Majors

Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA

MajorsMar 10, 2025

Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Picture of Terry Chandler, president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America
Diamond Council of America President and CEO Terry Chandler will retire at the end of the year, the organization announced Monday. Chandler joined DCA in 2001 after two decades in retail.
New York—Terry Chandler will retire at the end of 2025 after nearly 25 years as president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America (DCA) and more than four decades in the jewelry industry.

His successor will be announced in the coming months. 

“Diamond Council of America has been a huge part of who I am for decades,” Chandler said in the press release announcing his retirement.   

“We have a lot of exciting developments taking place later this year and I know they will help ensure that DCA will continue to be successful for decades more to come. I am so thankful to the DCA board of directors, our members, my team, and Jewelers of America for their part in making DCA what it is today.”

Chandler started his career in the jewelry industry in the late ‘60s as a trainee at Michelson Jewelers in Paducah, Kentucky, which was a family-owned chain of four stores at the time. 

During his more than two decades with Michelson, he served as a store manager, supervisor, senior vice president, and partner as the chain grew to 12 stores. 

He left Michelson in 1990.

In 2001, he became president and CEO of DCA, a nonprofit organization that provides distance education and the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry sales.

 Related stories will be right here … 

In that time, DCA said Chandler has been instrumental in expanding its reach and influence, enhancing its certification programs, and fostering industry-wide collaboration.

In 2017, DCA signed an affiliate agreement with Jewelers of America

The agreement gave DCA, which is a small nonprofit, access to JA’s more substantial resources while providing JA with an accredited education arm. It also allowed DCA to cut costs by closing its Nashville, Tennessee, office. 

“Terry Chandler’s dedication and leadership have been invaluable to the Diamond Council of America,” said Jennifer Hammond, chair of the organization’s board of directors. 

“His commitment to retail jewelers by providing affordable jewelry education has left a lasting impact on retailers across the country and we are deeply grateful for his contributions.”

The Latest

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 Days

An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.

Hamptons Jewelry Show
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This Summer

The retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 09, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Tiffany & Co. Iguatemi São Paulo Flagship Exterior
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in Brazil

The new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.

Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Chaumet Art Deco ruby and diamond bracelet
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet Jewels

The pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.

Tyla in Pandora jewelry campaign
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand Ambassador

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

GIA logo
GradingApr 08, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

Rolex Land-Dweller Platinum Watch
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025

The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.

David Webb necklace
MajorsApr 08, 2025
David Webb Has a New Owner

The storied American jeweler also has named a new CEO.

Willis Cowlishaw
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong Kong

Bonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is Sentenced

In March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleau Byblos Watch
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6M

The 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.

Jewelers Mutual and Jewellers Loop logos
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New Acquisition

The company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.

Neuroscientist and speaker Beau Lotto
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote Speaker

Beau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.

Victorian Burmese sapphire and diamond brooch
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101K

A pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.

Mason Kay International Jade Summit 2025 Graphic
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade Summit

The event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.

Heather B. Moore Lily of the Valley Oval Charm
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ Charm

The charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.

Stock image of people shopping in a mall
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRF

The National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.

Tallulah Willis’ Engagement Ring
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With Magic

The 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.

158.2-carat yellow diamond from Diavik
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond

Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Buccellati Naturalia exhibition
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in Milan

The multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on Tariffs

The virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.

Bea Bongiasca Animali Tarallo Collection Royal Blue Tang Fish “Dory”
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a Zoo

The pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.

Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas store
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For Now

Parent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy