CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
IndependentsOct 28, 2016
Jim Fiebig, Gemstone Expert and Jeweler, Dies at 60
The jeweler who “simply lived and breathed gemstones” died Oct. 22 after a battle with cancer.
“He made friends wherever we went,” master gem cutter Steve Moriarty recalled of friend and longtime travel companion Jim Fiebig. This photo taken by Moriarty shows Fiebig on the beach in Mananjary, Madagascar.
Cape Carteret, N.C.--Jeweler Jim Fiebig, an expert on colored gemstones who was revered by many in the trade, died Oct. 22 after a battle with cancer. He was 60.
Fiebig was born Oct. 3, 1956 in Hillsdale, Mich. to Arthur and Ila Fiebig, owners of Fiebig Jewelers.
When his parents bought a second jewelry store in Sturgis, Mich., he took over management of the store, becoming a goldsmith and studying diamonds and gemstones at the Gemological Institute of America.
In 2005, Fiebig sold the family business so he could live in Madagascar for a time.
The gem-rich island turned out to be one of many places he would travel for the colored gemstone trade; Fiebig’s passion also took him to Brazil, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Kenya, and South Africa, where he guided other jewelry professionals in the gemstone trade.
Steve Moriarty, a skilled gem cutter who developed a close friendship with Fiebig over decades of travel, described their on-the-road working relationship like this:
“I judged the rough that miners and dealers presented. Jim took care of the most difficult part of travel, communications and logistics. I could focus on my job while Jim was learning what he could from the dealers.
“He made friends wherever we went.”
In addition to his travels, Fiebig also worked as a global sales manager of Zultanite Gems LLC.
His final job was as general manager at Josephs Jewelers in Des Moines, where owner Toby Joseph said he shared his colored gemstone knowledge with others on the staff and connected with customers.
Fiebig was born Oct. 3, 1956 in Hillsdale, Mich. to Arthur and Ila Fiebig, owners of Fiebig Jewelers.
When his parents bought a second jewelry store in Sturgis, Mich., he took over management of the store, becoming a goldsmith and studying diamonds and gemstones at the Gemological Institute of America.
In 2005, Fiebig sold the family business so he could live in Madagascar for a time.
The gem-rich island turned out to be one of many places he would travel for the colored gemstone trade; Fiebig’s passion also took him to Brazil, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Kenya, and South Africa, where he guided other jewelry professionals in the gemstone trade.
Steve Moriarty, a skilled gem cutter who developed a close friendship with Fiebig over decades of travel, described their on-the-road working relationship like this:
“I judged the rough that miners and dealers presented. Jim took care of the most difficult part of travel, communications and logistics. I could focus on my job while Jim was learning what he could from the dealers.
“He made friends wherever we went.”
In addition to his travels, Fiebig also worked as a global sales manager of Zultanite Gems LLC.
His final job was as general manager at Josephs Jewelers in Des Moines, where owner Toby Joseph said he shared his colored gemstone knowledge with others on the staff and connected with customers.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“People found a real friend in Jim, who understood genuine relationship building,” he said.
Because of his unique life, the jewelry store arranged a very special tribute in his honor--a Madagascar lemur exhibit dedicated to him at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines.
Fiebig is survived by his wife, JoAnn; two sons, Chad and Jared; mother, Ila; and grandchildren, Alaina and James Arthur.
Jim Fiebig, pictured here with New Jersey jeweler Nancy Schuring, on a trip to Madagascar. Schuring described him as a “walkin’, talkin’ expert ambassador for all gems colored.” (Photo courtesy of Schuring)
While Fiebig was immersed in the jewelry trade from a young age, music was his first love and always remained an important part of his life.
Because of this, a scholarship has been created in his name for a Jonesville (Michigan) High School senior who plans to attend the University of Michigan and has demonstrated a passion for music or the arts.
Those who would like to contribute to the scholarship fund can make their checks payable to the James A. Fiebig Music & Arts Award Fund, c/o Hillsdale County Community Foundation, 2 South Howell St., P.O. Box 276, Hillsdale, MI, 49242.
Another scholarship fund lives in Fiebig’s name as well.
Nancy Schuring, owner of Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff, N.J., said in an email to National Jeweler that Fiebig was the director of the Devon Foundation, which supports communities in Africa involved in the gem trade. The scholarships granted by the foundation are known as the Jim Fiebig Lapidary Scholarships.
“Jim was our guide (in Madagascar in 2008) when we got the idea and inspiration to start the Devon Foundation,” she explained. “Jim adored the jewelry business and he was a walkin’, talkin’ expert ambassador for all gems colored. His knowledge and enthusiasm were very contagious. He loved to share his passion.
“Our industry has lost a valuable voice.”
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
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.
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
