Fortunoff Jewelry

I am honored to share that I have been chosen as the 2024 recipient of the Helene Fortunoff Women in Retail Scholarship in partnership with the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA). I am so proud to be part of Helene’s legacy. As a compassionate role model, Helene left an indelible mark on those who worked for her. She was a trailblazer who built a multi-million-dollar jewelry empire at a time when the jewelry industry was male dominated. Along with her business success, she was also known for her generosity and philanthropy. I am grateful to Esther Fortunoff-Greene, Ruth Fortunoff-Cooper, Gabrielle Grazi and Danielle Gaudio-Lalehzar for this award. I understand that the greatest gift you can give someone is to believe in them. Thank you for believing in me and I intend to make you proud. Education and generosity are key components of my life, and I will use this opportunity to teach others what I have learned. In March, I will be able to use the scholarship to attend Yale School of Management Women’s Leadership Program, a weeklong course devoted to strengthening leadership skills, creating strategic visions, driving growth through innovation, and making sharp decisions. #education #yale #wja #diamonds #jewelry #philanthropy #scholarship

It was great to spend time celebrating the amazing women who lead by example within the Long Island business community. Thanks to Long Island Business News and to the many individuals who made this even so special. Shown here, some of the women who made it all happen (shown left to right, with me, below) Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, Barbara Pescuma and Donna Nupp. #LIBN #EmpoweringWomen #LongIslandBusiness #WomenProfessionals

I'm still processing all the terrific presentations and networking from the Initiatives in Art and Culture's 14th annual gold & diamond conference, where the theme was "Expanding Horizons." This was so appropriate, as the talks opened up conversation about areas about which I love to learn more, and think about how it applies to my business and my personal life. Among those speakers was Cristina Echavarría, who gave an amazing presentation about artisanal gold mining projects (mostly with women). This is a topic that's near to my heart, and I take encouragement from Cristina's passion. I also always get new information and insights from Gaetano Cavalieri, with whom I've collaborated in the past during my time on the committee for the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA)'s laboratory, and on the subcommittee for ethical initiatives for the Jewelers of America. The work that Gaetano spearheads for World Jewellery Confederation - CIBJO continues to push forward important changes for our industry as a whole. I'm already looking forward to next year's conference! If you attended the IAC, which presentation did you find most relevant to your own work and life?

This year's Initiatives in Art and Culture conference was once again a terrific educational and networking event. I wish I could have stayed for every minute of each of the days, but grateful for what I could attend. I always look forward to hearing what's new in the jewelry, metals, diamonds and gemstones industry, and the global situation as it affects them. This year, one of the topics I found most fascinating was the discussion around Botswana's place in the global and especially the US market for natural diamonds is a constantly changing and growing influence. I'm excited by that, as I believe that natural diamonds, and the benefits they bring to the people in the countries where they are mined, are super important - and Botswana is leading the way, providing what may be a great road map for other producing nations to follow. And then there's the can't-be-measured value and happiness I find in reconnecting with so many long-term and newer friends in colleagues from across the industry. Ronnie Vanderlinden, Brecken Branstrator, and Andrea Lucille Pooler, GIA GG were among all the folks I was happy to catch up with during the day. If you attended the IAC Conference, what was your favorite topic? I'm sure I missed some goodies!

Talk value and markets with us at Expanding Horizons, IAC’s 14th International Gold + Diamond Conference, taking place July 16 - 17, 2024 in NYC at Bohemian National Hall, 321 E 73rd Street! Slide 1: Moderator Brecken Branstrator (Editor-in-Chief, Gemworld International, Inc.) is joined by Avi Levy (President, IGI North America), Mmetla Masire (CEO, Okavango Diamond Company), Douglas Neves (CEO, Cruzeiro Mine) & Marcelo Ribeiro (CEO, Belmont Emerald Mines) for a deep-dive into how countries can retain greater added value from their production of gemstones. Slide 2: Join Amish Shah (Founder and CEO, ALTR) & Ronnie Vanderlinden (President, Diamex Inc.; VP, World Diamond Council) to explore the current state of the diamond market. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ezUBbtuJ. #iac #gold #olivialandau #amishshah #nycevents #julyevents #labgrowndiamonds #mining #sustainablemining #24carat

This was such a fun event, especially for a book-lover like me. I attended the festival at LIU's Post campus, enjoyed a day of talks and book signings. Just a small smattering of some of my favorite experiences: Erik Larson at an evening event, speaking about his new book. The next day a panel with historian and author Douglas Brinkley and Gary Lewi speaking about D-Day. A talk with author Pamela Hamilton, where she spoke about her newest historical novel. Plenty of fellow book-lovers and people enjoying the event, including LIU's President, Kimberly Cline and so many more. Did you attend any of the days or evenings? If so, what was your favorite? #LongIsland #Books #GoldCoast

Today is a "Pinch Me" day! I am absolutely humbled and honored to be named to Long Island Business News Dynamic Women Leaders List for 2024. To be named amongst friends and peers who I greatly admire is quite the honor. I see you Terri Alessi-Miceli, Linda A., Jennifer B. Cona, Esq., AEP, Randi Shubin Dresner, Esther Fortunoff-Greene, Wendy Frigeria, Tamika (Sanders) Hardy, Katherine Heaviside, Carolyn Mazzenga, Domenique Moran, Gail Prudenti, Theresa Regnante, Christine Riordan I LOVE my work. Most of all I love how my life has been transformed, because of my work, by all of the people I have met over the years who have inspired and motivated me in so many ways. It is my privilege to know and work with you. With gratitude 🙏

We Did It! And by WE I mean, every single person who was involved in The ReImagine Conference. Our Sponsors Our Speakers Our Attendees Our Ambassadors WOW! The post-event buzz is incredible. "Conference was amazing!!!" "You ladies outdid yourselves" "Captivating from the beginning" "Congratulations on a successful, fun and inspiring event" So much more to share, but we'll start with a couple of pics.