AGS Labs Appoints Gemological Services Director

The American Gem Society Laboratories, LLC has appointed Joe Van Ells to the newly created position of director, Gemological Services. Van Ells, who will report to Peter Yantzer, AGS Laboratories executive director, will be responsible for directing the Lab’s team of diamond grading professionals.

Since 2002, Van Ells has served as Stuller’s large diamond grading manager and gemology instructor. Prior to that, he worked for QVC Shopping Network as a gemstone buyer and provided quality assurance oversight. Van Ells also served as a gemological instructor for GIA, providing instruction worldwide in diamond grading.

Van Ells is a certified gemologist from the American Gem Society, and is a graduate gemologist from GIA. He also has a BS from Ball State University, in Earth Science/Secondary Education and Anthropology. Van Ells is also a graduate in Jewelry Manufacturing at Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity, said Van Ells. “To work at AGS Laboratories is quite an honor, and I’m looking forward to making any contribution I can.”

“Joe shares the Lab’s philosophy for setting the highest standards for diamond grading. He exemplifies the AGS Laboratories’ benchmark for excellence,” said Yantzer.