| One of GIA’s founding fathers, G. Robert Crowningshield, brilliant gemologist, legendary research scientist, and industry pioneer passed away on November 8, 2006, at age 87 in New York. As former vice president and one of the leaders of the GIA Laboratory, Crowningshield’s achievements helped lay the foundation of modern gemological research, instilled credibility in the jewelry business, and made him one of the most respected and honored men in the industry. Hired in 1947 by GIA founder Robert Shipley and Richard Liddicoat, Crowningshield spent the next five decades as the leader of modern gemological research in spectrometry. Crowningshield’s career is distinguished by an extensive list of “firsts,” including groundbreaking findings in the spot method of refractive index determination on Rayner and similar refractometers; spectroscope recognition of treated colored diamonds; a comprehensive study of gem-quality synthetic diamonds; and dyed jade. He also helped develop and teach the GIA diamond grading system, now the standard worldwide. Along the way, he shared his wealth of practical experience in hundreds of articles, lectures, and industry presentations. Crowningshield devoted his life to the study of gems and teaching and sharing this information. For over 55 years, he gave selflessly to GIA and the industry, building a body of gemological knowledge personally and deliberately, gemstone by gemstone. GIA acknowledges an immense respect for and deep gratitude to G. Robert Crowningshield, with whom it was a privilege to share more than five decades of friendship and collaboration. For more about the life and career of G. Robert Crowningshield, click here. |
