WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
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:
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
