cooking, here is my favorite recipe for Russian Blinis. My Mom taught me to make these delicious crepes when I was a little girl. I am happy to share it with you.

Russian Blinis

 Serve with sour cream, jelly, or sugar.

 INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil

• In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, salt, and sugar, lightly. Gradually add one cup of milk and whisk together. Add flour and mix together. Gradually, add one more cup of milk. Stir to combine. Add the oil; beat until very smooth. You can add more milk if needed to make batter liquid. 
• Heat a non-oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.  
• Cook the crepe for about 1 minute, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

JEWELER CONTINUES WEDDING CONTEST TO RAISE CHARITABLE AWARENESS

 For the second year, Roman Jewelers of Flemington and Bridgewater will giveaway a luxury wedding to a couple who makes the biggest impact on one of ten New Jersey charities

 Flemington – A lucky couple who makes the biggest difference by conducting an original and creative philanthropic initiative can win a free luxury wedding in this year’s Roman Jewelers Wedding Contest presented by Roman Jewelers of Flemington & Bridgewater and New Jersey Bride magazine. www.njbride.com

 Last year’s contest, originally created to celebrate Roman Jewelers’ 20^th Anniversary and help area charities raise funds and awareness in tough economic times, was so successful they decided to hold it again.  Thanks to the efforts of ten dedicated finalist couples, the inaugural contest raised nearly $100,000 for ten area non-profits in 6 short weeks.

 “There was an outpouring of interest from area residents and charities. Last year’s couples did such a good job. They worked so hard and the community is so thankful.  We don’t expect any less from this year’s contest,” said Roman Jeweler’s store co- owner Sophie Shor.  “We’re expecting more,” she adds with a smile.

 Roman Jewelers is pleased to partner with generous area businesses such as Frungillo Caterers, owned by Jerry and Robert Frungillo, known for stunning catering venues and their TV show, Masters of Reception on TLC http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/masters-of-reception/masters-of-reception.html

 “We are also pleased to partner with New Jersey Bride magazine, whose coverage of the contest will further help the charities’ causes,” says Shor.Couples interested in winning their dream luxury wedding by helping others should register online then attend auditions on Saturday, July 17^th at the Villa at Mountain Lakes, in Mountain Lakes, NJ. Those who attend will tell their love story to a panel of judges, after which 20 couples will be chosen to compete as semifinalists.

 Once chosen, semifinalists will develop “Good Deed Plans,” or philanthropic initiatives for one of the ten Charitable Partners involved in the event.” The 10 most impressive plans will move on as finalists and implement their “Good Deeds” from August 2^nd to September 30^th, 2010.

 The winning couple will be announced at Flemington’s Renaissance Plaza in October. They will be chosen based on the couple’s love story, their dedication to helping others, the impact they’ve had on charity and the results of their Good Deed.

 To register and find out more information about the luxury wedding visit www.romanjewelers.com

Custom Engagment Ring designed by Roman Jewelers

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.