Colored stone specialist to serve as integral part of core gemological team focused on expanded range of colored gemstone grading and certification services
New York, NY – American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), one of the world’s leading laboratories specializing in the grading and documentation of colored stones, recently announced the appointment of colored stone specialist Elizabeth P. Quinn, B.Sc, G.G., FGA, as senior staff gemologist.
With nearly a dozen years of gemology experience and training, Quinn joins a select team brought together to expand AGL’s renowned colored stone services and pursue an extensive research program.
“Elizabeth is an incredibly talented and gifted gemologist -- we feel fortunate to have her with us,” says Christopher P. Smith, vice president and chief gemologist at AGL. “The broad scope of her knowledge and educational background, as well her passion for gemology, make her uniquely qualified to become an integral part of our growing team. She will be involved in virtually all levels of our gemological testing, research and development, as well as training new staff members.”
Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Geosciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson and attained her G.G. from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Santa Monica, Calif. Quinn served for nearly five years as a staff gemologist and was promoted to colored stone division manager after three years with European Gemological Laboratory/Professional Gem Sciences in Los Angeles.
In 2001, Quinn joined the GIA Laboratory as a staff gemologist in their West Coast Identification Department, specializing in colored gemstone and colored diamond identification. There, she had the opportunity to work with widely respected authorities including Shane McClure, John Koivula and Dino DeGhionno. She also authored and coauthored several “Gem News International” and “Lab Note” entries for renowned industry journal Gems & Gemology. In 2005, she was chosen to relocate to Geneva, Switzerland to work with Franck Notari and Thomas Hainschwang as a liaison between GIA’s U.S.-based laboratories and their Gem Tech Lab in Europe.
Quinn has been a member of the Women’s Jewelry Association for eleven years and was on the board of the Los Angeles Chapter for nearly five years – serving in positions including publicity chair, secretary and vice president.
“I am thrilled to be working with AGL’s dedicated group of colored stone specialists,” says Quinn. “It is exciting to be associated with the laboratory that has set the pace for cutting edge gemstone documentation.”
AGL President C.R. “Cap” Beesley adds: “We are pleased to add another exceptional gemstone specialist to our expanding staff of gemological professionals. Elizabeth brings to AGL and extensive skill set that will add additional depth to our growing list of important colored stone services”.
About American Gemological Laboratories
Founded in 1979 by C.R. “Cap” Beesley, American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) has
been a pioneer as the first gemological laboratory to offer colored stone grading reports
and comprehensive gemological origin reports. AGL is also the Official Colored
Gemstone Laboratory of the Fine Jewelry CEO Summit, the JCK Las Vegas and JCK
Invitational shows as well as the 2007 Platinum Sponsor of the ICA (International
Colored Stone Association) World Congress in Dubai.
About Collectors Universe
Collectors Universe, Inc. is a leading provider of value added services to the high-value
collectibles, diamond and colored gemstone markets with the Company’s common stock
traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol CLCT. For the most recent
fiscal year, CLCT authenticated and graded over 3 million items valued at just less than
$2 billion.
Contacts:
C.R. “Cap” Beesley
AGL
agl@aglgemlab.com
TEL: 212-704-0727