To Celebrate 110 Years, Ben Bridge Donates $110K
The organization awarded grants to 11 programs in Washington State and California.

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.
The Latest

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.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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.

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

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

Sponsored by GCAL by Sarine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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
























