Chris Smith is a 25-year veteran of the gem and jewelry industry with a distinguished international career. He began his interest in gemology in 1986, when he joined the GIA Laboratory, then in Los Angeles, CA, after graduating from their graduate gemologist and graduate jeweler's programs. Although initially a diamond grader, he quickly transitioned into the Gem Identification department.
In 1991, Chris went to work for the Gübelin Laboratory of Luzern, Switzerland, where he eventually became Director of the Laboratory.
He pioneered research into areas of gemology, including the development and refinement of country-of-origin criteria.
While focusing plenty of his efforts on the determinations of country-of-origin, he also has worked extensively on the distinction between treated and non-treated gems. The origin-of-color and its identification in ruby, sapphire, diamond, coral, tanzanite and other materials, the identification of and distinction between natural and synthetic gems.
In 2003, Chris returned to the GIA Laboratory, this time in New York. As the Director of Identification Services. In December of 2006, Chris joined the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) as Vice President and Chief Gemologist to spearhead the growth and development of their colored gemstone services. In April of 2009, Chris became President and owner of AGL.