Events & AwardsNov 06, 2025
Pink Tourmaline Bracelet, Emerald Suite Take Top Spectrum Honors Pink and purple stones were popular in the AGTA’s design competition this year, as were cameos and ocean themes.
MajorsSep 18, 2019
Ed Bridge To Receive 2020 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement
Jewelers of America will honor the man who guided Ben Bridge Jeweler through the Berkshire Hathaway acquisition.
Jewelers of America announced the recipient of the 2020 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement: longtime retailer and Ben Bridge Jeweler Chairman Emeritus Ed Bridge.
New York—Jewelers of America has revealed the recipient of the next Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement—Ben Bridge Jeweler Chairman Emeritus Ed Bridge.
Held annually, the Gem Awards honor the outstanding achievements of individuals or companies whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches.
Past honorees of the Lifetime Achievement honor include, most recently, Rolex Watch U.S.A. President and CEO Stewart Wicht, as well as watch journalist Joe Thompson, retailer Jim Rosenheim and marketer Sally Morrison.
JA said Bridge is receiving the 2020 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement for his dedication to Ben Bridge and the jewelry industry throughout the course of his career, setting a standard of excellence that has inspired his company and the industry.
“Ed has undoubtedly increased the professionalism for the jewelry industry,” JA President and CEO David J. Bonaparte said. “His commitment to his family business is unwavering and his leadership on the boards of so many jewelry industry associations has been immensely appreciated by all those who benefit from his contributions.
“It is a privilege to be able to present this Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement to everyone’s friend, Mr. Ed Bridge.”
Bridge is chairman emeritus of Ben Bridge Jeweler, a more-than-a-century-old family-managed retail jeweler founded in Seattle.
The company now has more than 90 stores throughout the western United States and Canada.
Bridge was the retailer’s president and co-CEO from 1990 to 2017 alongside cousin Jon Bridge (now retired), helping guide the company through its acquisition by Warren Buffet’s holding company, Berkshire Hathaway.
He then served as chairman and CEO from 2018 until his retirement earlier this year.
The native Washingtonian has served on several industry boards, including Jewelers for Children, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and JA, where he served as board chair from 1999-2001 and helped the association advance responsible business practices related to the sourcing and sale of diamonds during its advocacy for the Clean Diamond Trade Act.
Bridge also has served on boards such as the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Seattle Victims Fund and the University of Washington TYEE Board of Advisors.
National Jeweler inducted Bridge into its Retailer Hall of Fame in 2003, and the American Gem Society awarded him and his family with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
Bridge and his wife of 40 years, Pam, have two children—Marc Bridge and Lisa Bridge. Lisa took over the role of CEO of Ben Bridge earlier this
year, after Ed stepped down at the end of January.
The 18th annual Gem Awards is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
For details, to purchase tickets or to show support for Ed Bridge through sponsorships and the Gem Awards Journal, visit Jewelers.org/GemAwards.
JA said it will announce the other nominees soon.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
The 18th annual Gem Awards is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 10 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
For details, to purchase tickets or to show support for Ed Bridge through sponsorships and the Gem Awards Journal, visit Jewelers.org/GemAwards.
JA said it will announce the other nominees soon.
National Jeweler is a for-profit subsidiary of Jewelers of America, which purchased the publication in 2015. The two organizations act independently of each other.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Hosts Raffle Supporting Food RescueAll proceeds from the G. St x Jewel Boxing raffle will go to City Harvest, which works to end hunger in New York City.
IndependentsNov 06, 2025
Cornell’s Jewelers Names New PresidentCourtney Cornell is part of the third generation to lead the Rochester, New York-based jeweler.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
SourcingNov 06, 2025
De Beers’ Production, Sales Increase in Q3 De Beers also announced more changes in its upper ranks ahead of parent company Anglo American’s pending sale of the company.
Weekly QuizNov 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
