MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersIndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge Jeweler
The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Ben Bridge Jeweler CEO Lisa Bridge, the fifth-generation leader of the family-run chain, is exiting the company as it moves in a new direction.
Seattle—Ben Bridge Jeweler CEO Lisa Bridge is stepping down from her position as the retailer moves in a new direction.
The Seattle-based jewelry store chain, which was sold to Berkshire Hathaway 25 years ago, will now be part of a newly created united Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group alongside Helzberg, also owned by the Buffet conglomerate.
Helzberg CEO Brad Hampton will lead both Helzberg and the new jewelry group as Group CEO, according to a Helzberg spokesperson.
During the transition, Lynnette Frank will lead all Ben Bridge operations as chief financial officer and interim brand president.
Notably, Helzberg President Julie Yoakum recently joined Signet Jewelers as the new president of Kay Jewelers and Peoples Jewellers, its Canadian jewelry store chain.
Ben Bridge and Helzberg will maintain their distinct identities.
“What is new is the opportunity for each organization to benefit from the shared knowledge and experience gained from more than two centuries combined,” said Helzberg.
“Our priority, as always, is to ensure both brands continue delivering the exceptional quality and care on which our respective customers have relied for generations.”
Bridge announced her departure in an emailed letter shared with National Jeweler and later via a LinkedIn post.
“For five generations, our family has built and created, invested and dreamed, and has been part of the lives of our associates and customers,” she said.
“There is now a different direction for the company, and it is time for me to step away.”
Related stories will be right here …
The Seattle-based jewelry store chain, which was sold to Berkshire Hathaway 25 years ago, will now be part of a newly created united Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group alongside Helzberg, also owned by the Buffet conglomerate.
Helzberg CEO Brad Hampton will lead both Helzberg and the new jewelry group as Group CEO, according to a Helzberg spokesperson.
During the transition, Lynnette Frank will lead all Ben Bridge operations as chief financial officer and interim brand president.
Notably, Helzberg President Julie Yoakum recently joined Signet Jewelers as the new president of Kay Jewelers and Peoples Jewellers, its Canadian jewelry store chain.
Ben Bridge and Helzberg will maintain their distinct identities.
“What is new is the opportunity for each organization to benefit from the shared knowledge and experience gained from more than two centuries combined,” said Helzberg.
“Our priority, as always, is to ensure both brands continue delivering the exceptional quality and care on which our respective customers have relied for generations.”
Bridge announced her departure in an emailed letter shared with National Jeweler and later via a LinkedIn post.
“For five generations, our family has built and created, invested and dreamed, and has been part of the lives of our associates and customers,” she said.
“There is now a different direction for the company, and it is time for me to step away.”
The 113-year-old business was “omnipresent” in Bridge’s life as she grew up, she said, and when she sold her first diamond at 16 years old, she felt connected to the heart of the business.
Even after selling the business, it still felt like it was family-owned, she said.
In 2019, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffet appointed Bridge as CEO, which she called “the most extraordinary of opportunities.”
The following year, Bridge would have her first child in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, managing store closures from her hospital bed.
“We weathered each new curveball, and came out as a stronger, more nimble business on the other side,” she said.
The retailer sold its Pandora division to downsize its footprint and revamped the shopping experience in its Ben Bridge stores.
Bridge, a certified gemologist, also served as board president of the American Gem Society for the 2022-2023 period.
Under Bridge’s leadership, the retailer also recently acquired Olympic Manufacturing, a full-service jewelry repair and manufacturing company based in Bellevue, Washington, as a step toward greater vertical integration.
The jeweler has been around as long as it has by staying true to its values while continuing to evolve, said Bridge.
“I am not yet sure what the next chapter of my career will be, but our people and Ben Bridge will always be part of me,” she said.
More on Independents
The Latest
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
