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Terry Chandler
President/CEO
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His 22 year retail jewelry career began in Paducah, Kentucky as a trainee for what was then a small family-owned chain of four jewelry stores, Michelson Jewelers, Inc. During his almost 21 year career he was a store manager, supervisor, Senior Vice President, and partner, in the chain which grew to twelve stores.
Terry has been involved in every aspect of the retail jewelry industry including training, operations, development, management, and, now, distance education and association management.
He accepted the full time role of President/CEO of the Diamond Council in February of 2001 and oversees the organizations day to day operations at their Nashville, Tennessee offices. Upon assuming the position, Chandler worked with Performance Concepts and other industry resources to completely update both DCA’s Diamond and Colored Gemstone courses. Chandler also led a two year project to gain re-accreditation from the prestigious Distance Education and Training Council in Washington, D.C. which was granted by DETC in January of 2005.
During his tenure, the Diamond Council has grown from seventy members representing approximately twelve hundred stores to one of the industry’s leading education and training resources with over two hundred members representing over four thousand retail jewelry stores in the United States and Canada.
Before becoming DCA President, he served on the DCA board for twelve years. He is also a member of the DeBeers USA Carat Club and serves as a director on the Boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers Charity Fund, and the Advisory Board of the Atlanta Jewelry Show. He is also a member of the 24 Karat Club Southeastern United States and serves on the Board and Executive Committee of that organization.
Terry is a 1994 inductee into Alpha Beta Kappa, the National Honor Society of the Diamond Council of America.
Quote: “Essentially, the sale of jewelry at the retail level depends on the sales associate who now, more than ever, must meet the challenge of being an educated and informed professional able to communicate accurately and effectively about the products he or she sells. DCA and I are committed to doing all we possibly can to help them accomplish their goals.”
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The Diamond Course
The Diamond Course brings learning to life for the front line sales associate. This distance education course is designed so that the student learns and applies new information from the onset. As bits of knowledge are presented, the course describes how to use them in sales and everyday store operations. Through practice modules and exercises, the student develops skills along with knowledge.
The Diamond Course presents a complete discussion of the subject of diamonds in 21 lessons divided into three general sections. The first part of the course provides the essential information associates need to be professional and honest in a sales presentation - the 4 C's of color, clarity, cutting and carat weight, diamond treatments, synthetic diamonds and facts about diamond jewelry. The second part provides important background information like where diamonds come from, how they're mined and processed, how they're cut and how they come to market. The third part of the course teaches the jewelry store skills related to diamonds - how to clean diamond jewelry, how to display diamond jewelry, how to present diamonds, the selling tools, the selling process, customer service and professionalism.
The Diamond Course is presented in 4-color, easy-to-read format, augmented with numerous photographs, charts and other graphics. The course is delivered by distance education, and may be taken at the student's own pace; 6-12 months is the anticipated completion time, although students may easily finish it in less time.
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Colored Gemstone Course
The new DCA Colored Gemstone Course brings learning to life for the front line sales associate. This distance education course is designed so that the student learns and applies new information from the onset. As bits of knowledge are presented, the course describes how to use them in sales and everyday store operations. Through practice modules and exercises, the student develops skills along with knowledge.
The new DCA Colored Gemstone Course is presented in 4-color, easy-to-read format, augmented with numerous photographs, charts and other graphics. The course is delivered by distance education, and may be taken at the student's own pace; 6-12 months is the anticipated completion time, although students may easily finish it in less time.
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Diamond Studies Course
The Diamond Council of America’s accredited courses have long been available only to employees of DCA Executive or Associate Member companies. Now the DCA Diamond Studies Course has been developed for anyone interested in diamonds and diamond jewelry - from students, hobbyists, and consumers to those considering the fine jewelry industry as a career. The course covers the 4Cs, diamond jewelry and its care, plus treated, lab-created, and simulated diamonds. Background on diamond myth and lore, and how diamonds are formed, found, mined, and cut round out this comprehensive training.
To enroll, simply join DCA as an Individual Member. (The fee for this membership category is $35 per year and tuition for the Diamond Studies Course is $165.)
Please note: This course is not open to employees of DCA member companies.
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Advanced Jewelry Sales
“The Diamond Council of America has invested more than four years in researching, writing, and developing our new Advanced Jewelry Sales Course. We did this because today’s professional jewelry Sales Associates need every ethical competitive edge they can get. Advanced Jewelry Sales meets this need in ways that are unique, innovative, and effective. The course essentially provides students with a clear and methodical path through the selling process – a path that can be adapted to every customer, every product, and every occasion. This comprehensive yet flexible approach will greatly enhance students’ ability to close more sales at the counter. For these reasons, the Board of Directors and I are tremendously excited about the new course and its potential.”
-Terry W. Chandler.
The Diamond Council of America’s new Advanced Jewelry Sales Course is the perfect complement to our Diamond and Colored Gemstone courses. It provides students with a triangulated and in-depth analysis of the selling process, approaching the sale from the three key standpoints of customers, communications, and merchandise. First, the coursework offers a detailed look into the generational differences sales associates now face in working with customers. Thus, it explains how to communicate with a “Millennial” or “Gen Xer” as opposed to a “Baby Boomer.” The course also explores the merchandising aspect of sales, explaining how different jewelry products fit the wants, needs, and desires of customers, and how best to communicate all-important product knowledge. Finally, the course emphasizes the role of sales associates and their responsibility to effectively serve and care for customers. By combining these approaches, the Advanced Jewelry Sales Course will provide the DCA student with a calculated and specific path to understanding and effectively participating in the selling process, as it has come to exist in today’s challenging and changing marketplace.
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Beginning Jewelry Sales
“The Diamond Council of America has invested more than four years in researching, writing, and developing our new Beginning Jewelry Sales Course. We did this because today’s professional jewelry Sales Associates need every ethical competitive edge they can get. Advanced Jewelry Sales meets this need in ways that are unique, innovative, and effective. The course essentially provides students with a clear and methodical path through the selling process – a path that can be adapted to every customer, every product, and every occasion. This comprehensive yet flexible approach will greatly enhance students’ ability to close more sales at the counter. For these reasons, the Board of Directors and I are tremendously excited about the new course and its potential.”
-Terry W. Chandler.
The Diamond Council of America’s new Beginning Jewelry Sales Course is the perfect complement to our Diamond and Colored Gemstone courses. It provides students with a triangulated and in-depth analysis of the selling process, approaching the sale from the three key standpoints of customers, communications, and merchandise. First, the coursework offers a detailed look into the generational differences sales associates now face in working with customers. Thus, it explains how to communicate with a “Millennial” or “Gen Xer” as opposed to a “Baby Boomer.” The course also explores the merchandising aspect of sales, explaining how different jewelry products fit the wants, needs, and desires of customers, and how best to communicate all-important product knowledge. Finally, the course emphasizes the role of sales associates and their responsibility to effectively serve and care for customers. By combining these approaches, the Beginning Jewelry Sales Course will provide the DCA student with a calculated and specific path to understanding and effectively participating in the selling process, as it has come to exist in today’s challenging and changing marketplace.
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Riddle`s Jewelry is a family-owned and operated, fine jewelry retail chain. In 1959, our first retail store was opened in Webster, SD. Since then, Riddle`s Jewelry has expanded into more than 50 stores in a 9 state area throughout the Midwest.
www.riddlesjewelry.com
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As the industry’s charity, Jewelers for Children (JFC) is generously supported by those who create and sell fine jewelry and watches.
Jewelers for Children
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April's Birthstone, Diamond
The name "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas" meaning
unconquerable -- suggesting the eternity of love. In fact, diamonds have been
the traditional symbol of love since ancient Greece. Discovered about 2,500
years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars,
perhaps crystallized lightning or hardened dewdrops.
Traditionally, the diamond is the accepted birthstone
of April. And, besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings,
is the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.
Although diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they are occasionally
found with a strong, bright color -- green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow and
amber. These "fancy" color diamonds are highly prized.
Occasionally, to improve appearance, diamonds are
laser-drilled and sometimes, a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities
or fractures. Diamonds may also be irradiated and/or heated to induce "fancy"
colors.
Even though it is the most durable of gemstones,
care should be taken to protect a diamond from sharp blows. To clean, you may
use jewelry cleaner, lukewarm soapy water and a small bristle brush, soak in
a half-and-half solution of cold water and ammonia for 1/2 an hour, or a home
ultrasonic machine with its recommended cleaner.
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| The mission of the Diamond Council of America is to provide quality, affordable distance education to enhance the ability of our members’ associates to sell fine jewelry with expertise, integrity, and professionalism and to fuel the passion of all those looking to learn about our industry.
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Terry Chandler
President/CEO
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The Diamond Course
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Colored Gemstone Course
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Diamond Studies Course
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Advanced Jewelry Sales
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Beginning Jewelry Sales
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| The Diamond Council of America (DCA) was founded in 1944 as a forum to educate jewelry sales professionals. As an accredited school, DCA offers jewelers the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds and colored gemstones through distance education. DCA has more than 270 members representing over 4300 jewelry stores in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
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| Featured Member |
Featured Affiliate |
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| Events
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View Full Schedule
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The Smart Show Chicago - April 5-7, 2014
Retailers and vendors who attended The SMART Jewelry Show previously were invigorated and prepared for the road ahead. Jewelers became energized and geared up to forge new vendor partnerships. Armed with world-class education, retailers learned how to innovate and tackle the years’ upcoming challenges and thrive.
http://www.smartjewelryshow.com
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JCK Las Vegas
May 30-June 2, 2014
It's all about you! JCK Las Vegas is the most comprehensive jewelry gathering in the country, offering you a superior experience for business and networking. Share your passion and join the celebration at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
http://lasvegas.jckonline.com/
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The Diamond Council of America is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Distance Education and Training Council - 1601 18th Street, N.W., Suite 2 - Washington, D.C. 20009 - (202) 234-5100
www.detc.org
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