Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
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
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
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.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
