Ben Bridge Jeweler

Ben Bridge Jeweler
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryRetail
Founded1912; 112 years ago (1912), in Seattle, Washington
FounderSamuel Silverman
Ben Bridge
Area served
United States
ProductsJewelry
ParentBerkshire Hathaway
Websitewww.benbridge.com

Ben Bridge Jeweler is a high-end American jewelry retailer that sells engagement rings, diamonds and watches, including Rolex, among other luxury product and is currently owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. It was established in Seattle, Washington, in 1912 and currently operates over 80 stores in the United States.[1]

History

In 1912, a watchmaker named Samuel Silverman opened his first store in downtown Seattle. Silverman's son-in-law Ben Bridge joined the firm as a partner in 1922; Ben later purchased Sam's firm and renamed it Ben Bridge Jeweler. Since then, the company has expanded to over 70 retail stores in 11 different states, primarily in the western United States. In May 2000, Ben Bridge Jeweler was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway.[2][3] Today, the company continues to be family-operated and is currently managed by Ben's great-granddaughter Lisa Bridge.

In 2022, Ben Bridge announced plans to build a new flagship store in Downtown Seattle at a former Gap store on Pine Street, adjacent to Westlake Center.[4] A historic Ben Bridge street clock was planned to be moved from Pike Street to the new store, but during construction of its new foundation in April 2023, contractors pierced the roof of Westlake station under Pine Street and caused major disruptions to Link light rail service.[5]

References

  1. ^ "About Us - Ben Bridge Jeweler". www.benbridge.com.
  2. ^ "Warren Buffett buys Ben Bridge Jeweler". Puget Sound Business Journal. May 18, 2000. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  3. ^ "Acquisition of Ben Bridge Jeweler". www.berkshirehathaway.com.
  4. ^ Thompson, Joey (September 7, 2022). "Ben Bridge Jeweler plans new downtown Seattle flagship store". Puget Sound Business Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  5. ^ Lindblom, Mike (May 4, 2023). "How a demolition crew punctured the Westlake Station ceiling". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 5, 2023.

Sources

  • "Our Heritage". Ben Bridge Jeweler. Retrieved 18 July 2015.

External links

  • Official website
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