January 15, 2026

The American Gem Society honors the life and legacy of Peter Yantzer, ECG—a remarkable leader, gemologist, and friend whose work helped change how we see diamond beauty. Peter passed away on January 10, 2026, and leaves behind two daughters, Melissa and Elise, his grandchildren, and his brothers, Paul, Phil, John, and Steve. Peter’s loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and by the many whose lives and careers he touched through his warmth, humor, and dedication to excellence. Peter joined AGS Laboratories in 1995 as Executive Director, bringing with him vast knowledge and a deep belief that the

By Jason Quick, Sr. Director, Diamond Cut Research, GIA Jason Quick, Sr. Director, Diamond Cut Research at GIA, worked closely with Pete at AGS Laboratories on light performance, and they stayed in close contact over the years. Now at GIA, Jason wanted to share a few words in Pete’s memory. Happiness is an inside job. These words, along with so many other Pete-isms, are permanently burned in my brain. (Sorry, Pete, I’m having a hard time being happy with your passing. We all are. Do you have any idea how missed you are?) Pete’s smile was contagious. Big, happy, joyful.

When Pete passed, our CEO, Katherine Bodoh, RJ, shared the news in the AGS Facebook group. We’d like to share a few comments from members who knew Pete well. It’s heartbreaking to lose Pete. My condolences go out to the Yantzer family and to all the people whose lives he touched. Working with Pete was an adventure. We battled the front lines together, we worked on the makings of new patents together, and we discussed ‘the singularity.’ But no matter what, in Pete’s world, it was always a ‘great day to be alive.’ Let’s honor that and stay positive and