Tributes to Jewelry Pioneer Helene Fortunoff, 88
November 11, 21
(IDEX Online) - Tributes have been paid Helene Fortunoff, who built a houseware business into a multi-million dollar jewelry empire. She has died aged 88.
She established the fine jewelry division of Fortunoff in 1957 with her first husband Alan Fortunoff, building up a network of stores with flagship on Fifth Avenue. She was highly respected as leader in jewelry merchandising and design.
She retired in 2005, having achieved many firsts as a woman in a male-dominated world, becoming the first woman to join the prestigious Carat Club, a diamond industry leadership group sponsored by De Beers.
She also chaired the Gemological Institute of America and received the WJA's Lifetime Achievement Award and the American Gem Society (AGS) presented her with its 2001 Triple Zero Award.
Her daughter Esther Fortunoff said in a 2018 blog entry on the company's website: "As women press forward again for equal pay, promotions, and relief from sexual harassment in 2018, it's important we remember the pioneers who came before us. I'm grateful that my mother laid the groundwork upon which we continue to build today."
Pic courtesy Esther Fortunoff, shows the late Helene with daughters Ruth and Esther.