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David began his jewelry career at the bench in 1972. He became a GIA Graduate Gemologist and American Gem Society Certified Gemologist, taught gemology internationally for GIA, worked in retail and wholesale, and served as a director of Cintrem, Ltd.

He later owned David Baker Creative Jewelers/Baker Jeweler-Gemologist in Dublin, Ohio, while providing appraisal services to 26 additional jewelry stores. After relocating to Houston, he established a trade appraisal business, joined the appraisal staff at Amber’s Jewelers in Katy, and served as Membership and Education Manager for the American Gem Trade Association from 2014 through 2024.

David is an internationally published author and frequent industry speaker. His article “Revolution in Diamond Cutting: Laser Sawing of Diamond Crystals,” originally published in GIA’s Gems & Gemology, continues to be cited. His advocacy work has also supported breast-cancer research and patient organizations.

Douglas has spent decades advancing knowledge, appreciation, ethical practices, and consumer protection in the colored-gemstone trade. He served for nearly 25 years as CEO of the American Gem Trade Association and later as CEO of the International Colored Gemstone Association.

Earlier in his career, he worked at GIA as an instructor in diamond grading and gemstone identification and later managed the Institute’s Extension Division, overseeing gemology classes for jewelers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His experience also includes importing fine gemstones, jewelry marketing, and leadership in the antique and estate jewelry business.

Across his career, Douglas has represented the gemstone community in national and international organizations and shared practical education with jewelry professionals around the world.

Leela Hutchison, G.G. (GIA), is a gemologist, explorer, researcher, and author best known as one of the first explorers to enter the Giant Crystal Cave at Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico, in January 2001. During that expedition, she documented the world’s largest known selenite crystals and captured the first photographs released from the cave.

Her work in one of Earth’s most extreme environments has inspired more than two decades of research into the geology, history, and scientific significance of the Naica caves, including unusual microbial discoveries and potential astrobiological implications.

Leela has presented at the Smithsonian Institution, The Explorers Club, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, AGTA, and scientific organizations. She is the author of Journey into the Giant Selenite Crystal Caves of Mexico, and her research has appeared in national media.