WJA announces 2015 Hall of Fame honorees

New York--The Women’s Jewelry Association will honor J.C. Penney’s Pam Mortensen, Underwood Jewelers’ C. Clayton Bromberg and Gumuchian at its 2015 Awards for Excellence gala.

Pam Mortensen, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of jewelry, watches and fashion accessories at J.C. Penney, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. She joined the company in 2009 and has been vital in implementing popular consumer concepts like Modern Bride and the Bijoux Bar, which have helped position the retailer as a fashion destination, WJA said.

Mortensen got her start in jewelry at Zale Corp. and in retail at Federated Department Stores. She also has held various leadership roles at Walmart, serving as vice president and divisional merchandise manager of fine jewelry and watches.

Additionally, she serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Jewelers for Children.

C. Clayton Bromberg, who has been the president of Florida’s Underwood Jewelers since 1988, will be honored with the organization’s Ben Kaiser Award, which recognizes men who have made a commitment to the advancement of women in the industry. 

He is a GIA graduate gemologist, registered jeweler, and American Gem Society certified gemologist, also serving as president of AGS and chairman of the AGS Laboratory. 

Bromberg has won two awards from the AGS--the Robert M. Shipley Award and the Triple Zero Award--and has served on the boards of Jewelers of America, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the Jewelry Information Center, and as president of the Florida Jewelers Association.

Gumuchian, which will receive the Corporate Award, was founded by Anita Gumuchian and now also includes her daughters Myriam and Patricia. It combines traditional European craftsmanship with fashion-forward designs, and is inspired by a “designed by women for women” vision.

The Awards for Excellence gala is scheduled for Monday, July 27, at Chelsea Piers in New York City, the evening following the second day of the JA New York Summer show. 

At the event, WJA also will present Awards for Excellence in retail, design, manufacturing/supplier, sales, marketing and communications, editorial/reporting/publishing, and special services.

Tickets and sponsorships will go on sale later this year.