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Bridgewater Jewelers is located in Delaware’s Historic New Castle area. We are the 2nd oldest family-owned
and operated jewelry store in the nation and reside in one of the oldest buildings in Historic New Castle.
When James Goslin Bridgewater was 6 years old, he lost his leg in a wood chopping accident. Needing to find
a trade where he could sit, he became a jeweler. Years later, after coming to Delaware from England
he established Bridgewater Jewelers in 1883 in Wilmington. He moved the business to its current location at the corner
of 4th and Delaware Streets in New Castle in 1885. James ran the business with his son, Francis Edward Bridgewater.
Francis’ son, William Burton Bridgewater, carried on the jewelry trade in Haverhill, MA. He took over the
family business upon his father’s passing in 1939 and worked as a jeweler at the New Castle location until 1976,
when he sold the business to his son and daughter-in-law, Clay and Alice Bridgewater.
Clay ran the business with the help of his wife and children until his passing in 2003. During his tenure as
the store’s owner, he designed and repaired jewelry right in the store. Customers who forgot a special occasion
often called Clay at his residence above the store to bail them out of hot water. He was always willing to
open the store to assist those Customers in need of that perfect gift.
His daughter, Mary Frances Lenhoff, took over the business in 2003 and continues to uphold the history of trust
and fairness established over 125 years ago. One of the key reasons for the longevity is providing quality
merchandise at a fair price.
Mary is completing her certification to become a Graduate Gemologist with the Gemological Society of America.
Bridgewater Jewelers has a long-standing reputation for its beautiful diamond engagement rings, gold and
platinum wedding bands, as well as a large variety of wedding party gifts, watches, colored stones, pearls,
and gold and silver jewelry. Bridgewater’s has always been well known for our expertise in repair services,
which are still completed on the premises. Another valuable service offered by Bridgewater's is hand and
machine engraving. We personalize all your special gifts with engraving on glass, leather, wood, and your
jewelry purchases. Most of all Bridgewater's is known for their superior business ethics, quality and fairness.
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James Goslin Bridgewater
Francis Edward Bridgewater
William Burton Bridgewater
Clay Bridgewater
Mary Frances Lenhoff
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