Former GIA vice-president passes away

by eyetee | January 7, 2014 8:07 pm

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One of Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA’s) most popular instructors has died of natural causes.

Bert Krashes, who was with GIA for 49 years, served as its vice-president and was a member of the board of governors. He was one of the institute’s first students in New York, impressing GIA director Richard T. Liddicoat so much, he offered Krashes a full-time position as an instructor and gemmologist.

“Bert will be missed for his significant contributions to GIA and to the gem and jewellery industry,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and chief executive officer (CEO).

“His generosity and dedication helped countless students, staff, and industry members, and for that we are exceptionally grateful.”

Krashes joined GIA in 1949 and by 1977, was appointed vice-president and director of the Gem Trade Laboratory in New York, helping to establish the institute’s East Coast school, laboratory, gem identification and grading services, and the travelling classrooms that took GIA education to jewellers across the United States.

“Bert had an engaging style that raised his esteem with all his co-workers and the many students he touched,” said Tom Moses, GIA’s executive vice-president and chief laboratory and research officer.

“His dedication and high standards were key for GIA diamond grading reports to gain international respect and growth.”

After retiring from the board of governors in 1998, Krashes was presented with a lapel pin featuring a diamond inscribed with the number 19491998, representing his 49 years of service to GIA.

Krashes received a Purple Heart for his service during the Second World War.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/former-gia-vice-president-passes-away/

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