Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses is stepping down in May after nearly 50 years of service. 

To honour his contributions, he will be named Chief of Gemological Research, Emeritus.

Over the next few months, Moses will work closely with GIA research and laboratory teams to ensure a seamless transition and further enhance the institute’s research efforts.

“The rigor Tom brought to grading, the discipline he brought to science, the unwavering focus he brought to our customers and the humility he brought to leadership reflect the very best of what we aspire to be,” said GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel. “Fifty years is not simply a measure of time — for GIA, it has been a period of remarkable growth driven by Tom’s commitment, curiosity and leadership. His lasting legacy lives in the standards he helped shape and the generations of professionals he guided and inspired.” 

“I have been extremely privileged to work with the two greatest gemmologists and have them as my mentors,” said Moses. “I will always be grateful to Richard Liddicoat for hiring me and for his selfless guidance, and to Robert Crowningshield, with whom I worked closely for 20 years, for sharing his extraordinary knowledge and for his friendship. There is no better way to honour their legacy than through continued research that advances our understanding of Earth’s treasures.”  

Moses joined GIA’s Santa Monica laboratory after earning his Graduate Gemologist diploma in 1976. He later moved to New York City to work under Robert Crowningshield. He has held numerous leadership roles at GIA and co-authored over 100 technical articles for Gems & Gemology and other peer-reviewed journals. 

Moses was the driving force behind GIA’s international expansion, transforming the institute into a global leader in gemmology and education with 10 laboratories and seven schools in 10 countries. 

His leadership was further recognised in 2002, when he received the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, and in 2013, when he was elected to the GIA Board of Governors.