“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
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.

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

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America


Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.