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Pearls of Wisdom from the WJA Visionary Awards
Female leaders in the industry talked women’s empowerment, creating positive impact and advice for current and future leaders.
![From left to right: WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack, WJA President Jenny Luker and Cartier North America President and CEO Mercedes Abramo 20180717_VisionaryAwards.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/46be9dee8be796d9be69cc1f76da21ac.jpg)
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association’s annual Awards for Excellence had a decidedly different feel this year, as it marked 35 years of supporting women in the jewelry industry.
On Monday night at New York City’s Pier 60, the organization honored a spate of high-level executives, and an initiative, with its first Visionary Awards.
Announced earlier this year, the honorees—Nadja Swarovski, the first female member of the executive board of Swarovski; Mercedes Abramo, president and CEO of Cartier North America; Caryl Capeci, president of Hearts On Fire; and De Beers Group/UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality—accepted awards for their part in advancing women in the industry, a feat accomplished by, more than anything, the professional careers to which they’ve dedicated themselves.
Leaders of this caliber had plenty to say about the state of the jewelry industry, the causes their companies support and advice for other women in the field.
Here are some of the best takeaways of the evening.
On WJA
“Your support of leadership, development and education of women in the industry is remarkable.” – Nadja Swarovski
“Our goal at De Beers is not to rig the game for women but to level the playing field. That’s why we applaud … WJA, because we know that that’s your goal too.” – De Beers’ David Prager
On Women in the Past, Present and Future
“Women’s empowerment is something that is strongly engrained in our DNA. From Jeanne Toussaint, who was Cartier’s first creative director in the 1930s, to the inspirational Cartier Women’s Initiative Award, females have long paved the way at Cartier. Since 2006, Cartier has supported those female entrepreneurs leading socially innovative and responsible startups that work to solve contemporary global challenges through this Women’s Initiative Award. In that time the International Business Plan Competition has funded nearly 200 women-led businesses around the world that has created 6,000 jobs.” – Mercedes Abramo
On Creating Real, Positive Impact
“Swarovski thinks in generations and not in quarters. In the fifth generation of my family business, we have tasked ourselves with taking luxury to another level by combining it with sustainability. As we’ve evolved as a crystal manufacturer and cutter since 1895 to a gemstone cutter in the ‘60s, we’re proud to be a player in a leading position in fashion jewelry and jewelry manufacturing, and now we’re thrilled to embark on fine jewelry under
“Luxury and sustainability can truly go hand in hand.” – Nadja Swarovski“We’re demonstrating that by using the most innovative and responsible materials, luxury and sustainability can truly go hand in hand. We call it ‘conscious luxury.’ Our latest collections are created in collaboration with people who share our values, such as Paige Novick, who is here tonight, Stephen Webster and Penelope Cruz, and they’re made with lab-created diamonds and lab-created and sustainably-mined gemstones, together with fair trade and fairmined gold. I’m proud to say we’re teaming up with our longtime partner and collaborator GIA from their program ‘from mine to market,’ supporting traceability of stones and supporting sustainable mining, truly wanting to protect and safeguard local communities and artisans.” – Nadja Swarovski
“This year Cartier will be granting over $1 million in funding, making (its) Women’s Initiative (Awards) the largest and most generous competition for women entrepreneurs in the world.” – Mercedes Abramo
“Hearts on Fire is really involved with an organization called Girls, Inc. Girls, Inc. inspires young girls to be strong, to be smart and to be bold. We share their belief that if you fuel her fire she will change the world. And this will happen one girl at a time.” – Caryl Capeci
On Hard Work
“I believe that you do not need to be the smartest person in the room, and rarely will you ever be. If you invest the time and do the most homework in the end you absolutely cannot fail.” – Caryl Capeci
On What Women Bring to the Table
“I’m … hopeful that the current conversation here at WJA and throughout all business communities will result in recognizing the feminine traits that women bring to the workplace: empathy, resilience, courage, teambuilding, appreciation for others.” – Mercedes Abramo
“We need to work together to define the new norms of workplace culture.” – Mercedes Abramo“We often talk about what women don’t do—they don’t self-promote enough, they don’t take risks. But let’s talk about what they do do, better than average in some cases, like making hard decisions and managing ambiguity. But also recognize that many men have these qualities and these too are the necessary qualities for today’s modern leadership and the future. We need to work together to define the new norms of workplace culture.” – Mercedes Abramo
On Female Empowerment’s Global Implications
“One of the things working with U.N. Women has taught us, and certainly being part of the ‘HeForShe’ movement has helped us understand, is that the role of women and the advancement of women is not a women’s issue, it is a business issue. It is an issue about innovation and creativity and where we can find opportunity. It’s an issue about development and economic prosperity.” – De Beers’ David Prager
On Work to Be Done in the Future
“There is a long road ahead of us to continue championing women within the industry. The World Economic Forum stated earlier this year … that we will not see gender equality for another 217 years. This is unacceptable. I’m honored to be recognized tonight alongside these amazing women who are helping to create a real change. I believe that working together we have the power to lead the fight for equality across our industry. Together we have the power to turn our industry into a champion for positive change.” – Nadja Swarovski
“Our industry will not grow and it certainly will not be relevant unless we do a couple of things. First we need to lean into technology to the greatest extent possible. We all need to come together and reinforce why jewelry is important in people’s lives, why the unique and symbolic nature of jewelry is different. Last but not least, we need to support and nurture our talent. We need to provide new experiences so we keep great talent in our industry and attract the brightest and the best of the younger generation.” – Caryl Capeci
Advice for Women in the Industry
“Invest the time, follow your passion and know your purpose. Find the right balance for you, one that brings you joy every single day but keeps the people in your life at the very top of your priority list.” – Caryl Capeci
“What counts is not the mere fact that we have lived. What counts is creating impact and impacting the lives of those around us.” – UN Women’s Executive Director and head of HeForShe initiative, Elizabeth Nyamayaro
The Latest
![These “Double Loop” earrings feature a drop-cut amethyst sitting atop the lower hoop, totaling 1.60 carats between both earrings. The hoops are made of silver covered in “pistacchio” colored enamel, while 9-karat yellow gold holds the stones in place and connect the two hoops behind the earlobe ($1,770). Bea Bongiasca’s Double Loop Earrings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f338ef6b4603be3c97765f833b831ca0.jpg)
Commemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
![The skyline of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Jewelers of America held one of its Multifacted Learning Workshops there on July 17 and National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff tagged along. Stock image of Providence, Rhode Island, skyline](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4ec5b02d4cbaaaa2283bdcf6820950a4.jpg)
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff returns from Rhode Island with thoughts about in-store shopping and a trends report.
![Untitled design.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/583fbcb2bb839782810080debef35d3c.jpg)
As the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![Earlier this month, online giant Amazon and the Better Business Bureau filed a joint federal lawsuit against ReviewServiceUSA.com for allegedly selling fake reviews, both positive and negative. Amazon package outside door](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/27fce4225a38900d54a5536ce523a22d.jpg)
They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
![A shot of the Venetia diamond mine in South Africa, owned by De Beers Group. The diamond miner and marketer saw revenue drop 21 percent and rough diamond sales decline 20 percent in a “weak” market for diamonds. De Beers’ Venetia diamond mine](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a1f16ceaaba662e80385166060d192a7.jpg)
Lab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
![1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9d60901b44425a53b9010301897a3bbc.jpg)
GIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
A longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
![A malachite and diamond bracelet from Pomellato’s “Pom Pom Dot” collection, launched earlier this year. Pomellato and Boucheron were bright spots for Kering in an otherwise underwhelming first half of the year. Pomellato Malachite Pom Pom Dot bracelet](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3c237b62e009742fc52487097daf3c5a.jpg)
The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
![Volunteers and Shane Co.’s corporate team from all 22 locations of the family-owned jewelry chain have begun packing backpacks with school supplies for teachers to distribute to their students this school year. Shane Co. and the Kids in Need foundation logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1c5abfb36ec775724f014f47bfbb47fc.jpg)
The fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
![A shot from the advertising campaign for LVMH-owned Bulgari’s “Eden the Garden of Wonders” high jewelry collection. LVMH’s jewelry and watch sales slipped in the first half of the fiscal year. Bulgari high jewelry campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c24eb75ca8cea44d2e9859648f4a98ee.jpg)
Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
![Chaumet, a Parisian jeweler owned by LVMH, has designed the Olympic and Paralympic Games medals. Chaumet Paris 2024 Olympics medals](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7831b3a738baddfc7d783e6df0fbf796.jpg)
The Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
![The acquisition of Union Life & Casualty by Jewelers Mutual will help strengthen both the pawn market and the insurance industry, said JM. Jewelers Mutual and Union Life and Casualty logos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/195925667226ecfc51b4e1bb09607143.jpg)
Union Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
![The winner of this year’s Lonia Tate scholarship, Bradlei Smith will receive the opportunity to earn her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and, following graduation, an internship at Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle. Bradlei Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/996834935ae30a7a1195db8b9db6cb7d.jpg)
Los Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/bec7295a7f478778b1c196e6d81e7cd9.jpg)
In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
![De Beers Group mined 6.4 million carats of diamonds in the second quarter of 2024, down from 7.6 million in the same period last year. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) De Beers rough diamond display](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/80cd02b1c8384f4b2efda0bcdf6a75e1.jpg)
The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
![In honor of its summer bridal event, Long’s Jewelers is partnering with Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and jewelry brand JB Star on a vacation giveaway. Long’s Jewelers giveaway promo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4e7a90944c4e8875a4f3818dbe26b28b.jpg)
The giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
![L.A.-based flower designer, Sophia Moreno-Bunge models Guzema’s “Hidden Beauty” collection in front of a garden in Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, California. Sophia Moreno-Bunge of Isa Isa modeling Guzema’s Hidden Beauty collection](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6f3822623eb7fd2f6468f82825194cb1.jpg)
The ad features three celebrity florists creating floral sculptures while wearing jewelry by Guzema.
![The Entrepreneurship Grants program supports winners with financial aid to scale their businesses and increase their societal impact, said Diamonds Do Good. Pictured here are three of the 13 winners, top right is Tresia Shituula, and bottom row left to right, are Monkgogi Moshaga and Mohamed Samu. Tresia Shituula, Monkgogi Moshaga, Mohamed Samu](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a7c9b87301b76a9446f6522747ce5b95.jpg)
The grant provided a total of $100,000 to support 13 entrepreneurs from diamond communities in Africa and India.
![Ghazi Osta, better known as Gus, was the owner and president of Volusia Gold & Diamond, a store he and his wife, Leigh Osta, opened in 1986. He was shot and killed inside the store Friday afternoon after a brief argument with a regular customer. (Photo courtesy of Volusia Gold & Diamond Facebook page) Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c8c1fa3df746cbd364915a98dcac9d21.jpg)
Ghazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
![Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez (left) is the Responsible Jewellery Council’s new head of North American development, and Effie Marinos is its new specialist advisor for technical standards. Elyssa Jenkins-Perez and Effie Marinos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/94332af0c7a776e7a8c36fabf76baa5f.jpg)
The organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
![Karen Rentmeesters, who joined the Antwerp World Diamond Centre in 2010, will take on the role of CEO. Karen Rentmeesters](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3256fcc71cd43a399055c61f68486269.jpg)
Rentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
![Longtime Washington, D.C., jeweler Brian Mann (right) with his wife Jessie Mann, an artist who custom-paints porcelain Limoges Boxes, at a 2016 Jewelers of America member event. Mann, the longtime co-owner of David Mann Jewelers, died June 21 at age 70. Brian and Jessie Mann](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/be4debc6e0b3198943a66ef0e2197c2c.jpg)
Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
![The 1916 Company recently opened a new Tudor boutique in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Tudor store in Denver](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9f8600ea53ed731963331ebd28a10d16.jpg)
The 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
![This necklace from Messika’s “So Move Max” set is made of yellow gold with 19.18-carats of brilliant-cut diamonds and designed with circle motifs that move within the links (price upon request). Messika’s So Move Max Necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/14c78af4a4e8c6b996a81bbb5a5bc69f.jpg)
Dance all night long with the “So Move Max” set’s necklace.
![On Sept. 1, Julien Tornare (left), current CEO of TAG Heuer, will become CEO of Hublot. Antoine Pin, now the general manager of Bulgari’s watch business, will take over Tornare’s role as CEO of TAG Heuer. (Images courtesy of LinkedIn) Julien Tornare and Antoine Pin](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b24627b34ece895ddd254bae22751fb8.jpg)
Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.