ST. PETERSBURG -- Gov. Charlie Crist spent a few hours visiting friends in northeast St. Petersburg this morning, picking up wedding bands for himself and fiancee Carole Rome and having his famous silver hair trimmed.

Gold & Diamond Center owner Hien Nguyen designed Rome's size 6 sapphire and diamond engagement ring and created an 18-karat white gold and pave diamond wedding ring for her. He also helped the governor choose a size 10 plain yellow gold band for himself.

"It's simple," the jeweler said. "He'll wear it every day. He's working. He doesn't want anything too busy." The governor paid with a personal check; Nguyen did not disclose the amount.

Carl Troup, the governor's longtime barber, said Crist stopped by the Northeast Pyramid Barber Shop and hand-delivered an invitation to the Friday wedding at First United Methodist Church.

"He has a gleam in his eye," Troup said. "All you've got to do is mention Carole, and he lights up."

Troup, 64, said he cut the governor's hair but did not charge his usual $10. "This is his wedding present," he said, "because you can't give him anything." The barber also had a gift for Dr. Charles Crist, the governor's father and best man. Dr. Crist had his hair cut earlier in the week.

Mary Jane Park, Times Staff Writer

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