SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
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
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
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.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
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.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alamo, were gunned down following an armed robbery at their jewelry store.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
MajorsNov 13, 2025
Vahan Jewelry Founder Leon ‘Sacha’ Der Calousdian Dies at 85The third-generation jeweler is remembered as a passionate creative with a love of art, traveling and sailboat racing.
