At Gemological Science International (GSI), we understand that, in the diamond industry, quality and integrity are invaluable. We built our company on the foundation of a management team that is both knowledgeable and trustworthy.
The leading members of our management team have in excess of 30 years experience between them. Their knowledge and expertise in the gem laboratory industry allowed them to build Gemological Science International into the innovative and respected company it is today. Get to know them a little better by reading their profiles below.
Mark Gershburg
Founder
Mark Gershburg is a diamond and gemstone industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience.
Gershburg first joined the industry in 1980 as a grader for one of the world’s largest gem labs. His professionalism, creativity, and commitment were rewarded with increased levels of responsibility over the next two decades, during which time he was promoted to the lab’s director and then CEO. Mr. Gershburg is widely credited with the sustained growth of the lab, including the opening of three branch offices, the creation of one of the industry’s most efficient grading operations, and development of a research team.
In early 2005, Mr. Gershburg launched GSI as a new and innovative lab designed to leverage new technologies, improve trade efficiencies, enhance consumers’ experience, and meet the rapidly changing needs of the jewelry industry in the 21st century.
Gershburg has played an active role within jewelry industry organizations including the World Diamond Council (WDC), Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), Responsible Jewelry Council (RJC) and the Diamond Dealers Club (DDC) of New York. He most recently served as director of the U.S. Kimberly Process Authority, a trade organization that works closely with the U.S. Government to prevent the infiltration of “conflict diamonds” into the legitimate trade, a position he held for over a decade.
Debbie Azar
co-founder
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of GSI and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry.
As an executive with extensive knowledge of the diamond and jewelry industry, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological laboratories on four continents.
She has been featured as an industry expert in many leading media broadcasts and publications including Forbes, Good Morning America, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, CBS, Varney & Co, The Street, and NASDAQ.
She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewelry Council, Diamonds Do Good and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York.
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