Herbert M. “Herb” Bridge of Ben Bridge Jewelers, Seattle, will receive the 24K Club of Southern California’s prestigious Excellence In Service Award. The award has been bestowed upon a deserving individual or individuals annually since 1998.

The event will be held Sept. 13 in the Crystal Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hilton.

“On this 10th anniversary of the Excellent In Service Award, choosing honoree Herb Bridge was an easy choice,” said club president Julia Baroni, chief executive officer of Baroness Jewelers. “His lifetime of achievements is a true inspiration to us all.”

“Herb exemplifies the qualities we look for in an honoree,” added incoming president Donna M. Phelan. “He is a true leader and a visionary – in the jewelry industry, the Navy and civic service. Herb built a family jewelry store into a business even Warren Buffet admired. Promoting the highest ethical standards, he encouraged his associates to become educated in gemology, and was a driving force in building the American Gem Society.”

Bridge is best known in the industry for his leadership of Ben Bridge jewelers, although his jewelry experience is just one face of his interests and activities. His additional achievements include being a successful businessman, a naval officer in two wars as well as a Seattle civic leader and philanthropist known as, “Mr. Downtown.” He had a 41-year career in the Navy and Naval Reserve, eventually becoming a rear admiral. He and his brother, Robert, took over Ben Bridge Jewelers from their father, building it to a chain of more than 70 stores. Today, the company is a subsidiary of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. with Herb and Bob Bridge acting as co-chairmen. A full biography on Herb Bridge can be found here: www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=7307.

JCK