The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has hired Loretta Castoro as a gemologist in its Gemological Testing Center.%%Castoro qualified as a Fellow of the Gemological Association of Great Britain and received an Advanced Scientific Gemology Certificate from the Swiss Gemological Institute. She is a Graduate Gemologist in Residence with the Gemological Institute of America and a Certified Gemological Appraiser with the American Gem Society.%%In addition to her work in gemology, Castoro has also collaborated with companies such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue on developing branded products and the distribution of new merchandise.%%Castoro has served as vice president of merchandising and gem acquisition for Mondera.com and as director of colored-gemstone acquisition and as a senior appraiser for .