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
- Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt – Technician
Administrative Staff
- Aashish Shah – Business Manager
- Jason Harmon – Customer Service Representative
- S. Khin May Lwin – Customer Service Representative
- Thaar Htun Lwin – Photographer
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.
Susan Paralusz – Senior Laboratory Gemologist Susan joins GTC as a Senior
Laboratory Gemologist with eighteen years experience serving the gemstone and jewelry industry including eleven years as a laboratory gemologist at GIA GTL and AGTA GTC.
Susan Paralusz graduated with a B.A. in Statistics/Mathematics from Rutger’s University, New Jersey in 1981 and an M.B.A. in Marketing from The American University (TAU) in Washington, D.C. in 1985. While attending TAU, she was awarded a graduate research assistantship in Operations Analysis assisting two professors writing a book on Linear Programming. Analysis and computers engaged her interest until a chance meeting at NYU’s School of Continuing
Susan discovered the graduate gemologist program at GIA and soon after achieved her Graduate Gemologist diploma, eventually working for GIA GTL-NY from 1991 to 1999. She initially worked as a diamond grader and later as a Senior Laboratory Gemologist in Identification and Research. It was at GIA that Susan sharpened her microscope and identification skills working along side her mentor Robert Crowningshield, testing and reporting on some of the world’s most exclusive gemstones.
Susan left GIA (and essentially colored diamonds) behind in 1999 to join Kenneth Scarratt at the “new” AGTA Gemological Testing Center where she used basic and advanced testing techniques to determine country of origin for sapphires, rubies and emeralds, the natural or synthetic origin of gemstones, gemstone treatments, and pearl identification. While at the AGTA, Susan assisted in getting the first GTC mobile laboratory off the ground, conducted research, wrote lab notes and spoke at several forums on gemological topics.
Susan returns to AGTA-GTC after a six year absence when she traveled through Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, and returned to the U.S. to become an operations manager managing a $60 million diamond inventory for an international diamond wholesaler.
Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt – Technician
Hpone-Phyo K. Nyunt, a native of Myanmar (Burma), joined the GTC in December 2004. Hpone’s family has a long history in gemstones and jewelry. Hpone left Myanmar to come to the U.S, to study computer engineering and electrical engineering at Northern Illinois University and Columbia University. He found a way blend his technical expertise and gemstone interests at the AGTA GTC.
Hpone is proficient with many of the laboratory’s scientific instruments such as the RAMAN spectroscope , the EDXRF and the FTIR spectroscope. He provides training and support on all the laboratory equipment, computers and software. He also maintains the GTC’s web site. Hpone’s special interest is in detecting and identifying treatments and fillers found in emeralds. Hpone is currently completing his G.G.
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.
For more information, please visit our website www.agta-gtc.org, or call us at 212-752-1717.
