PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Events & AwardsJul 19, 2018
6 Questions with a WJA Visionary: Caryl Capeci
National Jeweler spoke with this year’s Awards for Excellence recipients about their career paths, the industry today, mentors and more. Featured today: the president of Hearts On Fire.
Hearts On Fire President Caryl Capeci’s No. 1 piece of advice for young women starting out in the jewelry industry today? “Be a sponge,” she said. “Ask why.”
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association changed the format of its Awards for Excellence gala this year.
Instead of voting on nominees in more than a dozen categories and revealing the winners live at the event, the WJA pre-selected three individuals and one corporation/organization to recognize with the first WJA Visionary Awards.
Prior to the jewelry event Monday night in New York, National Jeweler asked each of the recipients about their career paths, their mentors, the jewelry industry today and more.
Second in our WJA Q&A Visionary series: Caryl Capeci, who started her career working on the De Beers advertising account at NW Ayer in the late 1980s and landed at Hearts On Fire in 2007, rising through the ranks to become the company’s president in 2015.
National Jeweler: Your first job connected to jewelry was in 1986 at NW Ayer, where De Beers was your only account. Compare what it was like to be a woman in business in 1986 with what it is like today.
Caryl Capeci: It’s like night and day. Let’s just say that tremendous strides have been made since 1986. I would say most female leaders were in creative positions, like design or marketing, and there were very few female business leaders at the helm of organizations.
NJ: Whom do you consider your mentor and why?
CC: I’ve been fortunate to work with phenomenal people throughout my career. My mentors, however, are my sisters Claire, Vira, and my sister-in-law Amy. I’m lucky to have a family of strong and tenacious females who are also a whole lot of fun.
What I find most spectacular about my sisters is their combination of strength and softness. They have all been very successful, rising to the top of their fields in advertising, fashion, and publishing, but also raise families. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives first, all while continuing to drive their companies forward every day.
NJ: What is the biggest challenge facing women in C-suite positions, particularly in the jewelry industry, today?
CC: Balance. Most women are managing their time between family, career, and self-care. We as women need to be at the top of our game in these categories, and sometimes that’s a job in and of itself.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
It goes back to being both fierce and feminine, and we need to balance that too—let’s not lose the femininity that is so intrinsic to our DNA, but also be able to counter that with our fierce determination and strong opinions.
NJ: What advice would you give to a young woman starting out in a career in the jewelry industry right now?
CC: Be a sponge. Ask why. Absorb every conversation. It is so important to listen and insert yourself into conversations and learn from them.
Also, stay connected with every person you respect and find valuable. Be sure to take them along with you as you move forward and advance in your career.
NJ: What has been the most memorable jewelry event of your career?
CC: I have had dozens of great memories over the years, but the most special was the first time I stepped onto the stage at Hearts On Fire University. If you’ve been, you know there is such a sense of community, passion, and energy in that room, an indescribable energy. You really need to experience it to understand. Stepping out onto that stage in front of 700 highly engaged, bell-ringing, Hearts On Fire enthusiasts was so exhilarating.
We will be taking the next HOFU to the new Encore Boston Harbor property, so HOFU in our hometown will be over-the-top, for sure.
NJ: Tell us one thing people would be surprised to learn about you.
CC: I am equal parts New York City and Boston. I love the New York Post. When I first moved to Boston there were no digital editions, so getting Page 6 was not easy. I remember walking blocks to find it and sharing the key highlights with anyone who would listen.
NJ: What advice would you give to a young woman starting out in a career in the jewelry industry right now?
CC: Be a sponge. Ask why. Absorb every conversation. It is so important to listen and insert yourself into conversations and learn from them.
Also, stay connected with every person you respect and find valuable. Be sure to take them along with you as you move forward and advance in your career.
NJ: What has been the most memorable jewelry event of your career?
CC: I have had dozens of great memories over the years, but the most special was the first time I stepped onto the stage at Hearts On Fire University. If you’ve been, you know there is such a sense of community, passion, and energy in that room, an indescribable energy. You really need to experience it to understand. Stepping out onto that stage in front of 700 highly engaged, bell-ringing, Hearts On Fire enthusiasts was so exhilarating.
We will be taking the next HOFU to the new Encore Boston Harbor property, so HOFU in our hometown will be over-the-top, for sure.
NJ: Tell us one thing people would be surprised to learn about you.
CC: I am equal parts New York City and Boston. I love the New York Post. When I first moved to Boston there were no digital editions, so getting Page 6 was not easy. I remember walking blocks to find it and sharing the key highlights with anyone who would listen.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
