Our Staff
When it comes to gem testing, we are a modest group, and so allow us to let our accomplishments speak for themselves.
- Experience. In gemology, this is everything. Our top gemologists have decades in this field. When you submit a gemstone to the AGTA GTC, it is not just in good hands, it is in the best hands.
- Innovation. Our staff gemologists have been at the cutting edge of gemology for close to three decades. During that period, they have authored or co-authored numerous papers, along with major gemological books recognized as among the finest in the field. No other lab of our size even comes close. Our publications are on the desks of gem labs around the world; these are the reference works they consult when they have a question. Which speaks for itself.
- Individual attention. Like a fine French restaurant, with us you will deal with real people. Your precious stone will not be tested by a trainee, not by Employee #327 (out of 1250), but by real people with real names and real experience. Each gem submitted to the AGTA GTC is examined by a minimum of two world-class gem experts. And when you call with a question during our office hours, you will speak with a real human being – first time and every time.
So just who are we? Here are some brief profiles of our gemological team and support staff:
Gemologists and Technical Staff
- Dr. Lore Kiefert – Laboratory Director
- Marina Epelboym – Senior Gemologist
- Susan ParaLusz – Senior Gemologist
- Mark Cirkot – Technical Scientist
- Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt – Technician
Administrative Staff
- Aashish Shah – Business Manager
- Jason Harmon – Customer Service Representative
- Garmani Maw – Photo Technician
- S. Khin May Lwin– Customer Service Representative
Gemologists
Dr. Lore Kiefert – Laboratory Director
Lore Kiefert (born in Heidelberg, Germany) began studying Mineralogy in 1981. In 1987, she obtained her Master's degree with a thesis on the distinguishing characteristics of sapphires (natural vs. synthetic as well as different origins). After this, she changed direction and went to Australia to gain her Ph.D. on the composition of desert dust.
In April 1994 she joined the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute, beginning her distinguished gemological career. Lore joined the SSEF, when the organization was located in Zürich, as Assistant Director. The SSEF moved to Basel in the same year.
Lore was awarded her Ph.D. in 1996 and her FGA (Diploma in Gemmology) early in 1998, and was appointed Director of the SSEF Colored Stones Department in 2000.
Apart from a large number of scientific and gemological papers, Lore has contributed to the Handbook of Raman Spectroscopy and the Handbook of Raman Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology. She has lectured at numerous scientific and gemological conferences in Australia, South Africa, the United States, England, Belgium, Czech Republic, Austria, Holland, Germany, and various places in Switzerland.
Lore brings great expertise both in colored gemstone identification and origin determination to the GTC.
Marina Epelboym – Senior Gemologist 
Marina Epelboym is a graduate in chemistry (BSc, with honors) from Technological University in the Ukraine. Prior to her arrival in the US 12 years ago, she worked as a chemist, conducting analyses of multi-elemental samples by spectral methods. In the US, Marina joined EGL, performing fancy-colored diamond analyses and participating in gem identification, including country-of-origin determinations. Marina also served as head officer in the diamond grading department of EGL. Besides her BSc in chemistry, Marina received an FGA diploma in 2003, and a certificate of attendance in modern micro-analytical techniques for gemologists from Kingston University in London, in 2006.
With Marina, we will have yet another experienced gemologist with a solid scientific background, making the laboratory stronger than ever.
Aashish Shah – Business Manager 
Aashish Shah was hired as a Business Manager for the AGTA GTC, New York in April 2008. He is from Mumbai, India with a background in family business. He has achieved a Bachelors in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Economics. A certification in Import-Export Management from All India Exporter's Chamber allowed him to manage his own international business for eleven years. He is fluent in three major Indian languages, along with English.
Since arriving in the U.S., his interest in gemstones culminated in a Graduate Gemologist degree and an Accredited Jewelry Professional certification from the GIA. He has also achieved a Certified Gemologist title from the AGS.
Aashish spent the last eight years as a national sales manager for a wholesale diamond company. His responsibilities included procuring and overseeing accounts, hiring and training sales people and participating in various U.S. trade shows. He has strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills with a proven track record for enhancing revenues through increased sales. His technical and professional expertise as well as understanding the importance of customer relations is truly going to be an asset for the AGTA GTC.
Mark Cirkot –Technical Scientist
Mark Cirkot has achieved a B.S. in biochemistry and a M.S. degree in forensic science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, specializing in aspects of forensic gemology. Apart from a rigorous background in the usage of polarized light microscopy, optical crystallography, and advanced spectroscopic instrumentation in the analysis of trace compounds, he has completed promising research involving the development of a visible fluorescence assay to detect beryllium diffusion treatment in padparadscha sapphires. His previous work was as an analytical chemist in pharmaceutical HPLC method development. At the AGTA, Mark is responsible for the day to day performance and maintenance of the advanced laboratory instrumentation. Mark is about to start an FGA program, which will allow the laboratory toinclude another gemologist with a solid scientific background.
Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt – Technician
Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt, joined the GTC Control Room team at the end of December 2004. He is a native of Myanmar (Burma), where his family has a history in gemstones and jewelry. Hpone came to the US in 2001 and has studied computer and electrical engineering at Northern Illinois and Columbia Universities. He is an experienced customer support assistant who is also proficient in domestic and international shipping. Hpone also has extensive experience with data entry and inventory control as well as operating all the lab equipment. Hpone is currently completing his G.G.
