CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
SourcingFeb 01, 2022
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.”
Large-stone expert Johnny Kneller, a lifelong diamantaire and partner of Brian Gutkin and Laurence Graff at Safdico, died Jan. 20 at the age of 75. (Photo courtesy of Yves Alexis)
Antwerp—Johnny Kneller, a man who “lived and breathed diamonds all his life,” succumbed to cancer on Jan. 20.
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.
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
