CrimeOct 01, 2026
Police Looking for 4 Suspects in $600K Smash-and-Grab RobberyDubai Jewelers in Springfield, Virginia, was once again the target of an armed robbery.
MajorsNov 14, 2018
Lisa Bridge Named CEO as Ed Bridge Announces Retirement
Ed Bridge will step down as CEO and chairman of the board of Ben Bridge Jeweler effective Jan. 31.
Ed Bridge, who has helmed Ben Bridge Jeweler with his cousin since 1990, is retiring from the role in January, at which time his daughter, Lisa, will take the wheel as CEO.
Seattle—Lisa Bridge is set to become the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway-owned, family-run chain Ben Bridge Jeweler.
Ed Bridge, Lisa’s father, will retire as CEO and chairman of the board effective Jan. 31, at which time Lisa, now president and COO, will step into the role and also will join the board.
Ed joined the family company in 1978 and in 1990 was named co-CEO along with his cousin, Jon, who retired last year. The two of them oversaw the acquisition of the company to Warren Buffett’s holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, a decade later.
Ed has held a number of leadership positions in the industry, including serving as chair of Jewelers of America and Jewelers For Children, board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Jewelry Information Center, vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, chair of the Seattle Victims Fund, and board member of both the University of Washington Hillel and Tyee Club.
The American Gem Society honored him and the Bridge family with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. They also were inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame.
“It has been an honor and privilege working with our associates to create incredible moments and touch the lives of so many customers,” Ed said. “I cherish the relationships I have with our team and the treasured friendships with our many industry partners. I feel thankful to have had the best mentors and bosses one could ask for in my father Bob Bridge, my uncle Herb Bridge and Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Warren Buffett.
“I had the pleasure of working with my cousin Jon Bridge as my partner for 28 years before he retired last year. It brings me great joy to know the company will be in such capable hands. Lisa will surely propel the business into its next phase and a bright future.”
Lisa represents the fifth generation to run the company. She was named president of Ben Bridge last fall, making her not only its first female president but also, at age 32 at the time, the youngest top executive in more than 60 years.
Since then, she has been working on a redesign of the retail chain’s stores.
The new atmosphere—which includes locating the watch craftsmen at the front so it’s the first thing shoppers see when they enter, an open layout allowing for educational opportunities for shoppers and hologram technology that lets bridal consumers visualize customized designs prior to purchase—will continue to roll out in 2019 to additional stores.
Ed Bridge, Lisa’s father, will retire as CEO and chairman of the board effective Jan. 31, at which time Lisa, now president and COO, will step into the role and also will join the board.
Ed joined the family company in 1978 and in 1990 was named co-CEO along with his cousin, Jon, who retired last year. The two of them oversaw the acquisition of the company to Warren Buffett’s holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, a decade later.
Ed has held a number of leadership positions in the industry, including serving as chair of Jewelers of America and Jewelers For Children, board member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and the Jewelry Information Center, vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, chair of the Seattle Victims Fund, and board member of both the University of Washington Hillel and Tyee Club.
The American Gem Society honored him and the Bridge family with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. They also were inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame.
“It has been an honor and privilege working with our associates to create incredible moments and touch the lives of so many customers,” Ed said. “I cherish the relationships I have with our team and the treasured friendships with our many industry partners. I feel thankful to have had the best mentors and bosses one could ask for in my father Bob Bridge, my uncle Herb Bridge and Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Warren Buffett.
“I had the pleasure of working with my cousin Jon Bridge as my partner for 28 years before he retired last year. It brings me great joy to know the company will be in such capable hands. Lisa will surely propel the business into its next phase and a bright future.”
Lisa represents the fifth generation to run the company. She was named president of Ben Bridge last fall, making her not only its first female president but also, at age 32 at the time, the youngest top executive in more than 60 years.
Since then, she has been working on a redesign of the retail chain’s stores.
The new atmosphere—which includes locating the watch craftsmen at the front so it’s the first thing shoppers see when they enter, an open layout allowing for educational opportunities for shoppers and hologram technology that lets bridal consumers visualize customized designs prior to purchase—will continue to roll out in 2019 to additional stores.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
She has been invited to attend Fortune’s 2018 Most Powerful Women Next Gen Summit to be held in December.
“I am endlessly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Ed and the generations before me. They have been generous with their wisdom and perspective and will continue to be an inspiration,” she said.
“I am humbled to be stepping in to this role, and I am excited to build a bright future with our incredible team. My mission as CEO is to help our customers celebrate wonderfully meaningful and joyful moments in their lives through the power of jewelry.”
Ben Bridge has 95 retail stores in 11 states and one Canadian province.
The company ranked No. 13 on National Jeweler’s 2018 State of the Majors Top 50 Special Jewelers list.
“I am endlessly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Ed and the generations before me. They have been generous with their wisdom and perspective and will continue to be an inspiration,” she said.
“I am humbled to be stepping in to this role, and I am excited to build a bright future with our incredible team. My mission as CEO is to help our customers celebrate wonderfully meaningful and joyful moments in their lives through the power of jewelry.”
Ben Bridge has 95 retail stores in 11 states and one Canadian province.
The company ranked No. 13 on National Jeweler’s 2018 State of the Majors Top 50 Special Jewelers list.
More on Majors
The Latest
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
Weekly QuizOct 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
