New York: Jewellers of America (JA) and the Diamond Council of America (DCA) have decided to work together toward their shared goal of supporting the jewellery industry, the two trade organizations announced recently.

The groups’ boards voted in favour of an affiliation agreement that will enable them to align their missions and operations better, but still be independent bodies, they said. David Bonaparte will stay on as CEO of JA, and Terry Chandler will remain CEO of the DCA, which offers professional certifications through distance learning.

Among the benefits the arrangement will offer the groups’ members is the ability to share resources and to expand educational tools for jewellery professionals, the organizations explained.

“I believe that we are stronger together,” said Bonaparte. “As competition for customer attention increases and margins shrink, industry associations like Jewellers of America and the Diamond Council of America offer real value for the jewellery industry.”

The deal will go into effect later this year, pending approval by DCA members at the group’s annual meeting on July 17, and a review by the New York attorney general.