The deep blue hues of this cut aquamarine gemstone were the principal source of inspiration for its design. Deep and mysterious, yet soothing and beautiful, it plays on the effects of light, colour and the ocean.
It was a paradigm shift in the world of gemstone cutting when Bernd Munsteiner introduced the so-called 'fantasy cut'. Until then, it had been the primary task of a lapidary to cut a gemstone to ideal proportions while preserving as much of its value as possible. However, the fantasy cut broke free from the strict traditions developed over centuries by freely cutting away the back of a gemstone to unveil a marvellous shine on the front. What was once a harshly critiqued innovation has by now become the new standard for exquisite gemstone cutting. The family legacy is preserved and carried on in the fourth generation by Tom Munsteiner – the son of Bernd Munsteiner – and his wife, goldsmith Jutta Munsteiner, who are together creating exceptional pieces of jewellery.
Read the full interviewPhoto: Lichtblick Cullmann © Tom&Jutta Munsteiner
The deep blue hues of this cut aquamarine gemstone were the principal source of inspiration for its design. Deep and mysterious, yet soothing and beautiful, it plays on the effects of light, colour and the ocean.
Photo: Lichtblick Cullmann © Tom&Jutta Munsteiner
Wearable as a brooch or a necklace, this piece was created as an homage to the Big Apple, a nickname for New York City popularised by the sports writer John J Fitz Gerald. Composed of red rhodolite in a frame of azurite in granite, it was inspired by the architecture and avant-garde lifestyle of the “city that never sleeps”.
Height 40 mm
Width 40 mm
Photo: Lichtblick Cullmann © Tom&Jutta Munsteiner
Exemplifying the beauty of natural elements, “Vibrant” was designed around an extraordinary segment of agate with an exciting array of crystallisations, varying in colour depending on the light and angle. A diamond and a red tourmaline were also fitted to the necklace, creating gentle contrasts and reflections.
Height 60 mm
Width 50 mm
Photo: Lichtblick Cullmann © Tom&Jutta Munsteiner
This exquisite multi-hued tourmaline has been shaped with Tom’s iconic “Ritmo” cut. The idea behind the design of the necklace was to create a rhythm within the cut, with alternating incisions that transition one into the other. The gem has been mounted on yellow gold, with a diamond discreetly set below the tourmaline.
Height 12 mm
Width 14 mm
Photo: Lichtblick Cullmann © Tom&Jutta Munsteiner
The Munsteiner workshop’s “Mantis” cut for this gold ring draws its inspiration from nature. Concise V-shaped incisions, evocative of the folded body of a praying mantis, give this design a clear and distinctive look.
Height 15 mm
Width 20 mm