Meet Laura Barringer, Senior Buyer, Fashion

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Laura Barringer stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of luxury jewelry. As she approaches her 45th anniversary at Ben Bridge Jeweler, Laura's journey from a summer job to becoming one of the company's most influential buyers offers valuable insights into the transformation of the jewelry industry and the rising influence of women in luxury retail.

An Unexpected Path to Success

With a degree in sociology and social work, Barringer's entry into the jewelry industry was entirely unplanned. What started as a temporary position before graduate school turned into a lifelong passion and career. "I needed a summer job before I went back to get into the master's program," Barringer recalls. "I was to help the buyer, and I fell in love with it."

Unlike most buyers who traditionally start their careers in retail stores, Barringer began directly in the buying department, making her path unique within Ben Bridge. This distinctive start would set the tone for a career marked by innovation and relationship-building across the global jewelry industry.

The Evolution of an Industry

Over her four-and-a-half decades in the business, Laura has witnessed dramatic changes in the jewelry industry, particularly in sourcing and gender representation. "When I started in 1980, almost all of the jewelry business was done by manufacturers in New York," she explains. "Three or four major manufacturers really supplied the whole industry in the US, and they were run completely and totally by men."

Today, the landscape looks remarkably different. Sourcing has become truly global, with Ben Bridge working with partners in approximately 15 different countries. Perhaps most significantly, women now occupy leadership positions throughout the industry, including in manufacturing and buying roles - positions that were once exclusively male domains.

The Power of Relationships

Throughout her career, Laura has emphasized the importance of relationship-building in the jewelry business. As a self-described relationship-based buyer, she has maintained connections with some partners for over 40 years, now working with second and third-generation family members in many cases. This approach has been particularly evident in her work with Toscano, Ben Bridge's Italian gold brand, which she considers one of her most significant contributions to the company.

"I'm working with 20-30 different people at any one time, visiting their factories and working with the designs," Laura explains, contrasting her approach with larger companies that typically work through single importers. This direct relationship with manufacturers allows for greater control over quality and design, ensuring that Ben Bridge maintains its high standards.

The Changing Face of Luxury

As the jewelry industry evolves, Laura observes a significant shift in how luxury is defined and consumed. "We're redefining luxury jewelry," she notes. "It's not the big glam, let's play dress up as much as it is just pretty jewelry that they can wear all the time for any occasion."

Perhaps the most notable trend she identifies is the rise of self-purchasing among women. With more women building successful careers and postponing marriage, they have greater disposable income and are increasingly buying jewelry for themselves. "Women are celebrating themselves," Laura explains. "It's for small little milestones or big milestones. They're gifting it to each other too, where jewelry used to be kind of traditionally a man's gift to a woman."

The Ben Bridge Difference

Under Barringer's buying leadership, Ben Bridge has maintained its commitment to quality and authenticity. The company's decision to focus on natural, genuine gemstones rather than entering the lab-created diamond market exemplifies this dedication to traditional values. "We're somebody who's going to sell natural, genuine gemstones, and we've always done that," Laura states proudly.

This consistency, coupled with the company's multi-generational approach to customer relationships, sets Ben Bridge apart in the industry. Laura gets goosebumps when she hears stories of families who have purchased jewelry from Ben Bridge across three generations, understanding that each piece becomes part of a family's history.

Looking to the Future

As she looks ahead, Laura sees tremendous potential in the self-purchase market and the continuing evolution of everyday luxury. Her approach to introducing new collections remains methodical and customer-focused, typically starting with small test runs before expanding successful pieces to more stores.

The legacy of Laura Barringer at Ben Bridge goes beyond the impressive collections she's curated or the relationships she's built. Her journey represents the changing face of the luxury jewelry industry - one that increasingly reflects the preferences and purchasing power of women while maintaining the timeless appeal of fine jewelry.

"That's what I love about jewelry," Barringer reflects. "You buy it, you wear it with love... you wear it for 30 years and then you pass it down to the next person." In an age of fast fashion and disposable luxury, this commitment to lasting quality and meaningful connections continues to distinguish both Laura and Ben Bridge in the luxury jewelry landscape.