Terry Chandler The Diamond Council of America (DCA) was founded in 1944 as a forum to educate jewelry sales professionals about diamonds and gems. This not-for-profit organization provides the professional jeweler with an opportunity to earn a certification in diamonds and gemstones through distance education, and gives salespeople the knowledge and training necessary to make them successful. Today, the DCA represents more than 6,100 jewelry stores and leading suppliers of diamonds and gems across the country.

Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the DCA is a leading educational organization for professional retail jewelry salespeople. Since the organization's beginnings thousands of retail jewelry professionals have graduated from the DCA's course offerings in the study of diamonds and colored gemstones.

DCA President Terry Chandler says the DCA is committed to the finest and most cost-efficient education for its members. "We are a vital and growing force within our industry," he concluded, "And with these new courses, the best is yet to come." 		Void
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logo_freemanpa.gifFreeman Jewelers is the premier jeweler in the beautiful Lehigh Valley area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Freeman's is a fourth generation family-owned and operated business. It was founded in 1908 in Allentown, PA.
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Amercian Gem SocietyWhen shopping with an American Gem Society® member, you can be assured that you are doing business with jewelry professionals.

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DCA Lesson Plan
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November's Birthstone, Topaz

Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone is available in orange-yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue and pink.

The name topaz is derived from the Greek word "to shine" and also implies "fire". Orange-red "Imperial" topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.

The lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. The Greeks felt it gave them strength. In addition, it supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even warded off sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.

As part of the normal fashion process, most brownish to sherry brown topaz are heated to produce a permanent pink color. Certain types of topaz are irradiated and heated to produce shades of blue. Avoid sharp blows, intense heat and strong light.

Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

DETCThe 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.
What's New
Check out the latest interview, Bringing Home the Basics, with the DCA's own Terry Chandler, where Terry explains the Diamond Council of America.