Joe Van Ells Joins AGS Laboratories' Management Team

May 17, 2007, Las Vegas, NV. The American Gem Society Laboratories, LLC is expanding their management team by adding Joe Van Ells in 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.

“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.

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.

The AGS Laboratories, created in 1996, is committed to protecting the consumer by providing unbiased grading reports based on the highest standards of diamond grading. AGS Laboratories is the only diamond grading laboratory licensed to use the AGS Performance-Based Cut Grade System — the first-ever cut grading system for a fancy shaped diamond. The Lab currently issues a cut grade on round brilliant, princess, and emerald cut diamonds. Other shapes are due to come on line in the near future.

For more information on the AGS Performance-Based system, or any of their products and services, please visit www.agslab.com or email marketing@agslab.com.