Brendan M. Laurs (MS, FGA, GG) is editor-in-chief of The Journal of Gemmology, published by Gem-A in London. He is based in the San Diego, California area, and is a gemologist and geologist specializing in the formation of colored gemstone deposits. Brendan developed an early interest in geology while exploring the gem-bearing pegmatites of San Diego County. He obtained a BS degree in geology at UC Santa Barbara and an MS degree in geology from Oregon State University. His MS thesis and post-graduate studies were focused on pegmatite-related gem deposits (emerald and tourmaline) in northern Pakistan. Brendan briefly worked as an exploration geologist for colored gemstones (benitoite and red beryl) with Kennecott Exploration Co., and then was employed at GIA as an editor of Gems & Gemology from 1997 to 2012. He has studied and reported on colored stone deposits worldwide, including various localities in Africa/Madagascar, Brazil, Asia, and the USA.