EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJan 04, 2024
World-Renowned Gem Carver Tom Munsteiner Dies at 54
The gemstone cutter is remembered for his contributions to the lapidary community and his hearty laugh.
Renowned gem cutter Tom Munsteiner died at his home Dec. 28. Pictured from left are his father Bernd, his son Philipp, Tom, and his wife Jutta Munsteiner. (Photo courtesy of Somewhere In The Rainbow)
Stipshausen, Germany—Award-winning fourth-generation gem cutter Tom Munsteiner died unexpectedly at his home in Stipshausen, Germany, on Dec. 28, the family announced in a statement circulated Wednesday.
His wife Jutta Munsteiner was with him.
He was 54.
The owner of Atelier Munsteiner in Stipshausen, Munsteiner was a world-renowned carver who took a bold approach to his unique cutting styles. He took home many AGTA Spectrum Awards for his cuts over the course of his career.
A Munsteiner gemstone is a work of art, and Tom was a true visionary of lapidary works.
He will be remembered fondly for his hearty laugh and for sharing his knowledge with others in the lapidary community.
Tom learned gem carving from his father Bernd Munsteiner, another renowned artist who was born into a family of gem cutters in Germany.
Bernd’s artistic approach to the craft allowed Tom to further the field of gem sculpting, developing his personal style of creative genius within the gemstones, making them highly collectible and valuable.
He is survived by his parents Hanne and Bernd Munsteiner, wife Jutta, and son Philipp.
Jutta and Philipp will carry on the family business alongside their team in Germany.
The family encourages attendees of GJX show in Tucson, Arizona, or the Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery to visit the Atelier Munsteiner booth to honor Tom’s life and recall his passion for gems.
The family also is requesting privacy as they prepare services to honor Tom, his legacy to the gem world and his family.
“In peace, we wish our friends, clients, and colleagues around the world a happy and prosperous New Year. Thank you for your respect and support,” the Munsteiner family said.
National Jeweler will have more on Tom Munsteiner’s career and legacy in a future article.
Anyone with memories of Tom they would like to share can email National Jeweler Associate Editor, Gemstones, Lauren McLemore at lauren.mclemore@nationaljeweler.com.
His wife Jutta Munsteiner was with him.
He was 54.
The owner of Atelier Munsteiner in Stipshausen, Munsteiner was a world-renowned carver who took a bold approach to his unique cutting styles. He took home many AGTA Spectrum Awards for his cuts over the course of his career.
A Munsteiner gemstone is a work of art, and Tom was a true visionary of lapidary works.
He will be remembered fondly for his hearty laugh and for sharing his knowledge with others in the lapidary community.
Tom learned gem carving from his father Bernd Munsteiner, another renowned artist who was born into a family of gem cutters in Germany.
Bernd’s artistic approach to the craft allowed Tom to further the field of gem sculpting, developing his personal style of creative genius within the gemstones, making them highly collectible and valuable.
He is survived by his parents Hanne and Bernd Munsteiner, wife Jutta, and son Philipp.
Jutta and Philipp will carry on the family business alongside their team in Germany.
The family encourages attendees of GJX show in Tucson, Arizona, or the Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery to visit the Atelier Munsteiner booth to honor Tom’s life and recall his passion for gems.
The family also is requesting privacy as they prepare services to honor Tom, his legacy to the gem world and his family.
“In peace, we wish our friends, clients, and colleagues around the world a happy and prosperous New Year. Thank you for your respect and support,” the Munsteiner family said.
National Jeweler will have more on Tom Munsteiner’s career and legacy in a future article.
Anyone with memories of Tom they would like to share can email National Jeweler Associate Editor, Gemstones, Lauren McLemore at lauren.mclemore@nationaljeweler.com.
The Latest
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
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.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
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.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
