Bernd Munsteiner: Reflection in Stone

The fascination of precious stones has held the peoples of all cultures and civilisations in thrall, a phenomenon that has lasted to the present day. Bernd Munsteiner, a gem-cutter (trained at Pforzheim) living near Idar-Oberstein has revolutionised gem-cutting. His aim was not perfecting the superficial sheen or brilliance of a crystal; he wanted to reveal the ´inner-workings´ of precious stones. The cuts he has invented, ´Natural Movements´, ´Inside Selecting´ and ´Rhythmus´ (Rhythm) exemplify Munsteiner´s approach to handling precious stones. His gems are encountered in numerous pendants, brooches and rings. In recent years Munsteiner´s oeuvre has also featured gem sculpture. His ´Dom Pedro´ and ´Metamorphosen´ (Metamorphoses) open up entirely new dimensions in creative gem design.