Gemstone Expert Reginald Miller Dies

Colored stone cutter and specialist Reginald Miller died on March 9 at age 93.

According to Jerry Green, who took over Miller’s business in 1988, Miller began apprenticing in London gem shops at age 13. After serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II, Miller came to the United States and became a full-time gem cutter, often visiting Burma and Sri Lanka. Among his accomplishments: cutting the famed 62 ct. Rockefeller Sapphire. 

“He was very much the perfectionist,” says Green. “He always wanted to get the best from a stone. He was one of the finest cutters of his age.”

Miller was also known for his expertise.

“He was a figure that people looked to for answers and knowledge,” Green adds. “Robert Crowningshield, the GIA, the auction houses all used him as an expert. Now we rely on the laboratories to give our answers.”

In 1988, he retired and moved with his wife to Southern Pines, N.C., when he was involved in horse riding and dressage.

He is survived by his daughter Doreen, granddaughter Abby, and son-in-law Bob.

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JCK News Director

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