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!

Do your earrings make your ears itch or swell? Do your bracelets leave a ring of itchy skin when you take them off? If you have these types of reactions when wearing your jewelry, you most likely have an allergy or sensitivity to the metal used in your jewelry pieces.

So, what to do? How can you wear beautiful jewelry and not suffer from rashes, itchiness, red marks, swelling, or blisters? First, know what metals are most likely to cause a reaction.

• Nickel is the most common culprit as it is often mixed with other metals to create an alloy. Nickel is commonly found in earring posts, costume jewelry and cheap jewelry.
• Brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, is another culprit. It often also contains nickel.
• Cobalt or Chromium are often found in costume jewelry.

So what can you do to still wear jewelry and not suffer?

• There are alternatives to these metals that are safer for sensitive skin. These hypoallergenic metals include sterling silver, 14-karat gold or higher, stainless steel, titanium and platinum.
• Stay away from costume jewelry as it is often made with nickel or other metals known to cause allergies.
• Avoid plated jewelry with a nickel base.
• When receiving piercings, have a stainless steel needle used and make sure your jewelry is made from a hypoallergenic metal – including the post.
• If you have a favorite piece made from nickel, have your favorite jeweler plate it with another metal. Platinum is a great option as it is naturally hypoallergenic.

Stop by Bridgewaters for more information and help finding jewelry that won’t cause allergies.

With autumn upon us, the weather will soon turn cooler, leaves will begin to change color. Fall’s colors are warm and rich – reds, golds, oranges, browns, and purples. Fall reminds us to let go to allow for the promise of new beginnings, to embrace change and set new goals. Let’s embrace this beautiful time of year and accessorize our jewelry to match!

• Nature puts on quite a display this time of year! Check your jewelry box for nature inspired pieces to dust off and wear! Pieces focused on leaves, trees, mountains, oceans and more are a perfect complement.
• Dig out your gemstones! Citrine, garnet, amethyst fit right into the season with their gold, reds and purples.
• Showcase your florals! Balance the falling of the leaves by wearing your floral-patterned pieces to help remember that new beginnings will follow.
• Love Halloween? Wear your pumpkin, candy corn and ghosts with pride whether as earrings, necklaces or charm bracelets.

Checked your jewelry box and need a few new pieces to spice up your fall jewelry? Stop by Bridgewaters and let us help you find your new favorite!

Have you ever heard of mourning jewelry? If not, it is a fascinating view into different times in history. Known as early as the Middle Ages, mourning jewelry of this time included skulls and crossbones. Combined with the call for memento mori (remember death), it urged the wearer to live a moral life.

Fast forward to the Victorian era where mourning jewelry reached its peak. Queen Victoria set the example after the loss of her husband, Prince Albert, by wearing black crepe dresses and mourning jewelry for nearly four decades. The aristocrats and the wealthy followed suit with lockets, bracelets, necklaces and rings to memorialize their loved ones. Materials included jet, onyx, pearls, dark tortoise shell, black enamel, bog oak, vulcanite, hair and gutta percha (natural rubber made from the Southeast Asian tree). Many of the materials had a specific meaning, for example, jet symbolized grief and mourning due to its deep black color while bog oak represented strength and endurance. Inclusion of hair into jewelry was very popular as it was believed to contain a bit of the essence of the person.

The images of Victorian mourning jewelry were very different than in the Middle Ages. Instead of skulls and crossbones, winged cherubs, angels, clouds, urns and weeping willows were the popular images. This was a stark change in philosophy from God being a demanding judge to more of a father figure.

Today, you may notice that skull jewelry has become a symbol of rebellion and fearlessness and maybe a throwback to memento mori. Stop by Bridgewaters to learn how you can remember your loved ones through jewelry.

Have you ever wondered about the overall jewelry market statistics and consumer shopping behavior? We sure do! Jewelry has been part of the human experience practically since our earliest beginnings and it continues to be one of the pillars of fashion around the world. Let’s dive into details on the jewelry market!

• It is estimated that the global spend in 2023 was $340 billion. Over the last nine years, the market has more than doubled in size!
• The US portion if jewelry spend is estimated at $69 billion or roughly 20% of the global market. The US is second only to China (41.5% of the global market).
• On average, the global jewelry market grows at 6.96% yearly.
• Globally, who is the most active shopper? Married, 25-34-year-old women with an average salary buy the most jewelry.
• But, the biggest spenders globally are high income ($200,000+) people aged 45-54.
• In the US, the average American spends just $78 on jewelry each year.
• The average US millennial spends $203 on jewelry annually or 158% more than the average American. Additionally, globally, millennials make up 23% of the population, but 57% of all jewelry spend.
• In the US, 55% of jewelry sales are by married people, followed by 30% from single people and just 12% by those in a relationship.
• So what are people buying? Globally, necklaces are the top seller overall, but women are more inclined to buy earrings and men are more inclined to buy necklaces.
• Thinking about the future, sustainable/culturally sources jewelry will grow by 20%, lab-grown diamonds increase 15% yearly.

It is amazing to see how the numbers break down. If you are thinking about a gift for the millennials in your life, jewelry is a great idea! Stop by Bridgewaters and we can help you find just the perfect item.

With the 2024 Summer Olympics ending last Sunday, we thought it would be fun to see how jewelry played a role in the games. Read on for some of the highlights!

• Chaumet is the first jeweler to design and create the medals. They features a hexagonal piece of iron on the front which is engraved with the Olympic rings and is actually a piece of scrap iron from the Eiffel Tower’s refurbishment in preparation for the games.
• US womens gymnasts sparkled in 47,000 Swarovski crystals while they made history!
• Simone Biles shone bright with a custom 14k white gold, 3D goat pendant set with 546 diamonds. It was created just for her and the designer will never recreate it.
• Noah Lyles wore a diamond mariner-link choker necklace while dramatically winning the 100-meter dash.
• Many athletes sported grills – Jordan Chiles featuring diamonds and gold and Quincy Hall competing in a gold grill during the 400-meter final.

Many more athletes included jewelry in their races, often with a story behind them. Whether a good luck charm or something that makes an athlete feel confident an powerful, jewelry will always hold a special spot in the human heart. Find the piece that makes you smile and feel confident at Bridgewaters!

With the price of gold rising, it makes sense to explore the metals that can be used in jewelry so you know your options and can make informed decisions. We’ll focus on solid gold, gold-filled and Sterling silver jewelry.

Let’s start with solid gold. Gold comes in many different purity levels – 10K or karat, 14K and 18K are the most commonly used in jewelry. The differences are in durability and price. Here is some specific information on each level of purity:

• 18K gold is the most pure gold that is typically used in jewelry and its rich, yellow appearance is very attractive. If you are active or work where your jewelry might bump into hard surfaces, it may not be the best choice for you as it will scratch easily. It is also the most expensive of the golds used for jewelry.
• 14K gold is the most popular gold for rings and wearable jewelry because it is more durable and affordable than 18K. It has a rich color making it a great choice.
• 10K gold is the most affordable and durable gold used in jewelry. It is often used in earrings and more affordable pieces. If you work with your hands, this might be your best bet as it is very difficult to scratch, bend or scuff.

Gold filled jewelry is another option and is significantly less expensive than solid gold. Gold filled jewelry is created using a base metal like brass, copper or silver then then mechanically, through extreme pressure and heat, bonding a thick layer of gold to the base metal. Gold filled jewelry is durable, beautiful and affordable. Keep in mind that the weight and size of the piece determines the amount of gold it contains and its price. The bigger or heavier a gold filled piece, the more expensive it will be.

Sterling silver is another great option for your jewelry. Silver is less expensive than gold as it is more abundant and less difficult to mine. It can be styled any way you like, just like gold making it a versatile option. Most silver jewelry is made with sterling silver which is an alloy of silver which is 92.5%s silver and 7.5% copper. The copper makes the silver harder and more durable and able to be used to create jewelry. While silver tarnishes, it is easy to clean.

Be sure to discuss your options with your favorite jeweler so you choose the best option for you. Stop in to Bridgewaters and let us help you find your new favorite and affordable piece!

We often talk more about women’s trends in jewelry as men’s jewelry has been subtle and uniform, often limited to watches and simple bracelets. In 2024, we are seeing more men experiment and feel more empowered to express themselves, their individuality, through jewelry. Check out these trends for men in 2024:

• Minimalism: Providing elegance and simplicity, this trend includes clean, geometric shapes and understated designs. Slim chains, subtle bracelets and rings made from high-quality materials exemplify this trend.
• Bold Statement Pieces: In contrast to our first trend, this trend is exemplified by eye-catching accessories that draw attention. Stacked necklaces or bracelets, intricate patterns, gemstones that stand out or avant-garde shapes help to catch the eye.
  • Oversized/Chunky Rings: Rings bold in color, shape and design, this sub-trend also includes customized signet rings. Traditionally symbolizing heritage and power, men are customizing with unique designs, going beyond the old-style family crests or initials.
  • Statement Chains: Usually made of high-quality materials, these statement pieces are characterized by their size, weight and intricate designs. They can be worn on their own or layered with other chains.
• Sustainability: Social responsibility and a commitment to the environment is another focus. Jewelry crafted from recycled materials, ethically sourced gems and eco-friendly materials is making waves.
• Bracelets: Simple bracelets used to be in, but now chunky chains, bold designs and different materials like leather are center stage. Take the trend a step further and layer bracelets of different metals, charms and chains for a bold look.
• Personalized Jewelry: Allowing men to showcase their personality, interests and creating something both meaningful and stylish, personalized jewelry is a hot trend. Incorporate your birthstone, initials, an engraving significant to you or go extra bold and work with a jeweler to bring your own creation to life.

Here at Bridgewaters, we love to see these up-and-coming trends and help our customers find something that enhances their style. Our Bridgewater Jewelry Line incorporates these trends with signet rings and bracelets with unique materials. Stop in to see more items that may strike your fancy or let us help you bring your own jewelry design into reality!

We all love our jewelry and want to make sure we treat it right so that it lasts for generations. But what are the best practices for keeping our jewelry safe? Keep reading for some ideas to help keep your gems and jewels in top-notch shape.

Things to Avoid:

• Tarnish: Keep your metal jewelry separate to prevent tarnish. Putting items away completely dry will also help. Use a commercial silver polish when all metal jewelry becomes tarnished. Do not use silver polish on gemstones as they may become damaged.
• Light and Heat: Light and heat can affect your gemstone’s durability and color.

o   Light: Long exposure can fade gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz and shell cameos. Pearls and delicate materials will bleach under extreme exposure to light while gems like amber may darken.

o   Heat: Excessive heat and sudden temperature changes may fracture some gems and can remove natural moisture needed. For example, pearls can dry out and crack or discolor.

• Chemicals: Even everyday substances like lotion, hairspray or perfume can damage porous gems or delicate items like pearls. Remove your jewelry before using these products to keep your pieces safe. Also remove your jewelry before getting in a chlorinated pool or using household cleaners. Many contain ammonia which is too harsh for your gems and chlorine bleach can pit or damage gold.
• Ultrasonic Cleaners: Be wary of the at-home versions of these cleaners as they may not be the best option for your jewelry. Do not use with organic gems like pearls, coral, ivory or amber, heat-treated gems; gems that have surface reaching breaks that have been filled with oil, resin or a glass-like material; gems that are sensitive to heat or temp changes like tanzanite, sunstone/moonstone, lapis lazuli, opal, topaz, turquoise and more. The vibrations in the machine may loosen settings or chip gems.

These are just a few considerations for keeping our jewelry safe. So what can we do to care for our jewelry between visits to our favorite jewelry store?

• Cleaning Gems: Use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft brush. Rinse in bowl or glass of water to avoid losing any loose gems down the drain.
• Storage:

o   Sterling silver: Store in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth

o   Gems: Keep separated from other gems to avoid scratches

o   Jewelry Box: Consider a box with individual padded slots are ideal

You should always have your jewelry checked by your favorite jewelry every six months and professionally cleaned more often. If you are unsure of how to best care for a specific piece or gemstone, stop by Bridgewaters and we can make sure they are clean and in good shape and share how you can care for them at home.

Jewelry plays an important part in many aspects of our lives now and throughout our history. Adorning the body pre-dates written record and may have been part of our history since the very beginning. Why has humankind always incorporated jewelry into their lives?

• Love: Jewelry is a tangible reminder that someone loves us and is often used in courtship. This shows a prospective mate’s wealth as well as an expression of affection. Jewelry can be a physical reminder of family, friends, memories and shared experiences.
• Belonging: Jewelry is often used to show status or affiliation – to a person with engagement or wedding rings or to a group through a shared piece of jewelry. Pieces associated with our history or culture can continue that connection.
• Confidence and Empowerment: Who doesn’t feel like a million bucks when wearing your favorite jewelry? Jewelry has the power to boost our confidence and self-esteem.
• Protection: The oldest known jewelry dates back about 100,000 years and were made from shells, stone and bones. They may have been worn as protection, in the form of early amulets. Humans continue to wear amulets to ward off evil and as good luck charms.
• Status: Jewelry has been worn throughout history to show rank or status. The number of pieces and value of those pieces helped to communicate wealth and social status.

We bet if you think of the items in your jewelry box, you can connect them to these purposes and the journey down memory lane will be a reminder of how you came by each piece and the connection to your own life story. Jewelry is a powerful way to express your individuality and the things that have meaning for you.

Stop by Bridgewaters to find the perfect gift to show you love someone or your favorite new piece that brings you confidence. We would love to be a small part of your life story!