SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

23 Jun, 2016

THE YELLOW DIAMOND-CENTRIC ROMAN & JULES LINE IS MAKING A BOLD STATEMENT

BY SUSAN LUNNY KEAG

Roman & Jules, by First Image Design, offers expressive quality pieces, from pendants to rings, that put a colorful spin on tradition.

“It’s the quality, the design, and the beauty of the line. It’s unique. It’s an eye catcher,” said Cory Schifter, owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, which has been carrying the Roman & Jules collection since January.

The designer brand offers several lines, including its popular Yellow Label, which features naturally colored yellow diamonds as its centerpiece.

While the label was launched just three years ago, First Image Design has been providing one of the “largest and most diversified selections” of natural yellow diamonds in North America for the past 20 years, according to one of its co-owners, Shawn Hematian.

Casale Jewelers exclusively sells the Roman and Jules brand locally because of, as Schifter explained, the high quality and unique design of its yellow diamond lines.

Hematian is not surprised. “I’ve been told by a lot of retailers that we are the best-kept secret,” he said, “because of the extent of our line and our designs and quality. It’s something quite unique.”

Hematian and his partner and brother David Hematian have a history in the jewelry industry that has given them an edge against competitors. Their father and uncles were all in the diamond business back in Tel Aviv, which helped create a strong foundation for the start of their company almost three decades ago.

The team at First Image Design, which includes four full-time designers as well as Hematian himself, crafts each piece uniquely.

“We have over 10,000 designs,” he said. “It’s a fresh look, and each piece is different…designed to be romantic, celebrating the beauty of true love. Roman and Jules is a modern day depiction of Romeo and Juliet. However, there is no tragic ending.”

The company offers a Bridal Label, too, which includes solitaire to elaborate right-hand rings.

“All couples these days, young and old, are looking for jewelry that is modern yet classic and timeless, which is exactly what we offer,” explained David Hematian.

Schifter added that many customers are drawn by the seemingly unconventional hue of the diamonds.

“They have been amazed. It’s exciting,” he said. “People feel special wearing these pieces.”