Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Rebecca Shukan to Lead DCA Career Readiness Program
The private jeweler has joined the Diamond Council of America as director of the Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative.

New York--The Diamond Council of America has announced the addition of private jeweler Rebecca Shukan as director of the Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative, the program launched in 2014 to interest high school students in a career in jewelry.
Shukan joins the DCA after a decade working as a private jeweler in Los Angeles.
She is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and the University of Wisconsin, and has held leadership positions in the Women’s Jewelry Association of Los Angeles, the Junior League of Pasadena and the Pasadena Symphony.
As head of the Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative, or JCRI, Shukan will work on expanding the program to high schools nationwide and exploring partnerships in other areas, including veterans’ groups and women re-entering the workforce.
Commenting on the addition of Shukan, DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler said: “I am ecstatic to welcome Rebecca to Diamond Council of America. The JCRI is poised to fill the educational gap and bring fresh talent to our industry. Rebecca’s experience and drive make her the perfect person to lead DCA’s Jewelry Career Readiness Initiative.”
The DCA developed the JCRI in 2014 to help create qualified job candidates for the retail jewelry industry by using the DCA’s accredited distance education certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones and jewelry sales to supplement the career-readiness programs that exist in most U.S. high schools.
The Diamond Council of America became an affiliate of Jewelers of America earlier this year, relocating its headquarters from Nashville, Tennessee to the JA offices in New York in August.
Shukan will remain based in Los Angeles.
For more information about the JCRI, contact Shukan at rebecca@diamondcouncil.org or 646-658-5809.
The Latest

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.


Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.























