More than 250 gem, jewelry, and mineral companies are expected to exhibit, including the American Gem Trade Association.
Johnny Kneller, an Expert on the Exceptional, Dies at 75
He was a close friend and business partner of Laurence Graff, who described him as “the greatest diamond dealer I have ever known.”

He was 75.
Kneller was born in 1946 in Prague, then in Czechoslovakia. He was the son of diamond trader who specialized in large stones.
Kneller grew up in Antwerp and followed in his father’s footsteps, eventually becoming an expert on big diamonds and polishing “countless” important rough stones, according to information provided by his son-in-law, Yves Alexis.
This includes the 603-carat Lesotho Promise, the 709-carat Peace Diamond, and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona.
“He really loved the stones,” Alexis said. “[He loved] the material, to see the color, appreciate the cut, life and sparkle.”
Kneller was also one of the first diamond manufacturers to forge a “true alliance” with an extremely well-known high-end jeweler—Laurence Graff.
The two formed their partnership in the late 1990s, with Kneller bringing the high-end jeweler in as a partner at Safdico, the diamond manufacturing firm Kneller and Brian Gutkin started in the ‘80s.
In a statement shared with National Jeweler, Graff described Kneller as his best friend and business partner. The two were friends for five decades and traveled the world together for their diamond manufacturing business.
Graff said Kneller was a great partner with a vast, almost unparalleled knowledge of both rough and polished diamonds.
He had a “uncanny” way of finding exceptional gems, whether rough or polished, that ended up in Graff stores around the world.
Outside of the diamond business, both men also shared an interest in fine art. Graff said while Kneller had knowledge of art history that spanned decades, he was a collector of contemporary pieces.
The two had regular Sunday morning chats about diamond mines, production and manufacturing, as well as what works of art were up for sale.
“I will miss him immensely,” Graff said. “I loved him as family. A special intellectual, reserved, kind and considerate man, he lived and breathed diamonds all his life. For me, he was the greatest diamond dealer I have ever known.”
Kneller is survived by his wife, Delly; two daughters, Katya and Julie; and six grandchildren.
The Latest

This year’s Design Atelier is full of gems.

They’re a testament to the power of excellent design.

The most trusted diamond report, available in print or the GIA App.

This year’s honorees include one of Florida’s largest independent jewelers and two multi-store independents in the Chicago and New York areas.


The industry’s most influential contemporary designers are showcasing their latest jewelry designs.

Created by Maitri Lab-Grown Diamonds and graded by IGI, it’s slightly bigger than the record-setting lab-grown diamond GIA just examined.

Navigate origin determination with Continuing Education seminars offered by the GIA Alumni Collective™.

The marketing agency has integrated its first C-suite.

The jewelry trade show also will debut educational content centered around social media.

Luxury kicks off today, with the full show in swing on Friday.

One of the three new collections was inspired by the legend of a woman who traded her mansion to Cartier for two strands of natural pearls.

Rob Ballew will be tasked with communicating the jewelry giant’s plans and financial performance to investors.

With the app, customers receive a 15-day insurance offer on new purchases while their coverage needs are being evaluated.

It is in House of Showfields, a bazaar-style retail space in the borough’s Williamsburg neighborhood.

From consumer trends to retail technology, these are the JCK Talks sessions that should be on attendees’ radar.

Signature pieces from Cartier and David Webb will appear in the June jewelry auction.

They will be celebrated at the annual dinner dance and gala in the fall.

Gemologists have long used machines in diamond grading but technology has made it possible for them to “learn” how to do it on their own.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by IGI

Watch retailers Jeffery Bolling and Bobby Bengivengo discuss employee training, customer education and the sticky subject of future value.

The company has plans to revamp the Movado brand and offer less expensive watches this year.

Set with a 118-carat unheated Sri Lankan sapphire, it just sold for $3.4 million at Phillips jewelry auction in Hong Kong.

Sponsored by Noam Carver

As cybercrime incidents threaten the industry, jewelers need to know what they’re up against and the best ways to protect their businesses.

The Pittsburgh jeweler is redoing the lighting and showcases, and adding a full hospitality bar as well as new shop-in-shops.

Zale has more than 40 years’ experience in the diamond industry, including 17 years as Stuller’s VP of diamonds and gemstones procurement.