MajorsJan 17, 2024
Nan Lung Palmer, Donatella Zappieri Join Hill & Co. 
Jennifer Hammond of Signet Jewelers has been elected as board chair for nonprofit jewelry education organization Diamond Council of America.
New York–Diamond Council of America (DCA), a nonprofit organization that provides education and professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry sales, has expanded its team.
Jennifer Hammond, Signet Jewelers’ divisional vice president of store operations for Kay Jewelers and Zales, was elected as DCA board chair. Hammond will serve a two-year term.
Joseph Corey, president of Day’s Jewelers, was elected to a two-year term as director.
“I am elated to welcome Jennifer Hammond as the DCA board chair. She has tremendous experience in the field that will help propel DCA forward,” said DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler.
“I look forward to having her lead the board of directors and, in turn, allow DCA to better serve the jewelry industry. I am also happy to welcome Joseph Corey to the board.”
In her role at Signet, Hammond leads over 1,800 store teams. She has over 26 years of experience in retail and began working at Signet in 2004.
During her tenure with Signet, Hammond has received leadership awards including District Manager of the Year.
She attributes her career growth and success to building great teams, making significant investments into their training and development, while encouraging collaboration and diversity, DCA said.
Related stories will be right here …
Jennifer Hammond, Signet Jewelers’ divisional vice president of store operations for Kay Jewelers and Zales, was elected as DCA board chair. Hammond will serve a two-year term.
Joseph Corey, president of Day’s Jewelers, was elected to a two-year term as director.
“I am elated to welcome Jennifer Hammond as the DCA board chair. She has tremendous experience in the field that will help propel DCA forward,” said DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler.
“I look forward to having her lead the board of directors and, in turn, allow DCA to better serve the jewelry industry. I am also happy to welcome Joseph Corey to the board.”
In her role at Signet, Hammond leads over 1,800 store teams. She has over 26 years of experience in retail and began working at Signet in 2004.
During her tenure with Signet, Hammond has received leadership awards including District Manager of the Year.
She attributes her career growth and success to building great teams, making significant investments into their training and development, while encouraging collaboration and diversity, DCA said.
Corey has been involved in the jewelry business from a young age, learning from his parents at Day’s Jewelers.
The eight-store chain, located in Maine and New Hampshire, was founded in 1914 and bought by Corey’s parents in 1988. It has 135 employees.
Corey, now responsible for the oversight of all company operations as president, was first hired in 2006 as a service specialist. He took over the role of president in January 2021, and Day’s Jewelers became an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) in November of that year.
He also serves on JCK Las Vegas Show’s Advisory Board and the Jewelers for Children (JFC) Board of Directors.
The Corey family will be honored by JFC at its Facets of Hope event at the 2024 Las Vegas shows.
The membership elected the remainder of Board of DCA as follows:
Vice Chair, David Bonaparte, Jewelers of America;
Vice Chair, Bill Luth, Kay Jewelers;
Secretary/Treasurer, Julie Keeney, Fred Meyer Jewelers;
Past Chair, Chuck Kuba, Iowa Diamond;
Director, Mike Blank, Riddle’s Jewelry;
Director, Bud Fluty, Absolute Brilliance, Inc.; and
Director, Steve Velasquez, Madison Jewelers.
For more information about DCA, to enroll in DCA courses or to become a member, visit the DCA website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
