Jewelry & Trends

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!

Anniversary rings are tangible reminder of journey together, marking the passage of time and memories along the way in a marriage and the enduring love, commitment and joy of the couple.

There are several types of rings:

• Eternity ring are a band filled by diamonds completely.
• Three stone rings incorporates a gem for each of the past, present, and future.
• Stackable rings allow for additions over the years, marking other milestones.

The most common occasions to gift an anniversary ring are the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 50th year of marriage, however, it is now common to celebrate any milestone with an anniversary ring.

Anniversary rings have traditional rules/customs for those interested in staying true to the tradition:

• Year 1: Often features a gold band that should complement other rings in the wedding set. This can be simply a gold band or can be set with any gems.
• Year 5: Gifting sapphire in an anniversary ring for the fifth year together symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and sincerity.
• Year 10: The decade ring symbolizes the commitment, growth and love needed to sustain a marriage. It is often a diamond ring or an eternity ring.
• Year 15: A celebration of passion and eternal love, rubies are the gem of choice.
• Year 20: Featuring emeralds, a symbol of growth, renewal, and harmony.
• Year 25: The Silver Anniversary, celebrating a strong bond formed and the resilience of love.
• Year 50: The Golden Anniversary is a testament to lasting love and devotion as well as the cherished moments throughout the journey. Gold is the symbol associated and is beautiful, strong and resistant to corrosion.

Wherever you are on your journey, Bridgewaters can help you find the perfect piece of jewelry to celebrate your important milestones.

We’ve shared information on men’s jewelry trends before, but we found some really interesting trends recently that we haven’t seen before. So join us as we discover what’s hot for men!

There are a couple of trends that are still going strong that we shared last year, minimalism and personalization. But there are several new trends as well:

1. These are Not your Grandma’s Pearls: Pearls are often thought of as a staple in women’s jewelry, but men are getting in the game! Led by celebrities and influencers, men are exploring pearl necklaces and other accessories.
2. Mixed Metals: No longer do we need to have all our jewelry metals match! Try any combination of metals, gold, silver, rose gold, for a modern look that accents any outfit.
3. Exotic Materials: While traditional metals are still popular, innovative and unconventional materials are surging. These include elements like tungsten, wood, dinosaur bones, antlers, and many more. These elements help to personalize your jewelry and provide bold, beautiful style
4. Gender-Fluid Style: Fashion is getting more inclusive, with gender-fluid styles allowing everyone to express themselves. Everything from unisex designs to gender neutral designs to styles that work for any gender. Gender-fluid designs are created with the intent to work for and appeal to all and celebrates diversity and individuality.

Let Bridgewaters help you find something that suits your style, personality and individual flair!

We often get asked about what jewelry staples should be in everyone’s jewelry box. We’ve pulled together a list of jewelry that is timeless, never goes out of style and fits every occasion. These items a pretty universal for men and women, depending on your personal style.

• Hoop Earrings: A favorite of ancient civilizations and diverse cultures, they can make a statement while keeping things simple. With their ability to draw attention to your face without being distracting, they are a great go to.
• Chain Necklaces: We spent some time sharing some of the variations of chains (check out our blog here) and they really are versatile. You can easily add a pendant, layer with other chains and they go with everything from jeans to cocktail dresses.
• Cocktail Rings: Originally reserved for cocktail hour and showcasing a large center stone or ornament, these can now be worn any time and dress up all types of clothes. Wear these on your right-hand ring finger and enjoy the compliments!
• Stud Earrings: We love these with diamonds, but any gem works. They can be worn everyday or on special occasions, providing just the right amount of glam. Consider different cuts and settings to make these your own!
• Pearls: Pearls are the ultimate timeless piece, but they don’t have to boring! Pearls come in many colors and shapes, explore their look to find just the right one with your skin tone.

With these versatile classics, you’ll always have the perfect piece to wear! Missing any of these from your jewelry box? Stop by Bridgewaters and let us help you find just the right one for you!

Looking for a new chain? It may seem overwhelming with so many different types. Don’t despair! Check out our guide and then check in with your favorite jeweler to make sure you are choosing the right chain for you.

Considerations When Buying a New Chain

• Materials:
  • Choose stronger metals for daily wear: silver, platinum, titanium, stainless steel
  • Avoid metal sensitivity by choosing hypoallergenic metals include 10-karat gold or higher, stainless steel, titanium and platinum
• Have long hair? These chains don’t catch hair: rope, box, snake, Singpore.
• Looking to add a pendant? These chains are good for pendants: cable, rope, and ball/bead.
• Looking for a great chain to wear on its own? Consider Byzantine, anchor, box, curb, and Figaro chains.

Here are some of the many types of chains and things to think about when considering their purchase:

• Cable chains: The most common type of necklace, consisting of interlocking oval or round links. Easy to fix and popular for both men and women.
• Rope chains: These feature twisted strands that resemble a rope. Strong a durable an works great with bold pendants or on their own.
• Box chains or Venetian chains: Made of interlocking squares creating a cubed effect, this necklace is durable and comfortable. They are easily fixed and look great with pendants or on their own.
• Ball/Bead chains: Featuring small balls attached by connector bars, this necklace type is not very strong and often break under pressure. They are easily replaced, often being made from affordable material like steel. Great for small pendants or dog tags.
• Snake chains: Made of interlocking, curved plates with barely any space between them, these chains create a fluid, snake-like movement. These are a bit delicate so care is needed when wearing, but they pair well with pendants or alone.
• Curb chains: Made from interlocking flat links that create a smooth, uniform appearance, these chains are durable and easily fixed if broken. They are great as statement pieces and are popular with men and women.
  • Figaro chain: this is a unique version of the curb chain, featuring 3-5 small round or oval links with larger links between each set. They are very sturdy and can be repaired if broken. They can be worn alone or with pendants and are a classic style, especially for men.
• Singapore chain: Featuring tight, twisted, and diamond-cut links that create a shimmering effect, this chain reflects light and shines beautifully. They are strong despite their delicate look and are great with pendants.

With so many choices, it may be hard to pick just one! Stop in to Bridgewaters and let us help you find just the perfect new chain!

Today is Earth Day so we thought we might delve a little into sustainable jewelry. This is a complicated topic and we recommend doing additional research to understand this complex issue. We’ve shared some information and suggestions below to help get you started on this journey.

What is sustainable jewelry? It is the transparent and responsible sourcing practices in the jewelry supply chain and the use of sustainable materials. It also includes workers being treated fairly, using eco-friendly and ethical production techniques, and sourcing their metals, jewels, and diamonds from sustainable mines or production systems.

Ways You Can Get Started:

• Reduce your purchases of costume jewelry. Costume jewelry is often worn just a few times and then ends up in a landfill where the metal and other items don’t biodegrade.
• Consider recycled jewelry materials. Precious metals can be recycled by melting them down and reusing them. Gems can be reused in a new setting.
• Look into lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds can be formed in six to ten weeks and have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They offer an alterative to mined diamonds that limits the environmental and people-related issues. Check out our blog on lab-grown versus natural diamonds for more details.
• Search out brands that support fair trade practices. Fair trade includes using sustainable materials, offering equitable payment and safe working conditions.

We at Bridgewaters would love to help you get started! On May 6-8, 2025, we are holding a Buying Event where you can bring in gold and silver, diamonds and other gems as well as estate jewelry. We can also help you redesign pieces into your new favorite, giving new life to your current jewelry.

As we approach Easter, we thought we would share some details about some of the world’s most famous Easter eggs. In 1885, Russian Emperor Alexander III commissioned a jeweled egg from Peter Carl Fabergé, House of Fabergé, for his wife. It was known as the Hen Egg with an outer enamel shell and gold band around the middle. When opened, it reveals a golden yolk which opens to show a golden hen sitting on golden straw. Inside the hen was a miniature diamond replica of the Imperial crown and ruby pendant.

The gift was a hit with the tsarina and Peter Carl Fabergé was appointed a “goldsmith by special appointment to the Imperial Crown” and a second egg was commissioned. Fabergé was given freedom to design future eggs – the only requirement that each contain a surprise and each be unique. As many as 69 eggs were created and 61 are known to have survived.

The most famous of the eggs created are the Imperial Easter eggs, with 10 commissioned by Alexander III and 40 commissioned by his son Nicolas II. Forty-four (44) of these have survived and there are photos of 3 of the lost eggs. Ten (10) of the Imperial eggs are displayed at the Kremlin Armory Museum in Moscow.

The eggs have a bit of a cult status and have been featured in films, TV series, documentaries and more. They are symbols of power and wealth of the Russian Empire.

We at Bridgewaters don’t have any Fabergé eggs, but stop in to check out our own line of jewelry, The Bridgewater Collection.