CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
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
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Policies & IssuesApr 02, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
