CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' DiamondThe 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
