The American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) has announced that it is about to re-open its doors after being shut down by its owner, Collectors Universe. The latter had chosen to exit the gem and jewellery business.

But now, AGL will re-open under the new ownership/leadership of Christopher P. Smith, former Vice President and Chief Gemologist for AGL during these past two years and who has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the AGL including its name and various assets from Collectors Universe.

Smith will lead the AGL, maintaining the tradition of high-level gemstone reporting and documentation which AGL has been renowned for in its last 32 years of operation. “I have been directly involved with the operation of AGL and having helped manage the business since December 2006; acquiring the lab seemed like a natural progression,” he added.

As per the new AGL management, most of the original team will be retained including Smith, Elizabeth Quinn Darenius, Maria Frances, Sun Joo Chung and Bilal Mahmood.