Obit: Charles W. Fryer, noted gem expert, 74

Charles W. (Chuck) Fryer, a former director of the Gemological Institute of America Gem Trade Laboratory, noted gem identification expert, and long-time contributor to GIA’s quarterly journal Gems & Gemology, died of a heart attack on Jan. 3 in Los Angeles. He was 74.

Fryer was associated with GIA for 27 years. He joined the Institute in 1966 as an instructor, but soon became a mainstay of the Gem Trade Laboratory, serving for 14 years as its director, first in Los Angeles and then in Santa Monica, before retiring as director of gem identification in 1993. Fryer, who was born in Springfield, Mo., had a lifelong interest in gems and minerals. After completing his service in the U.S. Army in 1952, he worked in San Diego and enrolled in GIA on the G.I. Bill. He also became an accomplished lapidary. He earned his Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA in 1963 and received his F.G.A. diploma (with distinction) the same year. Fryer attended San Diego City College from 1963 to 1966 while managing a local business that sold jewelers’ supplies, lapidary equipment, and gems. As a charter member and president of the San Diego Gemological Society during those years, he presented lectures and helped spread gemology in the area.

Throughout his career with GIA, Fryer was recognized as one of the world’s most knowledgeable gemologists. His articles on gem identification appeared in Gems & Gemology, Journal of Gemmology, and JCK. The landmark articles he co-authored tackled some of the key challenges in gemology over the last two decades: identifying synthetic amethyst, gem-quality synthetic diamonds, and clarity-enhanced diamonds.

GIA President William E. Boyajian recalled Fryer’s many contributions to the Institute, especially during the Gem Trade Laboratory’s developmental years. “Chuck was an invaluable member of the Laboratory in several positions, and his work was instrumental in advancing both the Lab’s capabilities in identification and the Institute’s growing reputation as the industry leader in laboratory services.”

In addition to his regular responsibilities at the Institute, Fryer was called on to act as an expert witness in gem identification for court cases throughout the U.S. In 1981, on the request of the Colombian government, he traveled to Bogotá to authenticate a collection of emeralds and gem-encrusted religious artifacts.

Even in retirement, Fryer continued to serve GIA and gemology with his valuable work as editor of the Gem Trade Lab Notes section of Gems & Gemology until 1997, and as a consultant and member of the journal’s Editorial Review Board until his death.

Boyajian said Fryer’s dedication to GIA and gemology was evidenced in many ways. “Chuck was steeped in the gemological tradition, and he was tireless and unselfish in his efforts to contribute to the progress of GIA and the gem and jewelry industry in every way that he could. He was likewise a wonderful friend and mentor to the many gemologists he trained, and we shall miss him greatly.”

Fryer is survived by his wife, Jan (formerly head of accounting at GIA); his daughter, Kahlee Brighton; three sons, Michael, Russell, and Fraser Macfarlane; and six grandchildren. A memorial service was held in Santa Monica, Calif. on Jan. 7.

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
JCK logo
JCK

Log Out

Are you sure you want to log out?

CancelLog out