bridgewaterjewelers

With summer upon us, we wanted to explore the bounty of jewelry items that come from the ocean. We’ll check out treasures grown in marine life and even diamonds!

• Pearls: Once the more treasured gems in the world, natural pearls are formed when something irritating, like a bit of sand, enters a mollusk’s soft tissues. To protect itself, the mollusk secretes nacre (Mother of Pearl) to protect itself. Over time, the layers of nacre build up and form a pearl. Natural pearls are very rare, less than 1 in 10,000 wild mollusk’s will produce a pearl and most are not of gem quality. Humans have solved for this with cultured pearls which are created with human assistance – a small bead is inserted into a mollusk to create the secretion of nacre.
• Mother of Pearl: Known for its natural shimmer and durability, Mother of Pearl is the material that lines the inside of shells, also known as nacre. It is used in jewelry, home décor items and accessories.
• Coral: Created from the skeletons of marine polyps, coral is known for its porcelain like luster and warm, vibrant colors. It is often used in carved cameos and bead necklaces. Colors range from deep red to pale pink. Many jewelers no longer use natural coral due to its slow growth and how threatened it is due to over-harvesting, pollution and climate change. When purchasing, consider jewelers who repurpose antique coral or use sustainably harvested sources.
• Marine Diamonds: These natural gems are sourced from the ocean floor. They were originally washed into the Atlantic Ocean from inland deposits via rivers. They are found off the coast of Namibia and South Africa. An interesting fact is that the ocean sifts out the weaker gems, leaving diamonds that are very pure, hard and high-quality.

Love all things ocean or summer related? Stop in to Bridgewaters and find your next summer piece!

It has been a while since we have visited the topic of birthstones and we found some fun facts about the that are just too good not to share!

The history of birthstones may extend back to the Book of Exodus and the 12 stones decorating the breastplate of Aaron. The stones symbolized the 12 tribes of Israel and are not the same stones as our modern birthstones. Later the 12 stones became associated with the apostles of Jesus Christ.

The stones we are familiar with were assigned in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers for mainly commercial reasons. Since then, the list has been updated, adding additional options for some of the months.

Here is a fun fact about each month’s primary birthstone:

• January – Garnet: The name derives from the Latin word for seed or grain which may be a reference to the seeds of the pomegranate.
• February – Amethyst: The ancient Greeks believed amethyst prevented drunkenness and carved wine glasses from it.
• March – Aquamarine: Often associated with emotional depth and healing, aquamarine is also associated with youth and happiness and an ability to reveal hidden truths.
• April – Diamond: The strength of diamonds is known around the world, in fact the word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning invincible or unbreakable.
• May – Emerald: The perfect stone for May when the world begins to turn green with Spring, the emerald is associated with prosperity, security and fertility.
• June – Alexandrite: Named after Alexander II, Russia’s Czar from 1855-1881, alexandrite is believed to be a good omen and is associated with luck, fortune and glory.
• July – Ruby: These gorgeous red gems, second only in hardness to diamonds, are associated with love, passion and romance. The deepest hued rubies are referred to as “pigeon’s blood.”
• August – Peridot: Peridot is Egypt’s national gem and was believed to have come from the sun. Associated with good health, tranquil sleep and body/mind harmony, it has been discovered in meteorites and volcanic lava.
• September – Sapphire: Known for their deep blue color, sapphires come in many colors – pink, yellow, green. Blue sapphires symbolize purity and spirituality and are thought to have healing powers.
• October – Opal: A symbol of hope and good fortune, the opal is often called the Queen of Gemstones due to its ability to encompass a multitude of colors.
• November – Citrine: With a name that comes from the French citron meaning lemon, these brown or reddish/orange gems are associated with the warmth and energy of the sun, happiness and joy.
• December – Blue Topaz: A stone known for association with open communication, honesty, great wisdom, and good energy, blue topaz also the traditional gift for a 4^th wedding anniversary.

There are so many fun facts about gems, we have just touched the surface! Whatever your favorite of these gems, we hope you wear them often and share their beauty with the world. Stop into Bridgewaters to find a new favorite gem!

We’ve all seen the stunning beauty of the death mask of Tutankhamun, but what did ordinary Egyptians wear? Jewelry in ancient Egypt was worn by all social classes, genders and ages. It was both about fashion as well as a way for spiritual protection. Jewelry appears in the Egyptian archaeological record as early as 4500 BC, featuring beads made of shells and stones. Jewelry was part of everyday life as well as the afterlife.

Specific materials and symbols provided the wearer divine favor, good fortune and warding from evil.

• Amulets were believed to hold magical powers to provide luck or protection. Scarab beetles were very popular as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. Amulets were featured on necklaces and bracelets with symbols like the scarab, the Ahkh (symbol of life) or the Eye of Horus (symbol of protection and healing). Amulets were worn in life and incorporated into burial.
• Materials included both gold and silver and many of the same precious and semi-precious stones we wear today, including turquoise, lapis lazuli, and amethyst. Other materials included stones, glass, marble, bone, shells and more. Fun facts about gold and silver – gold was considered the flesh of the gods, representing eternity and the sun while, during certain time periods, silver was considered more rare and valuable than gold.
• Your class determined the type of materials that would be used in your jewelry. The wealthy would use precious gems while commoners used less expensive materials like painted clay, shells, and bone.
• Jewelry was an integral part of the belief in the afterlife. It was considered a tool to guide, protect and sustain the soul (the ka) in the journey through the underworld to the afterlife. Mummies of all rank were buried with amulets, rings, collars and more to help the on their way.

Egyptian jewelry is beautiful and fascinating. Stop by Bridgewaters to find a symbol that connects with your life and beliefs.

Men’s trends don’t tend to change quickly, but it is exciting when they do! Lapel pins are quickly becoming a way for men to express themselves, share interests or support for a cause without being too “out there”, sort of a step out of the box!

So where did lapel pins originate? With the boutonniere, a fresh flower tucked into the buttonhole of a suit jacket. It was a popular practice in the 16-19^th centuries as a symbol of good luck and refinement. In the 19^th century, men were already adding small decorative pins or brooches alongside the boutonniere.

What do lapel pins symbolize?

• Affiliation or support for a cause – think of wearing a flag to show patriotism
• Clubs, organizations, fraternities – showing membership
• Personal values or interests – charities, an animal, symbols like awareness ribbons or a family crest.

The best part is lapel pins are no longer just for formal occasions, you can add a bit of personality to your jacket anytime! For styling, you are looking for your lapel pin to feel like it “belongs” to the outfit. Check out the look in the mirror and see what works and what may not.

Stop in to Bridgewaters to see what fantastic lapel pins we can help you find to share your character!

We hope that you will be joining us at our upcoming Buying Event on May 5-7. To help set expectations, we wanted to share some best practices including ways to make the process as smooth as possible, what items we can’t take and the current most desired items.

A Smooth and Easy Process

• Bring valid government-issued photo ID
• Bring original paperwork, GIA report and/or designer boxes as they can add value to your items
• Plan on our experts evaluating everything on-site with transparency

 Items We Can’t Take and What We Can

• Items We Can’t Take
  • Costume/fashion jewelry (no karat mark or “925”)
  • Silver-plated items or hollowware
  • Lab Grown Diamonds
  • Glassware, figurines, electronics, furniture, or base-metal pieces
• Items We Can Take

Current Most Desired Items

• Gold jewelry (10K–24K) including rings, chains, bracelets, earrings
• Sterling silver (.925) including flatware, jewelry, tea sets
• Gold and silver bullion or coins
• Platinum and white-gold pieces
• Scrap gold (class rings, dental gold, broken chains)

We can’t wait to see you at the Buying Event! Get those closets and jewelry boxes cleaned out and come see us at Bridgewaters for a no-obligation offer!

We are hosting another buying event on May 5-7 in conjunction with Treasures Rediscovered and hope to see you there! In preparation for the event, we want to share information about selling gold and silver so you are as prepared as possible!

What is the best time to sell gold and silver and why?

Current conditions make now one of the strongest times in years to sell. Gold and sterling silver (92.5% pure) prices are at a near all-time high. Both metals have increased in price dramatically with gold up ~85% and silver up over 200% from a year ago. Prices are at historic levels due to high central-bank buying, geopolitical tensions, and strong demand from industries and investors.

What do you need to know before selling?

• Purity and weight determine 95% of the offer. 24K gold pays the highest while 14K or 10K pays less per gram. Sterling silver must be marked “925”.
• You’ll need a government-issued ID (required in most states).
• Only sell to reputable, licensed precious-metals dealers — avoid pop-up “cash for gold” shops.
• You are under no obligation to sell. Don’t let anyone pressure you.
• There is no need to clean or repair your items.
• Bring original paperwork, GIA report and/or designer boxes as they can add value to your items.

Start cleaning out your jewelry box for items you no longer wear and check your closets and basements for other items of value and come see us at Bridgewaters for a no-obligation offer based on today’s strong market prices. Can’t wait to see you!

Have you ever wondered why baptism and communion are celebrated during Easter? Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion, his conquering of death and redemption of mankind from sin. Both baptism and communion are symbolic of the resurrection through identification with Jesus, a time for renewal of faith and embracing new life, and a celebration of both personal and communal commitment to faith.

Baptism

Baptism is initiation into the church and a public declaration of faith and commitment to Jesus. It represents forgiveness of sins through a covenant with Jesus and a willingness to follow Jesus’ teachings and example. It is also a personal connection to the death, burial, resurrection and eternal lift of Jesus Christ – with waiting to be baptized symbolizing his death on the cross, being lowered into or sprinkled with the water symbolizing his burial, and being raised from the water, symbolizing his rising from the dead.

Communion

The act of communion is a symbol of resurrection with the bread and wine signifying the body and blood of Jesus, broken and poured for humanity’s salvation. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and their own hope for eternal life received through faith. It is a shared experience that unites believers, emphasizing community within their faith. It invites Christians to reflect on their own spiritual journey, the need for grace and the power of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Whatever your beliefs may be, spring is a time for renewal, reflection and rebirth. Bridgewaters loves to be part of your celebrations – stop in and let us help you find just the perfect jewelry to mark this special time of year.

March 17 has become synonymous with green, corned beef and cabbage, and beer, but where do these traditions come from? St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick and is observed on the anniversary of his death in the 5^th century. St. Patrick, born in Britain during Roman times, was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16 years old. After six years in slavery, he escaped to what is now France and trained as a priest. He returned to Ireland where he is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity, creating churches and using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.

Observance of St. Patrick’s Day began in Ireland in the 9^th or 10^th century as a Roman Catholic feast day. The more secular holiday we know in America began in the 17^th century with parades, corned beef and cabbage and the wearing of green.

In addition to St. Patrick’s Day, there are many symbols that have become synonymous with Ireland and Irish cultural heritage.

• The Claddagh Ring, traditionally associated with marriage, has a heart representing love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty and can be worn to reveal a relationship status.
• The Celtic Cross or Irish Cross is a Christian symbol associated with Celtic Christianity. The four arms may signify the directions of a compass with a halo, representing unity at the junction.
• The Triquetra or Trinity Knot has many interpretations of its meaning, all of which include three entities in one symbol and is why it is likely to have been adopted as a Christian symbol.

Stop in to Bridgewaters to check out these Irish symbols and find the one that suits you!

Looking stylish and polished is as easy as 1, 2, 3 if you follow the 2:1:1 Rule! What is this magic, you ask? The 2:1:1 Rule is a guide to help you create a balanced outfit by styling your jewelry thoughtfully.

So how does this work? It is based on dividing your jewelry into three levels based on their impact to create visual balance.

• Two subtle pieces – Small, refined accessories such as stud earrings, slim rings, delicate bracelets or simple necklaces. These enhance your overall look without drawing too much attention. Subtle pieces support the overall look.
• One medium-impact piece – Something slightly more noticeable, like medium-sized hoop earrings or a layered necklace. This adds visual interest and connects the understated and bold elements. Medium pieces add interest without being overpowering and helps to tie all the pieces together.
• One statement piece – A standout accessory that becomes the focal point of your outfit, such as dramatic chandelier earrings, a chunky necklace, or a vibrant cocktail ring. This is the focal point and sets the tone for your outfit!

The rule works because it avoids chaos, ie, when there are too many bold pieces which creates a lack of focus or when only subtle pieces are worn which leaves the look feeling unfinished.

Look your absolute best all the time with this rule. Stop in to Bridgewaters to find just the right pieces to create your amazing style!

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and celebrities often share their love for these beautiful gems in their diamond-studded clothes and accessories worn everywhere from movies to concert stages to the Olympics.

• Mariah Carey: On February 6, Mariah shone at the Opening Ceremonies in a necklace, earrings and bracelet with emerald cut diamonds set in platinum. The three pieces total 306 carats. The necklace had a large center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds, the earrings had four diamonds each and the bracelet had more than a dozen!
• Marilyn Monroe: In 1962, Marilyn performed “Happy Birthday” for President John F. Kennedy while wearing a gown adorned with 2,500 Swarovski Crystals. The dress was so tight she had to be sewn into it minutes before taking the stage! The dress holds the record for most expensive dress sold at auction for $4.8 million.
• Cardi B: Pairing diamonds and emeralds in 2024 at the Met Gala, Cardi B paired a black tulle dress with a 141-carat Colombian emerald pendant, accented by emerald-and-diamond chandelier earrings, bangles and cocktail rings.
• Rihanna: In 2018 at the Met Gala, Rihanna stunned in a rhinestone mini dress, collared robe and a papal mitre (ceremonial headdress of bishops). She also wore pearl anklets and a Cartier pendant necklace, which featured diamonds, sapphires, rubies, pearls and opals.
• Colman Domingo: In 2025 at the Met Gala, Colman wore a Boucheron’s Iceberg necklace, created from hunks of rock crystal, white gold and showers of pavé diamonds, inspired by the crashing waves off Iceland’s coastline.

Diamonds and gems have captivated humans for centuries. Their sparkle and beauty are unmatched and timeless. Stop in to Bridgewaters to find your new favorite diamonds!