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New York, NY—Amid a glittering assembly of more than 600 industry leaders, 13 women and one man were honored for their contributions to the jewelry industry, the advancement of women in the industry, and excellence in their field.

Pamela Mortensen, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of fine jewelry for JC Penney, was awarded the association’s annual Lifetime Achievement Award.

Myriam, Patricia, and Anita Gumuchian of Gumuchian were honored with the organization’s corporate award, presented to the company that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to furthering the careers of women, and C. Clayton Bromberg, president of Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, FL, was honored with the organization’s Ben Kaiser Award, presented to a male who has helped to further the careers of women in the jewelry industry.

Anita, Myriam, and Patricia Gumuchian accept the WJA Corporate Award. Myriam, center, says Anita taught her daughters "you can have it all" if you're passionate and work for it.

In addition to those three, awards were presented in 10 categories.

Veronica Guarino of Louis Anthony Jewelers (top of page; photo by Bart Gorin) was the winner of the Retail Fewer Than 15 Doors category. The other winners were: Design, Pamela Froman – Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry, Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier, Laurie Watt, Mayer & Watt; Retail, 15 doors or more, Eve Rogers – Graff; Non-Traditional Retail, Deborah Nicodemus, Moda Operandi; Sales & Merchandising, Amy Levine, Gurhan; Marketing & Communications, Rebecca Moskal, Communique; Editorial Media, Monica Stephenson, iDazzle; Special Services, Becka Johnson Kibby, The Edge Retail Academy; Watches, Jeanine Drtina, Cartier.

Craig Danforth, left, chair of the awards and ballots committee, and Andrea Hansen, right, WJA president, flank the individual category award winners. Photo: Bart Gorin.