Well-known gem cutter Tom Munsteiner, owner of Atelier Munsteiner in Germany, has died.
He was 54, Rapaport News reports. Munsteiner passed away on Dec. 28 at home in Germany.
“Tom was a renowned, award-winning gem carver whose bold approach to cutting styles made him a visionary in the space and created a unique look that was always boldly his own,” according to a post shared by Gemworld International. “A gem carved by Tom was, without a doubt, instantly a work of art.”
The posted noted that Munsteiner’s wife, Jutta Munsteiner, and son, Philipp Munsteiner, will carry on the company’s work with their team in Germany.
The family requests that mourners visit their booth at GJX or the Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery during the gem shows in late January/early February.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
