C.R. “Cap” Beesley

C.R. “Cap” Beesley is a internationally known gem consultant and gem sciences specialist. Currently, he serves as President of Analytics, a research and development firm focused on consulting in gem related fields. He is also Chairman of Gemcore’s Gemstone Standards Commission, a non-profit educational organization that is dedicated to gem consumer protection programs.

Formally, Cap was founder and president of American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a New York based, international gem testing facility, specializing in the determination of country of origin, gem enhancement detection, and the quality assessment of ruby, emerald and sapphire. During his time with the laboratory, Cap served for more than 10 years as the primary gem consultant to the United Nations Minerals Branch, establishing gem laboratories and training facilities internationally. In addition, he has taught both gem related programs and courses around the world including the University of Peshawar in Pakistan, the University of Kashmir and The Geological Survey of Malawi, Africa.

Previously, he was a senior staff member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where he was responsible for implementing GIA’s 6-month resident program on the East Coast, while simultaneously developing the model for their first colored stone grading course, in addition to directing the GIA’s gem investment program.

Currently, he serves on Yale’s Leadership Council for the Peabody and also as Chairman of the Museum’s Mineral and Gem Advisory Board.