IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in AustinThe Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2018
4 Questions with a WJA Visionary: Mercedes Abramo
National Jeweler spoke with this year’s Awards for Excellence recipients about their career paths, the industry today and more. Featured today: the president and CEO of Cartier North America.
Mercedes Abramo, president and CEO of Cartier North America, said rather than focus on what women don’t do as leaders, companies should focus on their strengths, like managing ambiguity.
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.
Third in our WJA Q&A Visionary series: Mercedes Abramo, the president and CEO of Cartier North America.
National Jeweler: You started your career in the jewelry industry in 2003. Can you discuss the differences in corporate culture as a woman then, versus now?
Mercedes Abramo: Women’s leadership is a cause that I’m very passionate about and something that has served as a continual source of drive and inspiration throughout my career. While it is important to note that the jewelry industry—which primarily services a female client base–has always been quite open to women, there is still room for improvement. Looking back, I can certainly see the evolution and progress women have made in the corporate world during my time within the industry, but I also recognize the work that still needs to be done.
Women and men together need to work to shape and define the new norms of workplace culture in today’s corporate environment. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of an organization like Cartier that supports, mentors and encourages both women and men to lead, and I’m excited to see how we will continue to grow and evolve in this area in the years to come.
NJ: What is the biggest challenge facing women in C-suite positions, particularly in the jewelry industry, today?
MA: We often talk about what women don’t do, like self-promote or take risks. As referenced in the Korn Ferry Institute’s study, “Women CEOs Speak,” I believe it’s important that we start talking about what women do better than average, like managing ambiguity.
I’m most hopeful that the current conversation will result in the recognition of the unique traits women bring to the workplace—empathy, resilience, managerial courage, team building, appreciation for others—as valuable strengths, on par with strategy and financial acumen.
NJ: What advice would you give to a young woman starting out in a career in the jewelry industry right now?
MA:
My advice to women starting their career would be to explore as many different aspects of the industry as possible. Start out in retail and spend a few years learning everything you can, from sales to operations to management. It’s important to really get to know your customer. Though you may ultimately want to work in marketing, merchandising or communications, learning how to manage and lead a team is key.
From a personal perspective, choose your life partner wisely. Business can be intense; make sure you have a strong support system to provide balance as you work to achieve your career goals.
NJ: What has been the most memorable jewelry event of your career?
MA: In October of 2017, in celebration of our newest high jewelry collection, Cartier hosted a black-tie gala for our clients on Governor’s Island in New York City. We built a stunning glass structure from the ground up, which offered gorgeous, nighttime views of the city skyline, and hosted more than 100 people for a seated dinner and special musical performance. The planning, organization and logistical challenges we faced were immense, but the effect was amazing, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display next to the Statue of Liberty. We always aim to create “exceptional moments” for our clients, and this event was certainly a highlight!
From a personal perspective, choose your life partner wisely. Business can be intense; make sure you have a strong support system to provide balance as you work to achieve your career goals.
NJ: What has been the most memorable jewelry event of your career?
MA: In October of 2017, in celebration of our newest high jewelry collection, Cartier hosted a black-tie gala for our clients on Governor’s Island in New York City. We built a stunning glass structure from the ground up, which offered gorgeous, nighttime views of the city skyline, and hosted more than 100 people for a seated dinner and special musical performance. The planning, organization and logistical challenges we faced were immense, but the effect was amazing, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display next to the Statue of Liberty. We always aim to create “exceptional moments” for our clients, and this event was certainly a highlight!
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s UmbrellaThe two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron JewelsThe single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to CloseA new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
MajorsSep 03, 2025
Stuller Releases 2 New Catalogs The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Birks CEO Jean-Christophe Bédos Steps DownNiccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
