Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2021
WJA Launches Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability Education FundIndependentsMay 20, 2021
DCA, GIA Partner on Scholarships
The education grants are available for DCA graduates to enroll in GIA distance courses.
New York—Two organizations with the shared goal of providing diamond, gemstone and jewelry education have partnered up to offer educational scholarship opportunities.
The Gemological Institute of America has supplied the Diamond Council of America with $25,000 of scholarship funds.
The funds are earmarked for DCA graduates to enroll in GIA online distance courses.
Both organizations provide professional certification in diamonds, colored gemstones and more aspects of the fine jewelry industry.
DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler commented, “DCA appreciates this exceptional gesture by GIA to work together to provide our students an opportunity to continue their education and improve their professional profile. This generous grant will allow DCA students to continue their education in advanced coursework offered only by GIA.”
DCA members and their current employees who are at least 18, graduates of a DCA course and not already enrolled in another GIA distance education course are eligible for the scholarships.
DCA will accept scholarship applications through Dec. 31, 2021.
The scholarships may be applied to GIA’s eLearning courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials, Pearls, Colored Stones, Diamonds and Diamond Grading, and Gem Identification.
Information on the application process is available at diamondcouncil.org. Completed applications should be submitted to Carey Miller via email at cmiller@jewelers.org.
Related stories will be right here …
The Gemological Institute of America has supplied the Diamond Council of America with $25,000 of scholarship funds.
The funds are earmarked for DCA graduates to enroll in GIA online distance courses.
Both organizations provide professional certification in diamonds, colored gemstones and more aspects of the fine jewelry industry.
DCA President and CEO Terry Chandler commented, “DCA appreciates this exceptional gesture by GIA to work together to provide our students an opportunity to continue their education and improve their professional profile. This generous grant will allow DCA students to continue their education in advanced coursework offered only by GIA.”
DCA members and their current employees who are at least 18, graduates of a DCA course and not already enrolled in another GIA distance education course are eligible for the scholarships.
DCA will accept scholarship applications through Dec. 31, 2021.
The scholarships may be applied to GIA’s eLearning courses: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials, Pearls, Colored Stones, Diamonds and Diamond Grading, and Gem Identification.
Information on the application process is available at diamondcouncil.org. Completed applications should be submitted to Carey Miller via email at cmiller@jewelers.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
