Gene Cullinane
After graduating from Washburn University with a degree in business and finance, Gene signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Three years later, Gene signed with the Green Bay Packers who allocated him to the Montreal Machine of the World Football League. After being released from the Packers, Gene began his career in the jewelry industry.
Gene spent less than a year working for an independent jeweler in Topeka, KS before moving to Kansas City. He managed a prominent Kansas City jewelry store before deciding to start House of Diamonds in 1995. Gene recognized an opportunity for an independent jewelry store and design facility. His passion for the design and manufacturing side of the jewelry business drove him to build a store with an emphasis on traditional jewelry craft and the exciting new technologies emerging in our industry. Gene also has an education from the Gemological Institute of America. Gene is married to Karen and they have two daughters, Alexis and Reagan.

Karen Cullinane
Karen started her love of jewelry design in high school at Shawnee Mission East with Mr. Crawford. While at Shawnee Mission East she earned a national award for one of her pieces. Following high school, Karen went to the University of New Mexico for a year, and then continued her education at the University of Kansas where she studied Metal-smithing and Jewelry Design. Karen designs all of House of Diamonds custom work on a CAD system, and then creates the models utilizing our two model machines. Her long-time passion of jewelry and design are a great asset to House of Diamonds, and the custom design process. Karen and her husband Gene have two beautiful daughters, Alexis and Reagan, whom you will most likely see the next time you visit the store. She loves the outdoors, and enjoys swimming and fishing with her family.

Tim Gwin
Tim began his jewelry making career in high school at Shawnee Mission East, and continued at University of Kansas where he earned a double major in Computer Sciences and Design. After graduation Tim completed a one year trade school program, and then entered an apprenticeship with master jewelers. During his 35 year jewelry career, he has earned GIA certification for Diamond Grading, as well as numerous certifications for multiple aspects of the industry. With such an extensive career, Tim has had the opportunity to build and work on items for many generations of clients in the Kansas City area. His name and meticulous work is known not only in Kansas City, but recognized by industry professionals throughout the country. Tim has three lovely daughters. His creativity does not end with visual art, but extends into the music realm. He often plays the upright and electric bass in several bands around town, enriching KC with his jazz and rhythm & blues music.

Bob Snell
Bob was introduced to the jewelry industry by his brother, who is also a jeweler. His training was hands-on, learning from his brother, and then apprenticing under several master jewelers. Bob currently has over 33 years of experience, and has an extraordinarily broad skill base ranging from antique repair and refurbishment, to the most cutting edge of jewelry making techniques. At House of Diamonds Bob performs all of our precious metal casting, drawing from over 30 years of centrifugal casting experience, and integrating it with our state-of-the-art computerized casting operations. Bob also spends his free time on his farm and enjoys hunting.

Lacey Cowan
Lacey is the newest addition to our staff at House of Diamonds.  While in the Lake of the Ozarks for a short vacation, the crew recognized the talent of this young jewelry stylist.  Lacey began her career in jewelry at the age of fifteen.  She designed semi-precious necklaces that quickly became a hit at the Ozarks.  Lacey is now assisting House of Diamonds with sales, daily operational tasks, and design.  Be on the lookout for her designs as they grace our cases becoming a great complement to our already vast jewelry repertoire! Lacey enjoys visiting her family at the lake.  She also loves hot sunny days and outdoor activities.

Jerry Peterson
House of Diamonds is glad to say that we employ a Veteran of the US Air Force.  Jerry served over 20 years and we definitely appreciate his service to our country.  After his retirement he continued working in the IT field as a computer programmer/Systems Analyst and management consultant.  He has developed several websites for local businesses.  Jerry currently assists House of Diamonds with all IT and Social Media applications. Jerry enjoys spending time with his wife Gisela.  She owns Gisela’s European Skincare and provides excellent skincare to the KC Metro area.  Let’s not forget she also managed to introduce Gene to his wife Karen.