Tom Moses to Retire from GIA After Nearly 50 Years of Service

After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Tom Moses, the esteemed Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has announced his decision to retire. His departure is scheduled for May 2026, marking the culmination of a remarkable career. In recognition of his profound impact and enduring legacy, Moses will assume the honorary title of Chief of Gemological Research, Emeritus, continuing to contribute his expertise to the institution's ongoing advancements in gemological science. This transition has been meticulously planned over several years to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities.

During the upcoming months, Tom Moses will be actively involved with GIA’s research and laboratory teams. His primary focus will be on further elevating the institute’s prominent research endeavors, providing crucial support to its clients worldwide, and vigorously advancing GIA's core mission. His vast experience and deep understanding of gemology will be instrumental in guiding these crucial initiatives.

Pritesh Patel, the President and CEO of GIA, lauded Moses's extensive contributions, emphasizing the rigorous standards he instilled in grading, the scientific discipline he fostered, and his unwavering dedication to customers. Patel highlighted Moses's leadership as a benchmark for GIA's aspirations, underscoring that his nearly 50 years at the institute have been synonymous with significant growth, driven by his commitment, intellectual curiosity, and exemplary leadership. Moses's lasting impact is evident in the foundational standards he helped establish and the countless professionals he has mentored and inspired throughout his tenure.

Reflecting on his career, Moses expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to learn from two of the most influential gemologists. He specifically acknowledged Richard Liddicoat for his initial employment and invaluable mentorship, and Robert Crowningshield, with whom he collaborated closely for two decades, for sharing his extraordinary knowledge and friendship. Moses believes that the most fitting tribute to their legacy is through continuous research that deepens our collective understanding of Earth's precious treasures.

Moses began his journey with GIA in 1976 at their Santa Monica laboratory, shortly after earning his Graduate Gemologist diploma. He later relocated to New York City to work alongside his mentor, Robert Crowningshield, who was widely regarded as a leading figure in gemology. Throughout his distinguished career, Moses held various leadership positions within GIA and co-authored over a hundred technical articles published in "Gems & Gemology" and other peer-reviewed scientific journals. He was a pivotal force behind GIA's global expansion, transforming the institute into a preeminent international authority in gemology and education, establishing ten laboratories and seven schools across ten countries. His exceptional leadership was further recognized in 2002 with the prestigious Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, and in 2013, he was elected to the GIA Board of Governors.

Tom Moses’s impending retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary journey that profoundly shaped the Gemological Institute of America. His nearly five-decade-long career has been characterized by pioneering research, unwavering commitment to educational excellence, and a relentless pursuit of scientific rigor in the field of gemology. His vision and leadership were instrumental in expanding GIA's global footprint and solidifying its reputation as a world leader in gemological standards and knowledge. As he transitions to an emeritus role, his contributions will continue to resonate through the institute’s enduring commitment to advancing the understanding and appreciation of gemstones.