MajorsFeb 05, 2025
DCA Promotes Kristen Scheetz to Director of Education, MembershipMajorsMar 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.
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 …
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.
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.”
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizOct 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
CollectionsOct 21, 2026
Helzberg, Nordstrom Carrying New Jewelry Collection From Off-WhiteThe collection centers designs with clean geometric lines, chunky sculptural pieces, and recognizable details from the luxury fashion brand.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Gemfields’ Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Earns $52MThe miner said it saw particularly strong prices for larger, fine-quality rubies at the sale.
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
