Jewelry & Trends

Are you an expert in all things jewelry? If not, read on for some fun and interesting facts!

• The word “jewelry” comes from the French word “jouel,” which means “plaything.”
• The oldest jewelry is 100,000 year-old beads made from Nassarius shells.
• Biggest…
  • Diamond is the Cullinan weighing 3,106 carats.
  • Emerald is the Bahia weighing 7,052 carats.
  • Sapphire is the Millenium weighing 950 carats.
  • Ruby is the Liberty Bell weighing 18,696 carats.
  • Pearl is the Pearl of Lao Tzu weighing 14 pounds.
  • Gold nugget is the Welcome Stranger weighing over 154 pounds (70 kilograms).
• The first engagement ring dates back to 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria proposed and gifted his intended a ring, symbolizing his feelings and plans to marry her.
• Painite is the rarest gemstone and rarest mineral on earth, verified by Guinness Word Records. There are only about 1,000 gemstones.
• The origin of monthly birthstones dates back to the Breastplate of Aaron which contained 12 gemstones representing the tribes of Israel. They eventually became associated with the months of the year and wearing birthstones became popular in the early 1900s.
• Pearls are the only gemstones that come from living organisms, specifically oysters and mussels.
• Wedding rings for men were popularized in the 20^th century when the jewelry industry wanted to increase sales.
• The most expensive piece jewelry ever used in a film was the necklace worn by actress Nicole Kidman in the movie Moulin Rogue. It cost over $1 million and was made of 1,308 diamonds and platinum.

We are always looking out for the latest facts on jewelry. Stop by Bridgewaters to share your favorite fact while you pick out some holiday gifts for family, friends or yourself!

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!

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!

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!

Did you know that close to 50% of proposals happen during the holiday season between November and February? The top four proposal dates are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day, in that respective order.

If you are thinking of popping the question this holiday season, here are some things to consider:

• Holidays bring family and loved ones together so there will be lots of people to celebrate with afterward.
• You don’t want your engagement to get lost in the shuffle of so much going on. Propose in a place special to you both or something magical related to the holiday to make it something you both will treasure.
• Consider the stress level of this time of year for both of you – choose a time of relaxation and ease.
• Consider the future – do you want your engagement and holidays to overlap forever?
• Avoid proposing during someone else’s celebration to keep the focus on your moment and avoid stealing theirs.
• Holidays can be challenging for some and may not be the best choice for you or your partner.
• Take some time to enjoy each other and your engagement. Schedule some time to reflect on this next step in your life.
• Don’t feel rushed to begin planning right away. Enjoy the specialness of the season and your engagement. There is plenty of time for planning after the holidays.

Whatever you decide, let Bridgewaters be a part of your happy ever after. We specialize in helping to find just the right ring. Give us a call to schedule an appointment to see your options.

Most people have heard about the robbery of the Louvre on October 19, but you may not know about the diamond and emerald crown of Empress Eugenie, empress consort to Napoleon III, emperor of France and nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. The crown has 2,480 diamonds and 56 emeralds and stands 13cm high and 15 cm in diameter, with a total weight of over 140 carats. Never used in a coronation as neither she nor her husband had one, the crown was created for the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris.

Emperor Napoleon III was overthrown in 1870 and Eugenia’s crown along with the emperor’s crown and other pieces were held in the vaults of the Finance Ministry until being presented at the Exposition Universelle in 1878. In 1887, a law of disposal of the “Diamonds of the Crown of France” and many of the pieces were put up for sale. The Emperor’s crown was one of the pieces sold into private hands. Eugenie’s crown was not sold, but returned to her in 1875 and she bequeathed it to Princesse Marie-Clotilde Napolean. In 1988, the crown was bought at auction then offered to the Louvre where it is displayed with other French royal jewels.

The crown was damaged in the robbery with one of the gold eagles missing and a few small pieces of diamond missing. Patrons have already stepped forward to fund the restoration of the crown.

We at Bridgewaters love to learn about historic pieces of jewelry, but we love helping our customers find their very own precious gems and jewel! Stop in to find your next favorite piece!

Jewelry should be accessible to everyone, but disabilities or aging can make things more challenging. Never fear, jewelers are here to help! Here are some of the most common challenges and ways they can be overcome.

Rings

Whether due to an injury, arthritis or your own unique bone structure, it can be uncomfortable to wear a ring that is difficult to put on and get off or one that is large enough to put on, but then the heavy portion falls to the bottom of the finger. There are a few options to help:

• Anti-Roll Beads: The addition of two metal be ads to the bottom of your ring can prevent your ring from rolling on your finger and help if your knuckle size varies. If needed, have a jeweler size your finger prior to adding the beads so that putting your ring on is comfortable. These beads are very effective, comfortable and, often, less expensive than other options.

• Spring Bar: Another option if your knuckle is too large for anti-roll beads to be effective is a spring bar which is a flat strip made from white spring gold and soldered into the ring. The spring compresses when putting on the ring and expands after it passes the knuckle.

• Adjustable Shank: An adjustable shank opens like a bracelet when putting the ring on then closes once the ring is positioned on the finger. When created, the lower half of the ring is replaced with a clasping mechanism of the same metal as the ring.

Bracelets and Necklaces 

There are several options to make it easier to put on and take off necklaces and bracelets:

• Toggle Clasps: These are one of the easier clasps and can often be secured without another person’s help as they are larger and easier to manipulate.

• Lobster Claw Clasp: If this is the only option, ask for a larger size clasp and a larger jump ring.

• Secure Clasp in Front: If possible, swing the clasp to the front to make it easier to secure.

• Put on Over Your Head: Consider choosing a necklace length that allows you to put it on over your head. Stop into your favorite jewelry store to try on necklaces to find the right length. If you already have a necklace you love, you can have a jeweler add an extender chain which can provide a few extra inches of length.

Earrings

The small pieces needed to put in earrings can be challenging. Here are two alternative options that do not have small parts:

• Fishhook Earwires: These earrings slide from the front into your ear with a single wire.

• Leverbacks: Earrings with leverbacks are similar to earwires in that they enter the ear from the front with a single wire, but these have a hinged lever that easily opens and closes to keep the earring secure.

Don’t give up wearing your jewelry if it becomes more difficult to put on or take off. Your favorite jeweler can work with you to find a great solution. Stop in to Bridgewaters to see what options you may have to back to wearing your favorite pieces.

We’ve shared about other extraordinary gems before (Hope Diamond and Napoleon Diamond Necklace) and wanted to share this amazing pink diamond as well. The CTF Pink Star Diamond, named for its current owner’s company, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, is the most expensive engagement ring in the world, selling for $71.2 million in 2017. It is a Vivid Pink oval-cut diamond that is 59.60 carats. Originally uncovered by De Beers in Africa in 1999, the original 132.5 carat rough diamond was cut and polished into a flawless vivid pink diamond. The Pink Star has a purity level that only two percent of other gems around the world have. Additionally, pink diamonds are beautiful and rare and so their price can be up to 20 times higher than for a white diamond.

A bit of history now about this unusual gem. It was originally named the Steinmetz Pink after the diamond company that purchased it and spent over 20 months cutting it. After its public debut, it was part of the Smithsonian Museum’s “The Splendor of Diamonds” exhibit.

Steinmetz offered the Steinmetz Pink for sale in 2013 through Sotheby’s Geneva where it sold for $83 million. Unfortunately, the buyer defaulted on the payment and Sotheby’s, who had a guarantee of $60 million on the diamond, was required to acquire it. It was offered for sale again in 2017, creating a bidding war among three potential buyers. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises was the victor, paying that incredible $71.2 million and renaming the diamond to the CTF Pink Diamond.

Beautiful and rare, pink diamonds capture our imagination. Pink is just one of the many colors in which diamonds are available. Stop into Bridgewaters to see what other colors exist and find your next perfect gem!