The world of gemology lost a giant when GIA chairman and G&G editor-in-chief Richard T. Liddicoat passed away July 23, at the age of 84, after battling a lengthy illness. Widely respected as the “Father of Modern Gemology,” Mr. Liddicoat leaves behind thousands of admirers and an unparalleled level of achievement.

In the several weeks since Mr. Liddicoat’s passing, much has been written about his origins in Michigan, his hiring by GIA founder Robert M. Shipley in 1940, his unsurpassed contributions to gemological education and integrity as president of GIA, and his premier role in the development of GIA’s internationally recognized diamond grading system. In addition to his myriad accomplishments, any one of which would have left an indelible mark on the gem and jewelry industry, for more than 50 years—from 1952 until his death—this World War II Navy veteran stood at the helm of Gems & Gemology.

Over the decades, Mr. Liddicoat contributed dozens of groundbreaking feature articles, along with editorials, book reviews, and reports for the “Highlights at the Gem Trade Lab” column (which later became the Gem Trade Lab Notes section). In recent years, he preferred to stay behind the scenes, offering advice and direction. Although bedridden for the last few months of his life, he continued his involvement with the journal, evaluating articles, helping choose reviewers, and advising on editorial policy.

His most important contribution, though, was his unwavering support of the journal’s efforts to promote gemology as a scientific discipline. In the more than 22 years that I worked with Richard Liddicoat on Gems & Gemology, he was steadfast in his backing of the peer-review system and his promotion of new developments in technology and instrumentation, as increasingly sophisticated treatments and synthetics required new identification methods, and as continued prospecting brought more (and even new) gem materials from previously unknown sources. Ever the educator, he recognized the importance of quality information to the practicing gemologist in the 21st century.

I found both peace and pleasure in our conversations during the last few weeks of his life. He wanted to know all about the upcoming issues, delighted in the idea of G&G’s first fold-out chart (the Summer 2002 GIA Pink Diamond Color Chart), and was fervent in his desire to thank everyone connected with the special Spring 2002 “RTL” issue. But this very humble man was also concerned about his legacy. How would he be remembered? What had he truly left behind in a life that spanned more than eight decades and a career that encompassed more than six of them? It was a privilege to remind him of the organization he had built, the many people he had guided, the dozens of awards he had received.

Yet I think he revealed his most meaningful bequest in a conversation we had a few days before he passed away. I had called to say hello, and he asked what I was doing. I told him I’d been editing the Gemological Abstracts section, which had to go into print the next day. “It’s not the most pleasant way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Mr. Liddicoat, but somebody has to do it, right?” I asked.

“Yes, Alice,” he replied very quietly. “Somebody has to do it right.”

That is the legacy Richard T. Liddicoat has left G&G, GIA, and the gem and jewelry industry: The standards, the resources, and the passion to do it right.

With Mr. Liddicoat’s passing, there also has been a passing of the torch at Gems & Gemology. At the request of G&G publisher (and GIA president) Bill Boyajian, I am honored to assume the title of editor-in-chief of Gems & Gemology. Brendan Laurs has been promoted to editor of the journal, and Stuart Overlin assumes the title of associate editor. All of us will be operating with the able assistance of our new managing editor, Thomas Overton. Also new on the masthead, Dr. James Shigley takes on the responsibilities of contributing editor in recognition of his very prolific two decades writing for G&G.

GIA received hundreds of condolences from around the world on the occasion of Mr. Liddicoat’s passing. We are pleased to share some of these with you on the next two pages. For more on the long, rich career of Richard T. Liddicoat, please see the article by Dona Dirlam and coauthors in the Spring 2002 issue of Gems & Gemology.

Alice S. Keller, Editor-in-Chief