I started in lapidary work in 1969. In 1972 I graduated from the American School of Diamond Cutting under Leonard Ludel. I became a gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). I became a Goldsmith studying under a jeweler who apprenticed in Russia in 1909. During the last 48 years I have been involved in almost every facet of the gemstone business from mining to the purchase of estate pieces in Palm Beach. I still cut gemstones and will be selling from my collection.