MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
OtherAug 04, 2014
Appointments: JA adds two to board of directors
Jewelers of America has elected Karen Goracke of Borsheims and Cartier North America’s Mercedes Abramo to its board of directors.
Karen Goracke, CEO and president of Borsheims, and Mercedes Abramo, CEO and president of Cartier North America, have been elected to Jewelers of America’s board of directors through 2017.
New York--Jewelers of America has elected Karen Goracke of Borsheims and Cartier North America’s Mercedes Abramo to its board of directors.
Both of the new directors, who have more than 45 years of experience in fine jewelry and luxury goods between them, will serve through 2017.
Goracke is the president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, a position she was appointed to in 2013 by Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett following the departure of Susan Jacques to lead the GIA. She initially joined the company in 1988 and has held a variety of roles across the company to give her a broad retail background.
She also is active with the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers for Children, and the Women’s Jewelry Association.
Abramo was named as president and CEO of Cartier North America in June, where she oversees the strategy and operations for the company across the market including 35 boutiques, an e-commerce boutique and more than 150 specialty retailers. She has been with the company since 2008.
Prior to joining Cartier, she also held management positions with Tiffany & Co., Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Loews Miami Beach.
Abramo also serves on the advisory board of the Luxury Education Foundation.
--------
The Women’s Jewelry Association has appointed Bernadette McGovern Mack as its new executive director. She replaces Teresa Stohs, who left for another position closer to her home in Florida.
McGovern previously served as WJA’s administrative coordinator for two years, and will continue to be based at the organization’s main office in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
She also serves as a secretary of the board directors of Abilities First Inc. and is the past president of the Junior League of Poughkeepsie.
McGovern previously has held communications and fundraising positions at hospitals and universities, and also was the owner of a private skincare practice as a licensed aesthetician.
The WJA also announced that is has hired Kimberly Galvin as its new office manager in Poughkeepsie, working closely with Mack on all WJA endeavors.
--------
Belk Inc. President and Chief Merchandising Officer Kathryn Bufano has left the company to join The Bon-Ton Stores as president and CEO, effective Aug. 25. She also will be elected to the Bon-Ton board of directors.
Bufano replaces Brendan Hoffman, who elected not to renew his three-year employment agreement and will resign as president and CEO as well as a member of the board.
Hoffman
will have a role in working through the transition period, according to the company.
Bufano has served as president and chief marketing officer of Belk since August 2010 and was president of the company’s merchandising and marketing for two years before that.
Before joining Belk, she also had stints at Vanity Shops Inc., Sears Roebuck & Co., Dress Barn, Macy’s, and Lord & Taylor.
--------
The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) is aiming to increase member awareness of humanitarian issues in diamond and gemstone supply chains with the appointment of Vivien Johnston as its ethics and corporate social responsibility manager.
The appointment is a move toward following CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation’s message of “sustainability, transparency and disclosure,” according to Gem-A.
The organization has been working with Johnston since 2009 as part of the U.K.’s Jewellery Ethics Committee to assess the feasibility of a system of auditable supply chains and ethical standards, and has hired her on to help with the improvement needed in lobbying and policymaking.
More on Other
The Latest
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
