About the Presenter: Derek Katzenbach, owner of Katzenbach Designs, first started his love for jewelry and gemstones at a local mineral show. He was instantly entranced by all the incredible treasures being shown. In the following few years, Katzenbach searched out local mentors who helped him start his journey into the design, metalsmithing, and lapidary worlds. This path also led him to Carlsbad, California to obtain his G.G. (Graduate Gemologist) and G.J. (Graduate Jeweler) degrees from the Gemological Institute of America. After receiving his formal education Katzenbach soon formed Katzenbach Designs, specializing in custom gem cutting, jewelry, and other fine artwork.

Since forming Katzenbach Designs, Katzenbach has passionately pursued the knowledge to do his own design work, CAD, lapidary, metalwork, and stone setting. By having all of these skill sets he is able to masterfully create elaborate and innovative pieces that are instantly recognizable.

In the last two decades, Katzenbach has had his work become part of museums, won prestigious awards, and found homes in various private collections. His first AGTA Spectrum Award-winning ring is on display at the world headquarters of GIA in Carlsbad, California along with the “Colors of Maine” Kaleidoscope that won a Spectrum Award in 2017. Katzenbach has many gemstones and pieces of jewelry in the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum including the largest faceted Maine gemstone, the “Quartz Queen” a 1452ct Maine Smoky Quartz. He also has fantasy cut lapidary works in the Somewhere in the Rainbow Collection.

Katzenbach currently resides in Farmington, Maine, with his wife, three children, two dogs, and one cat. When not creating fine gemstones and jewelry Katzenbach loves spending time with his family, playing volleyball, and gardening.