SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
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
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
