Policies & IssuesJan 26, 2023
Diamonds Do Good Names 10 to Board of DirectorsMajorsJan 27, 2023
Diamond Council of America Appoints Treasurer, Board Member
Executives from Fred Meyer Jewelers and Riddles Jewelers have filled the roles.
Julie Keeney is now DCA secretary and treasurer, while Mike Blank is a board director.
New York—Diamond Council of America has announced changes to its board.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
