Former GIA Gem Instruments executive director Howard Pomerantz has joined Gem Certification & Assurance Lab as executive vice president. Pomerantz will help develop GCAL’s business strategy, but is unlikely to start an instrument division “in the fashion his former employer did,” said GCAL president Don Palmieri.

“Technology is the future, so we are exploring all new instruments and technologies to bring the greatest consistency possible,” Palmieri added. “We started that initiative years ago. Howard brings a special expertise not found amongst leading gemologists. We will utilize Howard’s knowledge, resources, and expertise in the developing tech area.”

Pomerantz has been in the diamond business since 1971. He holds an executive MBA degree in international trade and marketing from Pepperdine University.