GIA remembers Bert Krashes

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) expressed its condolences on the passing of Bert Krashes, former vice president and member of the Board of Governors, this past weekend from natural causes.

“Bert will be missed for his significant contributions to GIA and to the gem and jewelry industry,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “His generosity and dedication helped countless students, staff and industry members, and for that we are exceptionally grateful.”

Krashes joined GIA in 1949, holding positions of vice president and director of the Gem Trade Laboratory in New York in 1977. He helped establish GIA’s East Coast school, laboratory, gem identification and grading services, and the “traveling classrooms” across the United States.

He joined GIA as a student after receiving a Purple Heart for his service during World War II. He was one of GIA’s first students in New York and gained the appreciation of Richard T. Liddicoat who offered Krashes a full-time position as an instructor and gemologist.

“His dedication and high standards were key for GIA diamond grading reports to gain international respect and growth.,” said Tom Moses, GIA’s executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.

In 1998, after the GIA Board of Governors meeting during which Bert retired from the board, he was given a lapel pin featuring a diamond inscribed with the number 19491998, representing his 49 years of service to GIA.