Jewelry & Trends

Did you know we offer engraving? The engraving is done onsite at the store and is customizable and made to order! You can customize your design or we can help to create one for you. We have a variety of fonts to choose from and can scan logos, handwriting, special symbols and designs to engrave on the item of your choice. We specialize in wine bottle engraving, which makes an excellent gift or a thank you with your company logo.

In addition to helping you personalize great gifts or company materials, we can help with trophies and awards. We’ll help you choose just the right trophy and make sure it is engraved with a design of your choosing.

And don’t forget your May birthdays whose birthstone is the incredible emerald. First mined by the Egyptians around 1500 BC, emeralds were favored by Cleopatra and Egyptians often buried this gem with their dead to symbolize eternal youth. Emeralds are also the 55^th anniversary gift. Come visit us at Bridgewaters and see what we can find for you!

Do you have jewelry that you no longer wear? Then you may be thinking of selling some. Before jumping in, there are a few things to know to help set your expectations and make the best decision for you. Here are a few helpful points:

Jewelry that has a previous owner is called estate jewelry. Like any item that is previously owned or used, estate jewelry (with a few exceptions) will not sell for what a new piece would. There are many factors that impact the value of a piece of jewelry and what you might be offered for it:

• Age: Jewelry is considered vintage if it is between 50 and 100 years old and antique if it is more than 100 years old. Antique jewelry is often worth more than vintage base on its superior quality of craftmanship.
• Condition: The condition of your jewelry has significant impact on the price that will be offered. Factors like wear and tear, needed repairs and quality of the gems and materials will be assessed.
• Brand: Some luxury brands hold value better and may fetch a better price.
• Market Value: Jewelry that is in style is more desirable to consumers and will have a higher resale value.
• Materials: Potential buyers will assess the materials used, precious metals and gemstones (including carat weight and quality of the gems).

So where does this leave the seller in terms of what is realistic for the price you may be offered? You should assume that you will be offered 10-30% of the original purchase price, depending on all the factors above. Before you begin the sales process, you should consider what you would accept for resale value.

Understanding what factors into the price offered for estate jewelry is the first step in the process. If you decide to go to an estate sale, have your jewelry professionally cleaned beforehand and go to a jeweler you trust. Stop by Bridgewaters to ask any questions or have your estate jewelry appraised.

April brings spring, with plants, flowers and trees coming to life. It also brings us Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion by the Romans. The cross has become a symbol of both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians. It is included in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and communion. While baptism happens within the first few weeks or months of life, confirmation takes place in the Spring after Easter. A gift of a cross, as a necklace or even a bracelet, is the traditional gift for both baptism and confirmation symbolizing faith, hope and love.

The cross has been represented in many ways throughout history with the crux immissa, or Latin cross, whose base stem is longer than the other three arms, and the crux quadrata, or Greek cross, with four equal arms, being the best known. When considering the gift of a cross, consider the denomination, culture, and historical significance of the type of design you purchase. Here are details about just a few of the designs:

• Celtic Cross: This cross includes the vertical and horizonal bars of the Latin cross and also includes a ring around the intersection of the bars. It is believed to be associated with regions evangelized by Irish missionaries in the 9^th-12^th
• Ankh Cross: Originally of Egyptian origin and symbolizing life on earth and in the afterlife, the ankh was chosen by the Coptic Christians in Egypt as a symbol of Jesus’ promise of everlasting life
• Tau Cross: Originally a pagan symbol and shaped like the Latin letter T, it is referred to as ‘the Cross of St Francis’ (founder of the Franciscans), ‘the Cross of St Anthony’, the ‘Crux Commissa’ and ‘the Old Testament cross’

There are many, many more cross designs and we encourage you to explore them and their meanings. Stop by Bridgewaters and let us help you search for the perfect gift for a baptism or confirmation!

Got some trips planned and are already thinking about how to best accessorize while on the road? We’ve got you covered with some great tips for traveling with your jewelry.

1. Less is More: When traveling, bring less overall jewelry and try to find pieces that can go with several outfits. Consider leaving your most valuable and any sentimental pieces at home.
2. Carry On versus Checked Bag: If you do take some valuable or sentimental pieces, wear them during travel or put them safely in your carry on. Other pieces can be packed in your checked luggage.
3. Storage: Consider buying a satin jewelry roll to store all your pieces. This will help you keep your gems separate to avoid scratches and have special spots for rings, necklaces, bracelets and more.
4. DIY Storage for Rings/Earrings: You can also do a little DIY for storage by purchasing either one of those day of the week pill organizers or a bead organizer from a craft store. These are great for rings and earring. You can also use kitchen plastic wrap and separate each ring or earring by an inch and then folding over.
5. DIY Storage for Necklaces: Kitchen plastic wrap works well here and keeps necklaces from tangling. If you have straws, you can thread the necklace through and close the clasp (cutting the straw to the right size). The straws can then be put in a baggie.
6. At Your Destination: Store jewelry in your room’s safe if there is one. And remember, don’t wear your valuable jewelry while swimming or during outdoor activities where they might be lost or damaged.

Stop by Bridgewaters and check out our “vacation“ jewelry selection! Beautiful items that look real…but only you will know they are not!

The myths and legends of St. Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s Day are many and the truth will most likely never be known. There were several priests known as Valentine in early Rome and any could be the Valentine of legend. All were martyred, one for continuing to marry young lovers in secret after Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men and another for helping Christians escape Roman prisons. The day was honored as a feast day, but did not become associated with romantic love until the 14^th century and it wasn’t until the 18^th century that couples expressed their love by sending flowers, candy and cards.

In 2022, consumers spent $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts and this amount is expected to increase in 2023. Additionally, trends for gifts are changing. More people are buying for family and friends in addition to sweethearts. The concept of self-love and caring for one’s self is also impacting Valentine’s shopping. So, what’s hot this year?

• Personalized Jewelry: Creating a unique and personal gift is very popular right now. Everything from charms on necklaces and bracelets to initials on earrings. And for those considering an engagement ring, the focus is on custom made rings, often created collaboratively by the couple.
• Connection with the Pantone color of the year, “Viva Magenta,” a vibrant pink with rich hues of burgundy, fuchsia and wine. Consider a charm of this color and match it in your Valentine’s Day bouquet using dahlias, peonies and chrysanthemums.
• Care for You: The pandemic has increased the focus on meeting our own needs and caring for ourselves. Self-love helps to ease anxiety, stress and strengthen self-esteem through meditation, exercise, relaxation and more.

Whatever it is you are looking for, whether for you, your family, your partner, we can help! Stop by Bridgewaters to share your ideas and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

This year marked the 80^th Golden Globes Awards and was back in person in Beverly Hills. Full of excitement, gorgeous gowns and tuxes, it was certainly a feast for the senses! And of course, jewels and jewelry played a front and center role.

You might be wondering just how all the celebrities have access to such beautiful and expensive jewelry. Well, back in the day, stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Collins would buy their own jewelry for awards shows. Now, jewelers loan out their pieces in hopes of publicity which is not guaranteed. Most celebrity stylists gather multiple jewelry looks for each gown option for their clients. On average celebrities wear between $200,000 and $1 million worth of jewelry.

And we are sure this year was no different! This year, many celebrities chose a minimalist look, forgoing necklaces while showcasing their earrings. Many of those who did wear necklaces showcased elaborate diamond pieces.

We can’t wait to see what is worn for the Oscars! Tell us about your favorite jewelry from the Golden Globes in Bridgewaters Facebook page!

Bolo bracelets are one of the most popular styles available today. The bolo is an adjustable sliding mechanism that allows the wearer to adjust the fit on their wrist. No need to have someone else help and, once adjusted, the bracelet remains secure until you are ready to loosen and remove.

Bolo bracelets were inspired by the 1940s western fashion “bolo tie.” Originally created to keep a cowboy hat from flying away, they quickly became a tie worn at the neck and included a thin cord looped and secured with the bolo clasp. Jewelers adapted this style for its versatility and ability to fit all wearers.

Bolo bracelets are also so easy to fit with any outfit or occasion! A simple diamond bolo bracelet makes an elegant statement or you can stack your bracelets for a layered, fun, customized look. And if you are looking to purchase a bracelet as a gift, bolos make it so easy as you know they will fit any wrist and they come in so many styles!

Stop by Bridgewaters on Small Business Saturday, November 26 to get a start on your holiday shopping with our sale on all bolo bracelets ($40 each). And everyone who makes a purchase on Small Business Saturday will receive a pair of Pari Sapphire Earrings (while supplies last). We can’t wait to see you!

While United States Presidents and First Ladies do not have Crown Jewels to choose from when they get dressed up, one gem has been a long-standing favorite of the first ladies – the pearl. Our first First Lady, Martha Washington, loved pearls, especially small, naturally formed seed pearls She often wore a dove-shaped pin where seed pearls make up the wings and some of the body of the bird and eight graduated pearls, each circled by small seed pearls, make up the body of the dove, with the smallest at the head and largest at the tail.

Mary Todd Lincoln also had beautiful seed pearl jewelry purchased for her by her husband from Tiffany & Co. Luckily, there is a photo of Mary wearing the necklace and matching bracelets at the first Lincoln Inaugural Ball.

Many of the first ladies wore triple strand pearl necklaces, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy and Barbara Bush. Many other ladies wore the simple yet elegant single strand of pearls, including Bess Truman, Ladybird Johnson, Eleanor (Rosealynn) Carter to name just a few.

Pearls are timeless, elegant and beautiful pieces of jewelry and work well at any occasion. Stop by Bridgewaters to find your new favorite pearl piece.

It has been a rough few years for those getting engaged or married with Covid restrictions. As we come out of our Covid hibernation, you may be thinking of proposing to your loved one. Today’s couples are very thoughtful in their approach to marriage and their engagements. Engagements are becoming much less traditional, more collaborative and focused on partnerships. Here are just a few of the trends happening in 2022.

• Collaborative Ring Design: About 50% of couples are visiting their favorite jeweler together to shop and/or design the ring. Finding the right jeweler who can help create a design within budget and is reflective of the wearer’s style is key!
• Outdoor Locations are Key: Nearly 75% of couples are getting engaged outdoors (compared to 40% in 2020). This may be partly due to having spent so much time at home the last few years. Additionally, outdoor locations offer beauty and an Instagram worthy backdrop for such an important occasion.
• Personalized, Creative Proposals: If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it is that intimacy, authenticity and connection matter most. While proposals may still contain grand gestures, they are also including personalized touches that reflect the relationship and personalities. Things like photo albums of their love story with blank pages for the future or personalized cards or mugs are a great way to create a lasting memento of the special day.
• Joint Proposals: While many are still opting for a surprise proposal, joint proposals are on the rise. With so many designing their rings together, it often makes sense that the proposal is also collaborative.

Whatever your style, as long as you remain in sync with your partner, we are sure your proposal will be just perfect. And Bridgewaters would love to play a small part in your plans – stop by to discuss ring options or design the perfect rings.

Many of us have been captivated by the mourning for Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on September 8 at 96. Have you ever wondered what happens to the Crown Jewels as well as any personal jewelry she may have owned? For the Crown Jewels, it is simple as they do not belong to any person, but to the Crown as part of the Royal Collection and are held in trust for the nation by the monarch.

In addition to the jewelry held in trust, there is the exclusive collection that belonged only to the Queen. These are items that she inherited, was gifted by family members or bought herself. There is a hierarchy in who will receive some of the pieces – The Queen Consort, Camilla, gets first choice, followed by the Princess of Wales, Kate. After Kate will come other family members including the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan. Additionally, the Queen may have left a private will with instructions on who might receive select pieces. The Queen was already in the habit of gifting jewelry to family prior to her death and some pieces may already have a new home.

While we mourn the death of the world’s longest reigning queen, we can be sure to be reminded of her through the jewelry and gems that will pass to her heirs. Bridgewaters extends condolences to her family.