EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
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.
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
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
