Renowned Gem Cutter Tom Munsteiner Dies

World-renowned and award-winning gem carver Tom Munsteiner died at his home in Germany on December 28 at the age of 54.

Munsteiner, the owner of Atelier Munsteiner in Stipshausen, Germany, was the fourth generation of his family in the industry. He took a bold approach to his unique cutting style, and was a true visionary of lapidary works, his family said in a statement Monday.

The part of his job that excited him the most was “the never-ending possibilities to design something new,” he told the Art Jewelry Forum in 2015.

His father, Bernd Munsteiner, is also a renowned cutter, while his wife, Jutta, designs the jewelry that features their stones. Tom’s son, Philipp, is also a cutter who works in the family business. They will carry on his highly specialized work with their team in Germany.

Tom will be remembered for his hardy laugh and his eagerness to share his knowledge with others in the lapidary community, his family noted. They have asked that friends honor his memory by visiting their booth at the upcoming GJX or Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery during the Tucson gem shows.

Munsteiner is survived by his wife and son, as well as his father and mother, Hanne.

Image: Tom and Jutta Musteiner. (Musteiner Family)