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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
