One man, Robert M. Shipley, had a tremendous impact in the world of gemstones in the United States. A Wichita jeweler, Shipley traveled to Europe to study gemology in 1928. Learning from the leading experts of the day, he returned to the U.S. in 1929 with a mission to spread gemology.
In the throes of the Great Depression, quiet but positive change began to take place in America’s world of gemology. By age 44, Shipley created the Gemological Institute of America in Los Angeles and by that summer, 250 dedicated jewelers had enrolled in his courses. This country finally had its own institute of gemological learning and research, a place where knowledge would be discovered and applied to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry.
GIA’s mission statement says it perfectly: Ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services, and instrument development.