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Carlsbad Today
By the People, for the People
Tom Moses to Leave GIA in May
To honor his contributions, he will be named chief of gemological research, emeritus.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced that Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer, has decided to leave the Institute after almost 50 years of service. Moses will remain with GIA through May to ensure a seamless transition, and he will be named chief of gemological research, emeritus to honor his contributions.
Why it matters
Tom Moses has been a key leader at GIA for nearly 50 years, helping to shape the Institute's industry-leading research efforts and advancing its mission. His departure marks the end of an era and will require GIA to transition to new leadership to continue its work.
The details
Over the next few months, Tom Moses will work closely with GIA research and laboratory teams to further enhance the Institute's industry-leading research efforts, support its clients and advance its mission. Moses joined GIA's Santa Monica laboratory after earning his Graduate Gemologist diploma in 1976 and later moved to New York City to work under his mentor, Robert Crowningshield. He has held numerous leadership roles at GIA and co-authored over 100 technical articles.
- Tom Moses will remain with GIA through May 2026 to ensure a seamless transition.
- Moses joined GIA's Santa Monica laboratory after earning his Graduate Gemologist diploma in 1976.
The players
Tom Moses
Executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), who has decided to leave the Institute after almost 50 years of service.
Pritesh Patel
President and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Richard Liddicoat
One of the world's most respected gemologists, who hired Tom Moses and served as his mentor.
Robert Crowningshield
One of the world's most respected gemologists, who worked closely with Tom Moses for 20 years and served as his mentor.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Pritesh Patel, President and CEO, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) (instoremag.com)
“I have been extremely privileged to work with the two greatest gemologists and have them as my mentors. 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 honor their legacy than through continued research that advances our understanding of Earth's treasures.”
— Tom Moses (instoremag.com)
What’s next
Over the next few months, Tom Moses will work closely with GIA research and laboratory teams to further enhance the Institute's industry-leading research efforts, support its clients and advance its mission.
The takeaway
Tom Moses' departure from GIA after nearly 50 years of service marks the end of an era for the Institute. His leadership and contributions have been instrumental in shaping GIA into a global leader in gemology and education, and his legacy will continue through the ongoing research and work of the organization.
