GIA Museum celebrates gem-carving pioneer

June 25, 2007

The use of angles and curves in this sculpture from Bernd Munsteiner reveals the gem-carving master's radical approach to his craft.

Carlsbad, Calif.—A new exhibit at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum showcases an innovative body of work from German artist Bernd Munsteiner, a pioneer in the art of gem carving.

The June 8 gala event marking the opening of the exhibit, "Reflections in Stone," drew a capacity crowd eager to meet the "Father of the Fantasy Cut," as Munsteiner is frequently known.

The gem legend sparked a revolution more than 40 years ago when he broke out in an entirely new direction of gem carving. Today, he is best known for turning agates and transparent stones into sculptures and objets d'art. His trademarks include the abstract use of angles, grooves and curves, scaling across the stone.

During the gala event, gem and mineral authors and teachers Si and Ann Frazier delivered a presentation titled "Bernd Munsteiner: Maker of a Gemstone Revolution."

This marks the third presentation in GIA's 2007 Museum Lecture series. The Munsteiner exhibit will be open to the public through March 2008 at GIA's Rotunda Gallery. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call (760) 603-4000.