DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce Initiative
The initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.

The initiative addresses the critical and growing talent gap in the jewelry industry, as retirements, an aging labor pool, and increased competition for retail talent create challenges.
The program looks to provide “highly capable and motivated” individuals who have strong transferable skills with accessible training and direct connections to career opportunities in the industry.
Through its new initiative, DCA aims to strengthen the future of jewelry retail by aligning employer needs with a skilled and motivated workforce.
“We’re proud to launch Second Spark as a unique solution to two important needs—creating career opportunities for veterans and returning parents, and strengthening the future workforce for our industry,” said Annie Doresca, president and CEO of DCA.
“It’s a program built on both purpose and practicality.”
The inaugural cohort is launching with up to 100 participants.
Applications are not yet open, according to DCA’s website, but there is an online form for those who are interested in being considered for the program.
The program includes an 8-10 week curriculum built around four DCA courses, with participants earning their DCA diploma in Gem and Jewelry Sales.
Participants will also receive resume and interview coaching, mentorship, and job-placement support with retail partners.
Graduates may also pursue a Certified Sales & Service Professional (CSSP) credential through Jewelers of America.
DCA’s Second Spark Workforce Initiative is supported by the JCK Industry Fund, and DCA said it is actively seeking additional partners to expand its reach.
For more information about the Second Spark Workforce Initiative or partnership opportunities, visit DCA’s website.
The Latest

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.


The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

























