Mr. Stephen Hofer began his career in the earth sciences in 1976 as a geophysicist at the University of Connecticut. He went on to study for the GG, the graduate gemologist in residence diploma at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), graduating in 1979.

After graduation he accepted a position as a Research Gemologist with the GIA Research Department specializing in the study of colored diamonds and the interaction of light and gem materials. During this time, Mr. Hofer completed the requirements for F.G.A., Fellow of the Gemological Association of Britain, graduating with distinction.

In 1986 Mr. Hofer was asked to measure the color of the 0.95-carat purplish red diamond at Christie's to confirm if this was in fact a "true" red diamond. This rare gem sold at public auction in April 1987 for $926,315 per carat. This is the current world record price (per carat) for a colored diamond at public auction. Later that year, he went to Geneva, Switzerland accompanying a colored diamond collector who was participating in the Argyle Tender. At this invitation only event, participants entered sealed bids in an effort to purchase a limited number of pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in Northwestern Australia.

In 1988, Mr. Hofer was asked to document the Aurora Collection of colored diamonds (currently on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City). This labor of love involved years of research and writing, culminating in an extensive 768 page book featuring 700 color illustrations. Universally recognized as the seminal work of the field "Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds", scientifically standardized the global colored diamond market.

Since the publication of his treatise, Mr. Hofer has lectured at seminars worldwide, educating hundreds of industry professionals and elite collectors on the science behind colored diamond's radiance. He frequently issues authoritative documents and letters on important colored diamonds in the market. The diamond industry, auction houses, and the world's premier dealers utilize the information contained within to acquire and divest of the world's colored diamonds.

Mr. Hofer is currently President of Fancy Color Consultants, an independent consulting firm that works exclusively with members of the diamond trade. In addition, he has graciously accepted an invitation to serve as Colored Diamond Collectors' gemologist and consultant.