Robert Weldon

Until March 1 of 2024, Weldon served as the director of GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library in Carlsbad, California, where he led a team of librarians and subject matter experts. He positioned the library to be a critical archive for researchers and students and the trade, but also a significant content producer, much of it digitized, providing greater access. Weldon is the recipient of the 2020 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.

As a writer and photographer for Gems & Gemology, GIA’s scholarly publication, Robert sees and handles superb gemological treasures from around the world. Using his gift for photography and storytelling, he often writes feature, peer-reviewed articles for the journal. His images have enriched numerous articles in G&G and other publications and books. He counts over 40 covers of the journal to his name.  

Weldon has been involved in the production of several books, including Splendour & Science of Pearls, which he co-authored and edited. A Rough Guide for Artisanal Miners is an educational book which he has also delivered and  lectured on to artisanal miners in Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and other East African countries, as a part of GIAs Artisanal mining program, funded through its Endowment.

Robert Weldon is now retired from GIA but plans to remain active and vital to the gem and jewelry industry.