Robert Crowningshield passes away at age 87

[JohnQuixote]

Robert Crowningshield, a legend in the field of gemology revered for his pioneering work in many areas of gemological research, died Tuesday night at age 87.

Full story: http://www.jckonline.com/article/CA6389251.html?nid=2054&rid=1997254392

Mr. Crowningshield was a legend in the industry.

 

[RockDoc]

That is very sad to hear.

I knew him very well, and he was certainly one of the most thoughtful people I had the pleasure of meeting many times over the years.

In the mid 80''s I was involved in a bad car accident, and in the hospital. The phone rang one day, and it was Eunice Miles, Bob Crowingsheild, and Bert Krashes (the other vice president at GIA NY). All of them calling me as they had heard I was in the hospital. They also sent nice flowers and candy to my room too.

He was certainly one of the stellar stars at GIA, with an enormous amount of gemological knowledge and dedication. He was always personable with everyone, regardless of their "status" in the industry, and certain the model of being one of the worlds most experienced and educated gemologists. A true friend who I will miss tremendously.

Rockdoc

 

[JohnQuixote]

Photo courtesy of GIA.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Mr. Crowningshield was a true distinguished gentleman who will be missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times back in the 80''s.

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[oldminer]

Robert Crowningshield was a pillar of the GIA and the gemological community. He led the sort of life that enabled the GIA to become the world recognized institution it became during his long tenure. We met many times at GIA Alumni meetings or AGS Guild functions when they were held at the GIA lab in NYC years ago. My father was a contemporary of his and having been of of the early 1950''s GIA students, knew Mr. Crowningshield far better than I did. My father''s GIA diploma had both Robert Crowningshield''s and Richard Liddicoat''s signatures on it, I believe.

An institution like the GIA owes much of its renowned stature to those who were there near the period it was founded. Just like the patriots of 1776 who met in Philadelphia, men and women of such high character may occasionally come together to create a very special organization or a even an entire country which has a grand and long lasting success.

You could count on Robert Crowningshield''s integrity. No better comment can be made.