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"He was the most incredible person I ever knew and consider myself blessed to have known him as I did." - Doug Parker

"The light of his gifts to us will shine brighter than the brightest star (sapphire, ruby or otherwise). Everyone who knew him is better for it." - Jeffrey Bilgore

“Sincere condolences for the loss of our exceptional great good friend, Bob." - Eddy Elzas, Rainbow Gems

"I remember first meeting Bob when I came into the business in 1980. As a rookie, I was so nervous going to meet the grand master and was shocked to discover a man as interested in what I had to say as I was in what he had to say. Plus, he was so downright sweet -- a description I seldom use, but, for Bob, cannot avoid. Through the years, he always made time for me. He made me feel special, but I'm sure he did that for all he knew." - Charles Meyer

"The GIA and the jewelry trade are mourning the loss of a legendary giant. I, on behalf of the Chow Tai Fook board of directors and all staff members, would like to offer our deepest condolences." - Albert Chan, Chow Tai Fook

"Bob Crowningshield's expertise was boundless. As an eminent gemologist, he would spend the time to explain his critical observations to a diamantaire, a rookie gemologist, or a secretary in simple terms. Working with him was not only an honor, but a pleasure. Great memories with a great guy who worked the trenches as well as the lectern with passion. Thanks Bob. A leader by example." - George Salorio, Ishaia Trading Corp.

"I am so very sorry on this great loss for our industry. I know how much he meant to so many of you at the GIA where he was revered and respected so highly." - Susan Jacques President & CEO Borsheim's a Berkshire Hathaway Company

"As a young gemologist I had the privilege to work intimately with Bob for several years in the NY Identification department. His knowledge of gemology was unquestionable, but it was his love of gemstones and life that inevitably left the greatest impression. Each working day brought gemological enlightenment, but also included chronicles of Bob’s life alive with anecdotes. His jovial wit and selfless personality was infectious to everyone he touched. It was opportune having Bob as a mentor, but also an extreme privilege to know him as a friend. Bob Crowningshield the “gentleman” was respected and admired by many people, but I will always remember “GRC” as a caring individual who eagerly shared his knowledge, his humor and his life. - William Farley, GIA

G. Robert Crowningshield was the single most influential being to cross my path in the 32 years of my gemological life. After being hired by Mr. Liddicoat in 1975, even before completing my studies in California, I started my very first job as a Graduate Gemologist under the direction of GRC in the colored stone/gem identification and fancy color diamond origin department of the then young, GIA New York Lab. There were only 10 of us and we did everything from receiving items at the window to grading, identifying and even typing up the reports. Bob was the most unique, knowledgeable, sharing and supportive individual who seemed to be put on this earth to teach and share all his knowledge, research and life experiences with everyone whether a gemologist, office staff or lay person. He was always interested in what you thought and how you arrived at your information. In addition to all this abundance, he was a dear friend who loved nature , plants and flowers. African Violets where his favorite and he had special planters for these tender, delicate plants. My first apartment overflowed with these lovely gifts. He had the golden touch for these special flowers and wanted to share there beauty as he shared all the unique beauty that pasted our lab tables. We had dinner parties at his lovely home in which he adored using all his fine sliver, linen and china. Bob was the ultimate in elegance in his dress, jewelry, home and being. In the most recent years, I spent many precious moments visiting him and sharing stories of old and new as Bob always wanted to know what was doing now, what research in rough diamonds I was up to and lectures I had done in my son's science class to bring Gemology, as a usable science, out of the text book and into the class room. It was pure grace to have had the privilege of sharing time with Bob very recently, bringing flowers, sushi and hugs and kisses to the man who was my mentor. I will miss him dearly with all my heart. - Linda Naiditch Salkin, G.G.

I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Crowningshield in person. I knew him only through his gemological work. His tireless curiosity coupled with a superb intellect and sterling personal qualities mark him as a truly great gemologist. We share in the sadness of his passing but take solace in the magnificent contributions he made to advance the science of Gemology in the 20th century. His legacy to the GIA and the jewelry industry is profound in every respect. - Respectfully Submitted by Thomas E. Goodwin, G.G. (Class of 1985)

"My association with Bob goes back a long way. We attended Grossmont High School, in La Mesa, together. I knew Bob as what his buddies called "a brain". It was when we entered college together that we became good friends. It was then that he also fostered my love of classical music, having many "get-togethers". Together, we took many classes in the Life Sciences, where I remember him as tops in all his classes. We went on many field trips together, collecting insects and flowers, etc. After college he joined the Navy and I entered Stanford Graduate School. He often came down to visit me when his ship was in San Francisco or I would go up to visit him and we would go to various fine arts programs together. Because of our Life Sciences interests, I remember one trip when he came home from the southwest Atlantic where he had been, and he had a handful of various gemstones. I believe this was the beginning of his life's work. He will be missed by me and all his other friends and associates." - Foss Corley

"I write to sympathasize with you at the news of Bob's death. Both he and Dick Liddicoat used to call on me at the Geological Museum when they were in London - this was in the fifties - and we swopped gem testing techniques and many slides for lecturing to students. We became very good friends. His death greatly saddens me. My commiserations at the passing of a great gemmologist." - Alan Jobbins

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Bob Crowningshield's passing and he will be greatly missed. I am honored to have both known and worked closely with him for many years. Learning firsthand about gemology from the best in the gem world was an inimitable experience. When he appeared on the cover of Gems and Gemology a few years back, I approached him to autograph my copy while he was busy working at the sink in the lab. He paused a bit and looked at me inquisitively; then a smile appeared on his face. He was surprised and flattered with my request. He stopped what he was doing and delightedly signed my copy. As he did this he said he did not realize he was so popular and stated we both knew each other for a long time! I do not think he realized how he affected all who came in contact with him and how truly respected he was by all that knew him. Bob was truly a humble, gentle man. That is just one of many fond memories I have of him." - Laura Baillargeon

"It was with great sadness that I learned of Bob's passing. I came to work for Bob at GIA in 1973. As a 20 year old kid from Nebraska, New York City was a pretty intimidating place! Bob not only taught me a wealth about gemology, but about life in the big city, and life in general. He was truly a gentleman's gentleman, with a brilliant mind and a kind soul. He will always hold a place in my heart as one of the truly special people to have blessed my life." - Dennis Maun