Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions
DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Brought To You By DCA
The jewelry industry has always been powered by people – knowledgeable sales professionals, strong managers, and dedicated teams who build trust with customers every day. As retailers face increasing competition for talent and prepare for a new generation of professionals, the Diamond Council of America (DCA) is expanding its role as an educational resource for the industry through new programs designed to support workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
From a newly launched management training program to an innovative workforce initiative and a new diploma credential, DCA is helping retailers strengthen their teams while creating new opportunities for individuals seeking meaningful careers in jewelry retail.
Developing Stronger Sales Leaders
One of DCA's newest offerings is the Sales & Management Masterclass, a five-part live webinar series created specifically for jewelry retail sales managers and emerging leaders. Running from August through October, 2026 and led by nationally recognized sales trainer Brad Huisken, the program addresses a common challenge faced by many retailers: high-performing sales associates are often promoted into management roles without formal leadership training.
The masterclass provides practical guidance on communication, coaching, accountability, goal setting, team development, and customer relationship building. Through live sessions, participants gain actionable strategies they can immediately apply within their stores to improve team performance and customer experiences.
By focusing on leadership development, DCA is helping retailers invest not only in sales performance, but also in the long-term success of their teams.
Creating New Pathways Into the Industry
At the same time, DCA is tackling another critical challenge facing jewelry retailers: attracting and developing new talent.
The organization's recently launched Second Spark Workforce Initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with career opportunities in jewelry retail. The program was created in response to the growing talent gap affecting many retailers as experienced professionals retire and competition for qualified employees increases.
Made possible through support from the JCK Industry Fund Grant and Jewelers Mutual, Second Spark provides participants with education, mentorship, career-readiness support, and direct connections to employment opportunities. Participants complete a curriculum built around DCA's core sales education courses while also receiving résumé coaching, interview preparation, mentorship, and job-placement assistance.
The initiative benefits both participants and employers. Veterans and returning parents gain access to a rewarding career path, while retailers gain access to motivated individuals with valuable transferable skills and professional training.
A New Credential for Career Growth
Supporting these efforts is DCA's recently launched Diploma in Gem & Jewelry Sales, a new credential that recognizes comprehensive achievement across DCA's educational curriculum. Professionals who successfully complete DCA's four core courses – Beginning Jewelry Sales, Diamonds, Colored Gemstones, and Advanced Jewelry Sales – earn the diploma and demonstrate a well-rounded foundation in both product knowledge and professional selling skills.
The diploma serves as a key milestone within DCA's educational pathway:
Learn. Graduate. Get Certified.
Students begin by building knowledge through individual courses, graduate with the Diploma in Gem & Jewelry Sales, and can then pursue Jewelers of America's Certified Sales & Service Professional (CSSP) credential to further advance their professional qualifications.
For retailers, the diploma provides a clear framework for employee development. For sales professionals, it offers a meaningful credential that demonstrates commitment, expertise, and career growth.
Investing in the Industry's Future
Under the leadership of President & CEO Annie E. Doresca, DCA's newest initiatives share a common goal: strengthening the future of jewelry retail through education.
"Whether we're helping a sales associate build product knowledge, preparing a manager to lead a high-performing team, or creating pathways for new talent to enter our industry, DCA remains focused on one mission – providing relevant, practical education that helps people and businesses succeed," said Doresca.
"These programs represent an investment not only in individual careers, but in the long-term strength of the jewelry industry itself."
As retailers continue to navigate workforce challenges and evolving customer expectations, DCA's expanding portfolio of educational programs offers practical solutions for developing talent at every level – from first-time sales professionals to experienced managers and future industry leaders.
By investing in education, leadership, and workforce development, DCA is helping ensure that the next generation of jewelry professionals is prepared to serve customers with knowledge, confidence, and professionalism.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
Lab-GrownAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
