EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
IndependentsOct 28, 2016
Jim Fiebig, Gemstone Expert and Jeweler, Dies at 60
The jeweler who “simply lived and breathed gemstones” died Oct. 22 after a battle with cancer.
“He made friends wherever we went,” master gem cutter Steve Moriarty recalled of friend and longtime travel companion Jim Fiebig. This photo taken by Moriarty shows Fiebig on the beach in Mananjary, Madagascar.
Cape Carteret, N.C.--Jeweler Jim Fiebig, an expert on colored gemstones who was revered by many in the trade, died Oct. 22 after a battle with cancer. He was 60.
Fiebig was born Oct. 3, 1956 in Hillsdale, Mich. to Arthur and Ila Fiebig, owners of Fiebig Jewelers.
When his parents bought a second jewelry store in Sturgis, Mich., he took over management of the store, becoming a goldsmith and studying diamonds and gemstones at the Gemological Institute of America.
In 2005, Fiebig sold the family business so he could live in Madagascar for a time.
The gem-rich island turned out to be one of many places he would travel for the colored gemstone trade; Fiebig’s passion also took him to Brazil, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Kenya, and South Africa, where he guided other jewelry professionals in the gemstone trade.
Steve Moriarty, a skilled gem cutter who developed a close friendship with Fiebig over decades of travel, described their on-the-road working relationship like this:
“I judged the rough that miners and dealers presented. Jim took care of the most difficult part of travel, communications and logistics. I could focus on my job while Jim was learning what he could from the dealers.
“He made friends wherever we went.”
In addition to his travels, Fiebig also worked as a global sales manager of Zultanite Gems LLC.
His final job was as general manager at Josephs Jewelers in Des Moines, where owner Toby Joseph said he shared his colored gemstone knowledge with others on the staff and connected with customers.
Fiebig was born Oct. 3, 1956 in Hillsdale, Mich. to Arthur and Ila Fiebig, owners of Fiebig Jewelers.
When his parents bought a second jewelry store in Sturgis, Mich., he took over management of the store, becoming a goldsmith and studying diamonds and gemstones at the Gemological Institute of America.
In 2005, Fiebig sold the family business so he could live in Madagascar for a time.
The gem-rich island turned out to be one of many places he would travel for the colored gemstone trade; Fiebig’s passion also took him to Brazil, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Kenya, and South Africa, where he guided other jewelry professionals in the gemstone trade.
Steve Moriarty, a skilled gem cutter who developed a close friendship with Fiebig over decades of travel, described their on-the-road working relationship like this:
“I judged the rough that miners and dealers presented. Jim took care of the most difficult part of travel, communications and logistics. I could focus on my job while Jim was learning what he could from the dealers.
“He made friends wherever we went.”
In addition to his travels, Fiebig also worked as a global sales manager of Zultanite Gems LLC.
His final job was as general manager at Josephs Jewelers in Des Moines, where owner Toby Joseph said he shared his colored gemstone knowledge with others on the staff and connected with customers.
“People found a real friend in Jim, who understood genuine relationship building,” he said.
Because of his unique life, the jewelry store arranged a very special tribute in his honor--a Madagascar lemur exhibit dedicated to him at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines.
Fiebig is survived by his wife, JoAnn; two sons, Chad and Jared; mother, Ila; and grandchildren, Alaina and James Arthur.
Jim Fiebig, pictured here with New Jersey jeweler Nancy Schuring, on a trip to Madagascar. Schuring described him as a “walkin’, talkin’ expert ambassador for all gems colored.” (Photo courtesy of Schuring)
While Fiebig was immersed in the jewelry trade from a young age, music was his first love and always remained an important part of his life.
Because of this, a scholarship has been created in his name for a Jonesville (Michigan) High School senior who plans to attend the University of Michigan and has demonstrated a passion for music or the arts.
Those who would like to contribute to the scholarship fund can make their checks payable to the James A. Fiebig Music & Arts Award Fund, c/o Hillsdale County Community Foundation, 2 South Howell St., P.O. Box 276, Hillsdale, MI, 49242.
Another scholarship fund lives in Fiebig’s name as well.
Nancy Schuring, owner of Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff, N.J., said in an email to National Jeweler that Fiebig was the director of the Devon Foundation, which supports communities in Africa involved in the gem trade. The scholarships granted by the foundation are known as the Jim Fiebig Lapidary Scholarships.
“Jim was our guide (in Madagascar in 2008) when we got the idea and inspiration to start the Devon Foundation,” she explained. “Jim adored the jewelry business and he was a walkin’, talkin’ expert ambassador for all gems colored. His knowledge and enthusiasm were very contagious. He loved to share his passion.
“Our industry has lost a valuable voice.”
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
