The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently honored Thomas M. Moses, vice president of identification services for the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, the highest honor GIA bestows. The award ceremony was held Nov. 11 at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif.

The plaque Moses received is engraved with commendations for his “tireless dedication to solving gemological problems.” It also says, “Your quiet and humble leadership is an example to all Institute staff, and your influence accrues great value to tradespeople, who view your contribution to their business and well-being as a true virtue.”

After earning a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma from GIA in 1976, Moses worked in his family’s jewelry business in Butler, Pa. He returned to GIA to work in the laboratory under the tutelage of gemologist Chuck Fryer, along with Karin Hurwit. In the early 1980s, Moses went back to Butler to help run the family business.

In 1986, Bill Boyajian was named president of GIA and asked Moses to come back to the institute to work in the laboratory. Boyajian said he asked Moses to “study under the great master, Robert Crowningshield [vice president of the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory in New York], and learn everything you can.” Moses has exceeded his expectations in fulfilling that request, Boyajian noted: He has gained “a reputation as GIA’s top asset in the field, and certainly one of the most respected and revered gemologists in the world.”