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.

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.”
The Latest

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Sponsored by Clientbook


It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

The singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.