Gem Labs Make Major Staff Changes

Recent staff changes at the major gem labs are beginning to resemble baseball's winter trades. Here's the scorecard:

Chris Smith, former Gübelin director and recent Gemological Institute of America lab director, goes to American Gemological Laboratories, now part of Collectors Universe, as vice president and chief gemologist. Smith will work closely with AGL president C.R. “Cap” Beesley, overseeing a team of gemologists that he and Beesley will develop.
Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences director Vincent Pardieu moves to the Gübelin Gem Lab. Pardieu recently undertook gemological field trips to Asia and Africa on behalf of the Gübelin lab.
Garry Du Toit, former AIGS director and former laboratory manager for the American Gem Trade Association's Gem Testing Center rejoins Ken Scarratt at GIA's Bangkok, Thailand, colored gemstone research laboratory. Du Toit is an expert on Raman spectroscopy.
John Koivula, after serving less than a year at AGTA GTC, goes back to GIA.
AGTA GTC, now short two players, acquires the services of Loretta Castoro, G.G., FGA, as temporary senior gemologist and education consultant. Castoro was formerly director of colored gemstone acquisition at Tiffany & Co., vice president merchandising and gem acquisition at Mondera, and general merchandise manager at Mouawad.