GIA Gem Laboratory CEO Appoints New Manager of Gemological Research
By Alex Angelle

Christopher P. Smith, G.G., an internationally respected gemologist, has joined the Institute as manager of Gemological Research.

Smith worked in the GIA West Coast Identification Laboratory as a staff gemologist from 1986-91 before relocating to Switzerland to work for the Gübelin Gem Lab, where he worked for most of the past 12 years.

“I am delighted to welcome Chris back to GIA and look forward to the many contributions he will make as we move forward in the development of expanded colored stone services and gemological research,” said Thomas C. Yonelunas, chief executive officer of the GIA Gem Laboratory.

“We have worked closely with Chris and the Gübelin Laboratory over the years on a number of significant identification and treatment projects, and his work has been instrumental in the success of these research projects.”

Smith has maintained a professional relationship with GIA through the many articles he has written for the Institute’s scientific journal, Gems & Gemology. His Winter 2002 contribution won G&G’s Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award. Titled “Chart of Commercially Available Gem Treatments,” it was co-authored with Shane McClure, director of West Coast Identification Services for the GIA Gem Laboratory.

Smith has also written numerous articles for other gemological publications, including
The Journal of Gemmology and The Australian Gemmologist, and has lectured on gemological topics in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Smith will be based in the GIA Gem Laboratory’s New York headquarters and will work closely with Yonelunas, McClure and Thomas M. Moses, vice president of Identification and Research Services. His responsibilities will include establishing the focus of many of the Institute’s research efforts on gem materials and treatments and helping to develop new gemological identification services.

Smith said he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that his new position with GIA will encompass.

“GIA has a superb team of laboratory gemologists and researchers and I am very pleased to be able to work more closely with them to support the activities and concerns of colored stone and diamond trade,” he said.

“Today our industry faces unprecedented challenges in terms of treatment detection and disclosure,” Smith added. “It is fundamental to the integrity of our industry and GIA’s role to protect the public’s interest that we remain focused and diligent to resolving these issues.”

Christopher P. Smith
Born: Naperville, Illinois, 1965
Married: Helene
Children: Holly, 13, and Taylor, 8
Education:
   1985: Graduate Gemologist diploma, GIA
   1986: Graduate Jeweler diploma, GIA
Honors:
   First Place, 2003 G&G Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award
   First & Second Place, 2001 G&G Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award
Experience:
   Present: Manager of Gemological Research, GIA Gem Laboratory, New York
   1996-Present: Member of the Gems & Gemology Editorial Review Board
   1999-2003: Director, Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd., Lucerne, Switzerland
   1998: Managing Director of Special Projects, Gübelin AG, Lucerne, Switzerland
   1997: Took a year off from the laboratory to work in the wholesale diamond trade
   1993-’97: Manager of Laboratory Services, Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd., Lucerne, Switzerland
   1991-’93: Senior staff gemologist, Gübelin Gem Lab Ltd., Lucerne, Switzerland
   1986-’91: Staff Gemologist, GIA Gem Laboratory, GIA West Coast Identification Laboratory