Skip to main content

Richard T. Liddicoat–Mr. GIA

In this episode, Mr. GIA . . .

Can you name one person who, during your lifetime, changed your life in an extraordinary way? Was it a parent, a teacher, a historical figure, or maybe a serendipitous acquaintance? One person stands out among all others - Richard T. Liddicoat. Sunday, March 2, 2025, would have been Mr. Liddicoat’s 107th birthday. Although he passed away in 2002, his memory lives on in me.

In 1985, as a resident student at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Santa Monica, CA, I was invited by Richard T. Liddicoat Jr. (then Chairman of the Board) to his office.

Liddicoat was a student of human nature, a lover of gemstones, and a lifetime GIA advocate. He would visit every Resident (on campus) Colored Stone/Gem Identification classroom just before each class was to graduate. He would often bring samples of remarkable gems submitted to the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory for the students to see. He would also stop by a classroom to discuss industry trends, the latest developments in synthetics, or whatever the hot topic of the day was.

Honestly, I can’t remember what he said the day he visited our classroom because when he asked, “Any questions?” Everyone sat there, blank expressions on their faces, horrified to speak. After all, this was Mr. Liddicoat–who wrote the book on Gemology—a jewelry industry icon—the Father of Modern Gemology, Mr. GIA! Needless to say, our group was somewhat intimidated.

At that time, in addition to the Gem Identification Lab Manual, Liddicoat’s  Handbook of Gem Identification (first published in 1947) was provided to each student as a supplementary reference tool for understanding what to look for and the tests necessary to verify the identification of unknown gemstones. My copy was well-thumbed, and I consistently ferreted out identification clues that the "Lab Manual" did not offer.

In the dead silence, my hand shot up enthusiastically, “Mr. Liddicoat, would you sign my copy of your book?” “Absolutely,” He said. “Stop by my office after class.”

So, I did . . .

I’ll never forget what he asked me that day: “What are your plans after graduation? We want you to return as one of our instructors. We're always looking for young people with your enthusiasm.” His uncanny ability to cultivate people was like mining for gems: He always looked for the good in others.

For those of you who knew Mr. Liddicoat–whom many GIA staff affectionately called "RTL"–he was our leader, friend, and patriarch for over 60 years. RTL treated everyone at GIA like his son or daughter. During his visits to the Carlsbad campus long after retirement, he would stroll the halls, greeting students and colleagues by name and taking the time to chat with and encourage each individual.

His accomplishments encompassed many aspects of gemology: Liddicoat created the internationally recognized diamond grading system, expanded GIA’s education programs, elevated the Gem Trade laboratory and research functions, developed instruments to aid gem identification, wrote ground-breaking articles and books, was Editor and Chief of Gems & Gemology, and was the visionary behind the idea of a world-class gemological research library, which now bears his name: The Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center.

In honor of his birthday, I hope you will take a few minutes to reflect on the values he imbued in you: integrity, respect, empathy, authenticity, and a willingness to go the extra mile for anyone who needs encouragement and direction.

He will always hold a special place in my heart as Mr. GIA, just as he does for millions of students worldwide.

Now, I realize that Mr. Liddicoat was a unique individual among millions. Still, my message is to remember that we encounter remarkable people who influence us and others daily. In our fast-paced world, take the time to appreciate and thank those exceptional individuals who make a difference–you may be one of them!

I'm Patrick Ball. Remember–stay curious and ask questions. See you in the next episode.

Labels:

Comments

Anonymous said…
I lovely tribute - to a lovely man. Nicely done!
March 4, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Post a Comment

Most Popular of All Time

Believing Is Seeing

🎄 In this episode, Believing Is Seeing . . . It's December, we bustle, we wrap, and we dash. We sort life into boxes— myths  here,  to-dos  in a stash. We whisper of Santa (adult code: “Not Real”), but hold on one minute—let’s rethink this whole deal. For the stories we cherish, the movies we stream, hold more truth in their sparkle than we grown-ups may deem. So hop in this sleigh and hold on real tight— We’re chasing down Santa by the glow of his light! Scott Calvin once landed in the North Pole’s cold air, with elves, cocoa, and snow everywhere. He squinted and frowned—“This just  cannot  be so!” (Like thinking tangled lights will detangle if we  blow .) Then Judy the Elf gave a cocoa so steaming,  and said something simple . . . yet surprisingly gleaming: Seeing’s not believing—no, that’s not the key. "Believing is seeing!"   Just trust, and  you’ll  see!” Kids don’t need a map or a satellite screen to know Santa’s workshop is her...
1 comment
Read more

Stamps and Snow

In this episode, Stamps and Snow . . .   You don’t usually walk into the local Post Office expecting a time warp . . . but here we are. All we wanted were stamps for this year's Christmas cards— yes, the old-fashioned paper ones that require licking, sticking, and hoping the Postal Service is feeling ambitious this week. But holiday errands have a talent for slowing you down, almost like the universe whispering, “Relax. You’re not getting out of this line any faster anyway.” So we waited. And while we waited, we talked (Are you surprised?). Because the Post Office is one of the few places where people still look up from their phones long enough to talk . . . Maybe it's because they're holding packages. It’s the modern town square: part civic duty, part free entertainment, part sociology experiment. The discussion began with holiday specials streaming on Netflix, Paramount+, and other services during this time of year. One gentleman who has lived in Vista since 1958 told us,...
3 comments
Read more

Night Before Christmas

I n this episode, Night Before Christmas . . .  (In the spirit of Edgar Albert Guest) I’ve wrestled with the tangled lights the way I always do— With just enough patience left to see the project through. I climb the ladder carefully; the years have taught me how. To take my time with every step and keep a steady brow. We hang the faded ornaments I’ve known since I was small, the chipped, the cracked, the tilted ones—I love them best of all. Santa’s lost a bit of paint, the stars’ leaning right, but oh, it casts a holy glow across the room tonight. The kitchen hums with activity, with laughter, and with cheer, as voices drift like echoes from a long-forgotten year. The floor is strewn with paper scraps, the clock is ticking slow, As Christmas finds its own sweet pace and sets our house aglow. The hallway grows a little still; the lights are dimmed, and low, Small shoes are lined in messy pairs to wait for morning’s snow. The fire's warm, the room is full, the world is deep and wide,...
2 comments
Read more

Un-Work the Old-Fashioned Way

🎩   In this special episode. How to Un-Work the Old-Fashioned Way It’s 2026! Yes— this is the year! A different kind of start—you feel it right here? No lists! No demands! No fix-all-your-flaws! No “New You by Tuesday!” No rules! No laws! Those resolutions? Bah! Dusty and dry! We’ve tried fixing everything —so let’s ask why. Why rush and correct and improve and compare, When noticing quietly gets you right there ? So here’s a new project—no charts, no clocks, No boxes to check in your mental inbox. It’s bigger than busy and smaller than grand, It’s called Un-Working —now give me your hand! Un-Working’s not quitting or hiding away, It’s setting things down that shout “Hurry! Hey!” The hustle! The bustle! The faster-than-fast! The gotta-win-now or you’re stuck in the past! That’s the work of Un-Working— plop! —set it free! The titles! The labels! The “Look-At-Me!” The crown that kept sliding and pinching your head— You never looked comfy . . . let’s try this instead: Pick up a tel...
Post a Comment
Read more