IndependentsMay 16, 2022
Karats Jewelers Plans Expansion Into 30,000-Square-Foot StoreIndependentsMay 18, 2022
Jeweler Lewis Baribault Celebrates 50th Work Anniversary
The Connecticut jeweler reflected on five decades in the industry and what the future holds for the family business.
The Baribault family celebrated Lewis Baribault’s 50th work anniversary last month. Pictured here, from right, is Nichole Baribault, Lewis Baribault III, Lewis Baribault, Raeann Schwartz, Christina Ortiz, Dan Ortiz, Cathy Baribault, and Evan Schwartz. (Image courtesy of Brian Ambrose Photography)
Glastonbury, Conn.—In another life, jeweler Lewis Baribault may have been a motorcycle mechanic.
His uncle, Philip Baribault Sr., owner of Baribault Jewelers in Glastonbury, Connecticut, encouraged him to try his hand at fixing watches instead.
It must have stuck because Lewis and his family just celebrated his 50th work anniversary last month.
The Baribault family raised a glass to his five decades in the family business on April 23 at Rooftop 120 in Glastonbury.
“I always loved working with my hands and ended up going to watchmaking school and loving it as much as I loved mechanics, so I stayed working at Baribault Jewelers,” said Lewis.
The business was founded in 1948 with Lewis taking over in 1988.
He earned his stripes as a master jeweler and setter, later building an on-site shop for custom jewelry and repairs.
The industry has changed since Lewis took the reins. He highlighted the advent of online jewelry selling and the rise of lab-grown diamonds as two of his biggest challenges, but a strong family bond behind the scenes is his key to success.
His three children, Christina Baribault Ortiz, Raeann Baribault-Schwartz and Lewis Baribault III, are also part of the family business.
“We work very hard together to make things happen in our business and work through any challenges,” said Lewis, “but the most important thing to me is that we keep a healthy family dynamic.”
The store has received several industry awards through the years. It touts its status as a “Blue Diamond” Tacori dealer, a special accolade given by the jewelry brand to its top partners.
Looking ahead, customers can still find Lewis behind the counter as he intends to remain an active part of the business, with a little downtime thrown in, too.
“I love what I do so it never feels like work. I will continue to work and be active in our business and also enjoy the fact that my children can professionally run our business, so I can choose to enjoy myself on a golf or fishing trip.”
More on Independents
The Latest
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
