Members of the first class to complete the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Graduate Gemologist® program in New York City gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of their 1974 graduation. This milestone event brought together a group of esteemed alumni, their spouses and GIA staff at GIA New York to celebrate the impact of GIA’s education on their lives and the gem and jewelry industry.

“The 1974 NYC Graduate Gemologist class exemplifies the enduring excellence and commitment to education that GIA has upheld for nearly a century,” said Susan Jacques, GIA President and CEO. “We are honored to celebrate the remarkable achievements of all GIA alumni and their significant contributions to the gem and jewelry industry. Their dedication to learning and upholding GIA's mission to protect consumers as the industry grows and changes continues to inspire new generations of gem and jewelry professionals.”

The reunion celebrates the past, present and future of GIA education. In 1974, the GIA New York school was under the leadership of then GIA President Richard T. Liddicoat, Jr., and the primary instructor of the class was Cap Beesley. The program set the rigorous standards that remain the hallmark of GIA education, including 26 weeks of intensive study and a perfect score on the colored stone identification exam. These enduring standards are a testament to the thorough and demanding nature of GIA’s curriculum which is still the leading standard today to prepare students for the trade.

Building on their GIA education, these alumni distinguished themselves individually and as a class in diverse, prominent positions such as multi-generational retail store owners, wholesalers, laboratory professionals and prolific authors, making a difference in the industry.

GIA has more than 165,000 active alumni in chapters spanning the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The GIA Alumni Collective™ is a network where graduates of GIA’s diploma and certificate programs around the world can share valuable insights, get involved in chapter events, further professional development and access benefits as they collaborate with their fellow industry experts and leaders. Visit Collective.GIA.edu to learn more.

The 1974 GIA Graduate Gemologist® graduates and their spouses celebrating their 50th reunion.
Photo by Towfiq Ahmed, © GIA 2024.