Diamond Council of America Appoints Treasurer, Board Member
Executives from Fred Meyer Jewelers and Riddles Jewelers have filled the roles.
The nonprofit organization has elected Julie Keeney of Fred Meyer Jewelers as secretary and treasurer and added Mike Blank of Riddles Jewelers to the board.
Keeney, vice president of sales at Fred Meyer Jewelers, works across physical stores, ecommerce, merchandising, marketing, and human resources at the 130-store chain.
Prior to her decade of work at Fred Meyer’s, Keeney held management and executive roles at other companies in the jewelry industry.
A member of the Women’s Jewelry Association and a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Keeney is DCA diamond and gemstone certified.
Blank is the director of operations and training for Riddles Group, the parent company of Riddles Jewelry.
The founder of Riddles Jewelry, Jess Riddle, brought Blank to the company 35 years ago. In that time, Blank has been part of the chain’s growth from 14 to 60 retail stores.
DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler said, “I want to congratulate Julie for her election to Secretary/Treasurer as well as welcome Mike to the DCA Board.
“Their depth of retail knowledge will help DCA as it continues to grow and better serve those who need an affordable, distant education option.”
DCA provides professional certification in diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry sales through distance education.
In addition to Keeney’s role as secretary/treasurer, the board’s executive committee consists of Chairman Chuck Cuba of Iowa Diamond and Vice Chairman Dave Bonaparte, CEO of Jewelers of America.
The Latest
An experienced jewelry writer and curator, Grant led the organization for two years.
Five new designs were added, all donning Tahitian cultured pearls and spear-like trident motifs, along with the new “Titan” setting.
The inaugural event is being co-hosted by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America.
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
The jeweler’s latest high jewelry collection looks into the Boucheron archives to create a “living encyclopedia of high jewelry.”
Watch and jewelry sales slipped 3 percent in 2024, though the luxury conglomerate did see business pick up in the fourth quarter.
Olivier Kessler-Gay will take over the role on March 3.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
It hit a four-month low in January due to concerns about the job market, though consumers remain bullish about the stock market.
The jewelry designer and master metalsmith will present on the ancient Japanese metalworking technique at the Atlanta Jewelry Show in March.
The “Moments” social media campaign emphasizes the emotional ties between natural diamonds and life’s special milestones.
The versatile “As We Are” collection features 14 pieces with interlocking designs allowing for 27 different looks worn around the body.
Letsile Tebogo will help to promote natural diamonds and the good they have done for his country.
The showcase, in its second year, will feature more than 20 international brands at its curated event from Feb. 2-4.
“My Next Question” guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan share their 2025 forecasts, from sales and marketing to what retailers should stock.
The seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
LeVian is remembered for his leadership in the jewelry industry and for being a selfless and compassionate person.
Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah pleaded guilty to evading customs on more than $13.5 million of jewelry imported into the U.S.
Jemora Gemhouse’s inaugural auction, slated for March, will take place in Dubai and feature polished sapphires.
Quinn partnered with Gemfields to create “Crazy Love,” which features Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies across 10 pieces.
The catalog is 48 pages and features more than 100 styles.
The one-of-a-kind necklace was designed in celebration of the Chinese New Year, as 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
The gemstone show is slated to take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
The suspects are accused of planning to kidnap a Miami jeweler and rob him of his cryptocurrency.
Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, 58, was a senior protection officer for Namib Desert Diamonds, also known as Namdia, in Windhoek, Namibia.
The online diamond and jewelry marketplace has expanded, introducing a new platform dedicated to colored gemstone trading.