Heidi Ortman Sheff
Heidi Ortman Sheff is a fourth-generation leader in the fine jewelry industry, serving as Owner and President of J. Ortman Jewelry, a family-owned wholesale company established in 1899 by her great grandfather, Julius Ortman. With over 40 years of experience, she has built a global network in diamonds, precious stones, and estate jewelry, giving clients access to exceptional pieces at wholesale prices, paired with her personalized concierge service. Heidi specializes in guiding clients through gemstone selection, custom jewelry design, and reimagining existing pieces, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication. A Cornell University graduate with a degree in Design and Psychology, Heidi combines her academic background with industry expertise to create jewelry that balances aesthetics, functionality, and personal taste. She is also the founder of Heidi Designz, a line of fashionable jewelry for everyday wear, showcasing her versatility across both luxury and accessible markets. Heidi’s approach emphasizes trust, quality, and personalized attention, ensuring each client’s vision is realized while honoring the legacy of a century-old family business. Her impact in the jewelry industry reflects her dedication to excellence, innovation, and delivering a unique and meaningful jewelry experience.
• Certified in GIA Courses
• NYU
• Cornell University- B.S.
• Boca Chamber of Commerce
• FemCity
• Kindness Angels
• Place of Hope
• JCC
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my creativity, motivation and passion for the business, which drive me to pursue excellence, innovation, and provide personalized service in the fine jewelry industry.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my grandfather, Jack Ortman, who I had the privilege of working with for 5+ years. He taught me how to purchase jewelry at auctions and from other wholesale dealers at the correct price so you can always give your client an excellent value. Also the art of building relationships in business—showing me that thoughtful gestures, like gifting a piece to a client’s loved one, create lasting connections and loyal clients.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the jewelry industry to create their own personal brand and leverage social media to showcase their expertise and connect with clients.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is attracting new young clients while building lasting relationships in a competitive market.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are integrity, creativity, and family—spending time with my four daughters and four grandchildren, exploring museums and art, designing jewelry, and enjoying the beach, bike riding, swimming and dancing.
