(GLASTONBURY, Conn.) – The start of a new year is always met with hope, expectation, and endless possibilities. One Connecticut jeweler is not only planning ahead in 2023, but also reflecting back on the past 75 years when it officially opened its doors. Specifically, Baribault Jewelers, a family-owned, fine jewelry company in Glastonbury, Conn., is celebrating its diamond 75th anniversary with an array of community programs, public events and special promotions.
(from left) Baribault Jewelers owner Lewis Baribault, Jr. runs the successful family business with his three children Lewis Baribault III, Raeann Baribault Schwartz, and Christina Baribault Ortiz. Photo courtesy Baribault Jewelers.“We attribute our success over the past 75 years to our welcoming and thriving community that has sustained us,” said Lewis Baribault, owner of Baribault Jewelers. “We have become active participants across the region, partnering with non-profit organizations that would most benefit from our involvement, whether that be donating merchandise for silent or live auctions or sponsoring an original fundraiser for the Glastonbury Education Foundation, Bristol Police Heroes Fund, HOPE for Fertility Foundation and the Breast Friends Fund, among many others.”
Being the first jewelry store in Glastonbury, founding father Philip Baribault Sr, was inspired to bring an array of diamonds and innovative jewelry designs to his hometown, while offering outstanding customer service. Although the inventory in the display cases has changed since 1948, the Baribault family’s impeccable reputation in delivering a very personalized shopping experience has remained the same.
Since its inception, nineteen Baribault family members have played a part in growing the business with Lewis Baribault, Jr. and his wife Cathy, taking over the reins in 1988. Today, Lewis’ three children – Christina Baribault Ortiz, Raeann Baribault Schwartz, and Lewis Baribault III – help manage the daily operations of the company and will ensure that the Baribault legacy continues long into the future.
Memorable business milestones that Baribault Jewelers has achieved in the past 7 ½ decades include a major, modern retail renovation in which all glass jewelry showcases are strategically positioned throughout the store that allow customers 360-degree viewing potential, a decadent display of D-color diamonds, the rarest and clearest diamond available in the market and largest collection in Connecticut, an onsite workshop for jewelry repairs and custom-created designs, national notoriety for the company’s The Power to B inspirational bracelet line, which debuted at the 2022 Oscars and appeals to Hollywood’s top celebrities and the general public alike, the B-Linked Permanent Jewelry Bar, one of the hottest jewelry trends that connects friends, family members and couples through a clasp-less 14k gold bracelet and the launch of the B Transformed department where customers can bring their unworn jewelry to the store, redesign them with the help of the talented Baribault team and create vibrant, new items that will get maximum use.
“We work very hard together to make things happen in our fast-paced business but the most important thing to me is that we keep a healthy family dynamic,” says Baribault.
As part of its diamond anniversary celebration, Baribault Jewelers will unveil a new festivity each month of the year, including:
- a ribbon rededication ceremony with various state, municipal and civic leaders
- a presentation of a key to the town by Glastonbury Town Manager Richard Johnson
- $7,500 worth of giveaways to customers
- $75 discounts on select jewelry pieces from the Baribault vault
- periodic in-store celebrity visits
- a public unveiling of the Baribault “Diamond-tini” drink at the Rooftop 120 restaurant
- and many other exciting educational programs, demonstrations, and exclusive collections
Additionally, the company invests in its people, employing certified Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond graders and gemologists and Personal Jewelry Shoppers to enhance the experience for both new and seasoned customers.
Lastly, Baribault Jewelers is at the top of its craft having earned the Blue Diamond Tacori dealer designation, the highest rating in the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) and is both an exhibitor and member of the JCK Jewelry Show.
As for the future, Baribault says: “I’ve got the best of both worlds right now – I love what I do and will continue to be active at the store, but I also enjoy the fact that my three children can professionally run our business. When I finally sashay into the golden sunset, one thing is certain; with eight grandchildren, the Baribault Jewelers brand will be around for centuries to come.”
