A Gem Round Table is a unique opportunity to experience the fascinating world of colored gems with personalized guidance from our host, award-winning fine jewelry designer Susan Helmich. It's hands-on, it's educational, and (most of all) fun... a rare chance to get up close and personal with all types of colored gems. After some simple instructions and a few friendly pointers, you'll get the hang of handling these sparkling treasures in no time!

During an artistic career spanning more than 40 years, Bernd Munsteiner has created a rich oeuvre with which is represented worldwide in public and private collections. He is world-famous as an outstanding innovator in modern gem-cutting and gem sculptures. Recently, his magnificent Aquamarine sculpture, DOM PEDRO, has been installed within the permanent collection in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington D.C.

As they say, "The apple does not fall far from the tree!" In 1969, Tom Munsteiner was born into the world of gem artistry and inspiration... following in his father's footsteps, Tom realized his destiny to join forces with his father in the art of gem cutting. A fourth generation gem-cutter, Tom Munsteiner first learned the skills which he would need to successfully cut and polish gems into the classical faceted cuts, before learning the special incisions required for the geometric cuts that his father pioneered. Tom Munsteiner has taken his skills on a path towards his own style, however, and has earned a reputation as a master gem-cutter in his own right, receiving awards throughout the world today for his artistic contributions to the art.