IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
MajorsJun 07, 2017
JA Inks Affiliation Agreement with the DCA
The boards of Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America have approved an agreement that aligns the two organizations.
Las Vegas--This week in Las Vegas, the boards of Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America approved an affiliation agreement that aligns the two long-standing organizations.
Approved Tuesday by JA’s board and Wednesday by the DCA’s, the agreement provides JA an accredited education arm and gives the DCA, which is a small nonprofit, access to JA’s more substantial resources.
Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte said he and DCA CEO Terry Chandler started having a conversation about the two organizations working more closely together back in 2015.
He said that rather than expand on JA’s education offerings, he though it smarter to partner with an organization that’s already “doing it and doing it well.”
“Education is vital,” Bonaparte said. “What we saw DCA doing was so important.”
Under the agreement, JA will continue to offer its Professional Certification Programs in sales, management and bench, but will look at how the DCA education platform can help JA bring the sales and management programs online. (The affiliation will not impact JA bench certification.)
JA will discontinue “Jewelry 101,” replacing it with the DCA’s Beginning Jewelry Sales course.
For the DCA, Chandler said the agreement aligns his association with a “well-placed” organization in JA, gives them access to more resources and allows him to cut costs by closing the DCA’s Nashville office.
It also gives him a long-range plan for the future of an association that provides a vital service in an industry about which he is very passionate.
“This is a stunning industry,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s shrinking; I don’t care if it’s difficult. This is a lovely way to make a living.”
Chandler, who has headed the DCA for 18 years, will remain on board as CEO, though longtime Director of Operations Lissa Roussel has opted to leave the association to spend more time with her children.
Chandler will remain in his position for a minimum of two years. During that time, the DCA will select an executive director who eventually will take over the association’s day-to-day operations.
In the meantime, he will continue to report to the DCA board, which now will include Bonaparte, but will close the association’s Nashville office. The DCA’s official headquarters will relocated to JA’s office at 120 Broadway in New York.
While the boards of both organizations approved the affiliation this week, DCA members also have to approve it. That vote is
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
expected to take place in mid-July.
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission also must approve the affiliation; the DEAC vote is scheduled to take place Aug. 3.
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission also must approve the affiliation; the DEAC vote is scheduled to take place Aug. 3.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
