Events & Awards

To Celebrate 110 Years, Ben Bridge Donates $110K

Events & AwardsDec 22, 2022

To Celebrate 110 Years, Ben Bridge Donates $110K

The organization awarded grants to 11 programs in Washington State and California.

20221222_BenBridge.jpg
Pictured at center is Lisa Bridge, president and CEO of Ben Bridge, with Ben Bridge Jeweler 110th Anniversary Grant recipients.
Seattle—To celebrate its 110th anniversary, Ben Bridge Jeweler has given back to its local communities.

The Seattle, Washington-headquartered fine jeweler has awarded $10,000 grants to 11 programs operating throughout the Pacific Northwest and California.

The common thread among them is that each program focuses on education and leadership.

A special panel convened to choose the 11 grant recipients from a pool of 40 applicants, selecting a diverse pool of leadership development initiatives.

“Ben Bridge has always been about diversity,” said Ben Bridge President and CEO Lisa Bridge.

“For our 110th anniversary, we wanted to celebrate by investing in the next generation of diverse leaders. We are proud of the communities we serve and want to ensure a strong, vibrant, and equitable next 110 years.”

The 11 grant recipients are as follows.

Athletes for Kids in Bellevue, Washington partners high school athletes with children who have disabilities and special needs. The program promotes acceptance and inclusion through mentorship.

Also located in Bellevue, the Bellevue Schools Foundation supports K-12 initiatives throughout Washington State. The organization has funded more than $25 million of programming that local, state, and federal funding doesn’t provide.

Based in the Seattle area, Black Coffee Northwest Grounded is a youth leadership program that supports middle and high school students, providing safe spaces to study after school and academic tutoring. Services are free for students.

The Black in Jewelry Coalition has partnered with the North Seattle College Watch Technology Program. The two organizations are aiming to create a more diverse next generation of watchmakers.

In Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries is billed as the world’s most extensive gang rehabilitation and re-entry programs. Founded more than 30 years ago, the organization helps former gang members and previously incarcerated people become contributing members of their communities.

Impact Public School prepares students to succeed in college. Based in the south Puget Sound area in Washington, the organization also advocates for public polices that will close the opportunity gap, allowing all students to succeed regardless of their backgrounds.

Also in Puget Sound, the Journeyman Institute of Puget Sound mentors boys through nature-based activities and community engagement to create a more caring and healthy community.

The Tacoma Urban League has existed since the civil rights movement. Today, it is still dedicated to assisting African Americans, other ethnic minorities and economically disadvantaged people reach economic independence and social equality.

Team Read aims to empower youth through reading and leadership development skills. The organization wants to create educational equity and is implementing anti-racist practices.

Red Tail Hawks Flying Club of the Pacific Northwest introduces youths to aviation, teaching practical applications of STEM skills and promoting diversity in the aviation world. The organization is headquartered in Washington State.

YMCA Seattle of King and Snohomish Counties focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Screenshot of Botswana President Duma Boko during 2026 State of Nation address
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says

If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.

GIA pink CVD diamond
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look Natural

The 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.

Emmanuel Raheb, CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?

An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.

dsf antique jewelry ceylon intaglio sapphire .jpg
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare Discoveries

With over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.

Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion

The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.

Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tourmaline inclusion in muscovite mica
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ Inclusions

GIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.

 Bibi van der Velden Eclipse Campaign Imagery
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High Jewelry

The “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.

overnight btyb 1026.png
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to Sell

With customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.

Daughters of the Deep indicolite earrings
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking About

From a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.

Pat Pruitt Dragonfly Earrings
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election Night

Groundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.

Colin Jost in Kay Jewelers holiday ad
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday Ad

Jost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.

GCAL 8X_NJSB_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the Counter

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

Wrapped holiday gift boxes
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This Year

From shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.

Little Pet Portrait Pendants by Russell Jones & Judi Powers
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New Collaboration

The designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.

Brilliant Earth Elizabeth Taylor jewelry
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3

Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.

Swarovski Joy: The Swarovski Musical Campaign with Ariana Grande
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign

“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.

GIA logo
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday Services

The lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.

Cartier bracelet and ring
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia Airport

A Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.

Pandora celestial chandelier earrings
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on Design

New collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.

Lanessa Elrod
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New President

Lanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.

Replica of Infinity Gauntlet
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for Auction

A replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur Klein
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89

Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.

Zadok Jewelers
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet Giveaway

To enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.

David Yurman Gem Awards Grant 2027 Graphic
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 Applications

The grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.

Kirstin Viland, Joanna Kovacs, Shari Lukacs
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship Winners

The winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.

Sothebys Romanov sapphire
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s Geneva

The rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.

Fake Audemars Piguet watch
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

It is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy