Mark Turnowski, President of online diamond retailer, Engagement Rings Direct, has been a prominent member of the diamond industry for over 33 years. Mark’s career began in 1976 as a Senior Staff member at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York. Mark has held various positions in the diamond industry ever since. He left GIA in 1978 and became a private consultant to the diamond trade, specializing in re-cutting diamonds to maximize their clarity and cut. This position put him in contact with many members of the diamond manufacturing community which he utilizes today when selecting the finest diamonds for his customers. In the following years, Mark has held the position of the First laboratory Director of the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Mark has also been hired as an appraiser for numerous accounting firms such as Peat Marwick and Arthur Anderson. In 1996 Mark started his own jewelry design company entitled MTI Designs, which featured custom designs in rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants.

In 2001, Mark founded the online based wholesale jewelry company, Engagement Rings Direct. ERD specializes in bringing wholesale diamonds and custom jewelry to the online community.

Mark Turnowski has an impeccable reputation both online and offline, from both the diamond industry and the private sector. This reputation has been the foundation of both Mark's success and ensures he will remain servicing diamond buyers for years to come.

Dan Gillen is considered one of the top gemologists in the diamond grading field. To date, he has graded over 400,000 diamonds ranging from 13 points to well over 200 carats - including the 273.85 carat Centenary Diamond.

Dan spent 25 years as a member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He was involved with GIA cut grade analysis before its inception and eventually made his way to Director of the NY Diamond Lab. After moving on from the GIA, Dan became the Director of diamond grading at the GCAL. He has taught many of the top graders that went on to promising careers at GIA, IGI and AGS and has given diamond grading presentations in Atlanta, Chicago and Las Vegas.

Dan offers a wealth of technical knowledge which compliments his vast experience viewing the finest cut diamonds and has a respected relationship with many of the top diamond manufacturers in the world.

With over 30 years of experience as a diamond industry professional, Gary Friedman brings to ERD his keen eye as a buyer and his sharply honed skill of selecting the best merchandise for the best price. For two decades, Gary was the senior diamond buyer for one of the nation's largest ring companies, traveling the global markets to source and purchase over $50 million of engagement ring diamonds a year. Many of the well-known jewelry brands in America were quality assured under Gary's watch, carefully screened for excellence and consistency of stone and workmanship.

Gary's wealth of knowledge specifically in diamond rings gives you one of the sharpest eyes in the business to choose your stone for you. The expertise and personal service you expect from a high quality jeweler. Gary is there for you every step of the way to help you make this highly personal decision.

Robert (Bob) Bogel is regarded as one of the leading authorities in the in the world of gemology. In his distinguished career, Robert became one of the first gemologists at the GIA, oversaw cutting at one of the diamond industry’s leading manufacturers. He has been personally involved with sourcing, cutting and selling some of the most desirable diamonds in existence.

Robert Bogel is also considered a foremost authority on natural color diamonds. For the last several years, Robert has been at the center of the exclusive natural color diamond market. Robert was the previous owner of the "Rob Red" diamond, one of the rarest gemstones on earth.

With a reputation for honest, openness and integrity, Engagement Rings Direct is truly excited to have Robert Bogel as a member of the staff.