Majors

Helene Fortunoff, a True Leader in the Industry, Dies at 88

MajorsNov 09, 2021

Helene Fortunoff, a True Leader in the Industry, Dies at 88

She got her start in the business in 1957, when she established Fortunoff’s fine jewelry division.

20211109_Helene Fortunoff.jpg
Helene Fortunoff, past president of Fortunoff Fine Jewelry and Silverware Inc. and a legend in the jewelry industry, died Monday of a respiratory illness not related to COVID-19. She was 88 years old.
Miami Beach, Fla.—Helene Fortunoff, a legendary retailer who blazed trails for both women and the industry at large, died Monday at her home in Miami Beach of a non-COVID-related respiratory illness.

She was 88.

Born in 1933 to Samuel and Tillie Finke in Paterson, New Jersey, Fortunoff graduated from New York University cum laude with a degree in business administration.

It was in a real estate class at NYU that she met her first husband, Alan Fortunoff, whose family owned and operated a housewares store in Brooklyn.

Helene joined the family business, establishing the fine jewelry division of Fortunoff’s in 1957.

As the business grew from a single store on Livonia Avenue to a network of stores across the New York metro area, Helene became respected as a leader in the merchandising and design of fine jewelry.

She hired, trained and developed a team of jewelry buyers who traveled the world together to “the source”—which eventually became the retailer’s slogan—to find new and unique products for their customers, making Fortunoff’s a nationally recognized leader in jewelry retail.

Along the way, Helene blazed trails for women in the fine jewelry world and set standards for the industry at large.

At a time when few women ran big jewelry companies and there was little, if any, conversation about gender and racial diversity, Fortunoff’s had both at all levels, daughter Esther Fortunoff said Monday.

The company also carried jewelry by women designers whenever possible and offered split shifts and flex time to women who had families to take care of, something Helene understood as a mother of six.

“Those things, really, I do credit her,” Esther said.

Helene was a founding member of the Women’s Jewelry Association and later became WJA president; the first woman member of the now-defunct U.S. Carat Club; and the first woman inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame (class of 1990).

She was knighted in Italy for her work promoting Italian jewelry, served as chair of the GIA’s Board of Governors, received the American Gem Society’s Triple Zero Award, and in January 2006, was honored with the Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Jewelry Information Center, which has since merged with Jewelers of America.

“She broke the glass ceiling in many, many ways,” Esther said. “She really promoted women in the industry.”

Helene also led an effort to establish standards for full and accurate disclosure of gemstone weights and enhancements, Esther said.

Fortunoff’s bought a metal tester for its stores, something few retailers had at the time, and started breaking out diamonds and gems and checking their weights.

“It’s something she started and the whole industry sort of had to follow,” Esther said.

20211109_Helene at GEM.jpg
Helene Fortunoff, right, with actress Lauren Bacall at the 2006 Gem Awards, where Helene received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bacall, a longtime spokesperson for Fortunoff’s, introduced Helene at the gala.

At its peak, Fortunoff’s had stores in Westbury and White Plains, New York; a flagship location on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan; and stores in Paramus, Wayne and Woodbridge, New Jersey.

In 2005, the Fortunoff family sold a majority stake in the company to private investors, though family members bought back the company’s intellectual property in 2009 and have since relaunched the outdoor furniture and fine jewelry sectors of the business.

Helene retired when the company was sold, married her second husband, Robert Grossman, in 2006 (Alan Fortunoff died in 2000), and moved to Florida.

There, they assembled a world-class collection of 19th century British ceramics, many of which they donated to museums, and Helene enjoyed playing mahjong and canasta with a large circle of friends.

“She was truly my mentor,” longtime friend Phyllis Bergman said Monday. “She was amazing.

“She just set a wonderful example of how a woman could handle a family, run a business and do it all with grace and a wonderful personality.”

Helene is survived by her husband, Robert Grossman; five children, Esther, Andrea, Rhonda, Ruth, and David; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alan Fortunoff; her brother, Leon Finke; and her son, Louis.

Services are scheduled to take place Wednesday, Nov. 10, in Long Island, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University, The North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center, or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Gemist
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech Platform

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Jeff Preolo, David Stout, Levi Higgs, David Benavides
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, Promotions

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

Blake Graham and Jessica Kohoutek
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Buddha Mama Monstera Ring
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap Ring

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Penny Ruston
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

Stock image of woman shopping
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Sorellina Playlist: Electric Dreams Campaign
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired Jewels

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The Jewelry Symposium event
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 Event

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Exterior of Marissa Collections’ new store in Nantucket, Massachusetts
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight Continues

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef Jewelry

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

Karine Choudhrie Big Splash Circus Starfish and Lantern Fish
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus Performers

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund Recipients

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

John Dyer Montana Sun Sapphire
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for Entries

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Khepri Jewels Luna collection fancy color fringe multi-shape drop diamond earrings
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local Retailer

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

“Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch for the new The Fantastic Four movie
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

Pritesh Patel
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

Graphic for Las Vegas recap episode of “My Next Question”
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Luanda Accord
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural Diamonds

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

Penny Preville, Maggie Hess, Stella Song, and Benjamin King
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry Designers

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

24th Gem Awards Show Logo
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

Single Stone Bryn Ring and Grace Lee Marquise Demi Demi Ring
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement Ring

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

Yvonne Léon Python Gold Bracelet
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ Bracelet

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.

Stock image of handcuffs
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry Heist

The heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.

Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and Blue Belle sapphire necklace
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’s

The 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week. 

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy