History of Betteridge
Founded in 1897, Betteridge is one of the oldest jewelry and watch businesses in the world to be owned by the same family throughout its lengthy history.
Betteridge's CEO, Terry Betteridge, is a fifth generation jeweler whose roots date back to the 1700's in Birmingham, England where the Betteridge name was synonymous with fine jewelry design and silversmithing.
A.E. Betteridge, Terry's grandfather, emigrated from England in the early 1900's, opening fine jewelry stores on two of the most important corners in New York City: Fifth Avenue and 45th Street (the first floor of the Flat Iron Building) and Wall Street and Broadway. He later opened a store in the Miami Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami.
A.E. Betteridge was emblematic of "the roaring 20s" in New York. He moved his business from England to America, based on his belief that America was a land of extraordinary possibility where he aspired to turn the Betteridge brand into the leading fine jewelry brand. Never seen in public without his trademark three piece suit, pocket watch and bowler hat, A.E. Betteridge produced some of the preeminent art deco designs of the period. You can see some of these designs in this Betteridge catalog that was printed in 1925.
In 1929, the beginning of the Wall Street Crash and ensuing economic depression punctuated the end of an era for life in New York and for Betteridge as well. Times were tough, but Betteridge survived and by the mid-30's prospered again.
After World War II, A.E. Betteridge turned over the business to his son, "Bert," who managed the company for over 30 years. In 1950, Bert Betteridge purchased W.D. Webb Jewelers and moved Betteridge's headquarters to Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, CT.
In 1975, while Terry Betteridge, Bert's oldest son, was fishing and bear hunting as a guide in British Columbia, Bert had a heart attack. The next morning he called Terry from the hospital and told him that he needed his help running the company. Within three years, Terry had taken over Betteridge as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Over the past three decades, Terry has taken Betteridge to new heights. Following his prestigious clientele to their favorite vacation spots; he has opened stores in Palm Beach, Vail and Beaver Creek.
Today, Terry's children, Win and Brooke, work alongside their father, continuing the family's legacy of excellence in the fine jewelry, watch and silver businesses.
