CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
GradingDec 17, 2025
SSEF Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersTwo awardees will receive free tuition for an educational course at the Swiss lab, with flights and lodging included.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 16, 2025
Pandora’s New CEO Will Step Up EarlyBerta de Pablos-Barbier will replace Alexander Lacik at the start of January, two months earlier than expected.
AuctionsDec 16, 2025
Suzanne Belperron, JAR Shine in Sotheby’s First Auctions at New HQSotheby’s held its first two jewelry sales at the Breuer building last week, and they totaled nearly $44 million.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
TJS Now Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2026Winners will receive free registration and lodging for its fourth annual event in Detroit.
ColumnistsDec 16, 2025
Beyond Unboxing: Creative Reveals to Drive Reach and EngagementHere are six ideas for making more engaging content for Instagram Reels and TikTok, courtesy of Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams.
Events & AwardsDec 16, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Names 2026 Award RecipientsThe honorees include a notable jewelry brand, an industry veteran, and an independent retailer.
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
