Jewelry & Trends

We all love our jewelry and want it to look its best. Jewelry needs a bit of TLC to look its best. The following tips will help you to keep your jewelry in tip top shape.

What makes jewelry dirty? Exposure to our own body oil as well as makeup, soaps, lotion, perfume, hair products, as well as everyday activities like gardening and cleaning are some of the culprits. To keep your pieces clean and beautiful, make sure you are visiting your favorite jewelry store at least every 6 months to have your jewelry cleaned and checked for anything that might need fixing. At home you can do the following:

• It is recommended to clean your jewelry once a month, depending on how often you wear it.
• Most jewelry can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and brush lightly with a soft, clean toothbrush to remove dirt, then rinse with clean warm water and gently pat dry.
• For silverplate or brass, clean only 1-2 times per year as removing tarnish will gradually remove the top layer of precious metal. Use a polishing cloth which contains a jewelry-grade light polishing compound.
• Take note that some gems and stones need special care:
  • Amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, emerald, garnet, peridot should not be exposed to heat as it can cause fading or cracking.
  • Opals and pearls are vulnerable to acids and ammonia and scratch easily
    • Opals are also extremely sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and may get surface cracks if exposed.
    • Pearls should not be immersed in water. Instead, wipe each pearl with warm, soapy water, using a clean, soft toothbrush if dirt remains, then dry completely.
  • Never:
    • Clean in boiling water, use warm water only. Too much heat can cause some gems to crack or fade or cause metal to expand and contract which affects the setting for gems.
    • Use abrasive cleaners, use mild dish soap only. Abrasive cleaners can cause scratches, blemishes.
    • Use bleach, vinegar, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, vodka.

Hopefully these tips will help to keep your jewelry looking great all year round! Now that you know how to keep it clean, buff up on storage tips. And stop in to Bridgewaters soon for your jewelry check and cleaning!

Pearls are making a comeback! They offer timeless beauty and versatility. They can be styled in so many ways, from classic necklaces to bold, modern designs. And they come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning. So check out each color’s meaning to help you choose just the right colored pearl for you or your valentine.

• White: The classic color which symbolizes purity, innocence, beauty, sincerity and new beginnings. It is still the most common color in jewelry and is a classic for bridal jewelry.
• Black: Fabulous for those looking for a bit of an edge to their style, black pearls symbolize independence, strength, resilience, mystery, and wealth.
• Pink: Pink pearls are romantic in color and symbolize love, compassion, energy, success, fame, and good fortune. With a focus on success and good fortune, they also make great gifts for graduates!
• Blue: Bring peace and tranquility into your life with a rare color that symbolizes knowledge, tranquility, truth, trust, and courage.
• Gold: A color that symbolizes prosperity, success, wealth, and achievement, these are perfect for those who love the finer things in life!
• Green: Perfect for those beginning a new phase in their life, green pearls symbolize balance, nature, renewal, growth, and hope.
• Purple: Symbolizing artistry, wisdom, complexity, nobility, and passion, purple pearls are great for educators.
• Chocolate: Warm chocolate pearls symbolize harmony, dependability, healing, comfort, and protection, perfect for nearly everyone!

Stop in to Bridgewaters to choose just the perfect pearl and setting for your new favorite piece!

Are you thinking of beginning a job search or maybe you are in the middle of one already? Jewelry can play a role in creating a fantastic impression during your job interviews. Check out the tips below to take your appearance to the next level!

• Company Dress Code: Do your best to understand the dress code of the company with whom you are interviewing. More formal, business attire dress code calls for more formal attire while you may have more flexibility with a company that is business casual attire.
• Necklaces: Simple is the key. Classic and simple necklaces will make any attire shine. Necklaces that are too busy or flashy may distract from the overall look you are working to share.
• Earrings: Avoid large earrings that may be distracting – you don’t want your focal point to be your ears! Dangling earrings are another type to avoid as they may make noise or distract with movement. Smaller hoops or studs are always great choices, providing sophistication without distraction.
• Bracelets: While we know the trend now is to stack bracelets, we don’t recommend this look for an interview. They can be distracting or noisy. Keep it simple with one or two bracelets that compliment your attire.
• Personalization: You can and should personalize your jewelry. Wear your favorite piece or choose one with a subtle bit of color. You want to showcase your uniqueness while still being mindful of not distracting your interviewer from the overall professional look you are presenting.

Remember less is more with jewelry for interviews. Your focus is on presenting the overall package and focusing on what you bring to the table in terms of qualifications and character. Need a few new pieces to enhance your interview jewelry options? Stop in to Bridgewaters!

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!