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, he signed with the Green Bay Packers. Following his time with the Packers, Gene left football to apply his business and finance degree 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 the local need for a true custom jewelry design and finishing studio that could complete a piece from design to delivery while never leaving the shop.
His passion for the design and manufacturing side of the jewelry business drove him to build a store with an emphasis on one-of-a-kind custom jewelry, uncompromising quality and service, and breakthrough technologies in jewelry design and craftsmanship. Gene also has certifications from the Gemological Institute of America. Gene is married to Karen and they have three daughters, Alexis, Reagan, and Tallia.
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 state-of-the-art CAD system that includes technology and 3D equipment usually found only in the most prominent international design shops. Her long-time passion for jewelry and design is reflected in every stunning creation at House of Diamonds, and is experienced by our clients in the custom design process. Karen and her husband Gene have three beautiful daughters, Alexis, Reagan, and Tallia, 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.
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 40 years of experience and has an extraordinarily broad skill base ranging from antique repair and refurbishment to the most cutting-edge jewelry-making techniques.
At House of Diamonds Bob performs all of our precious metal castings, drawing from over 30 years of centrifugal casting experience, and integrating it with our state-of-the-art computerized casting operations. He also provides the rest of our dedicated team of custom jewelers with an ageless go-to resource that can only come from experience and passion for the craft. Bob spends his free time on his farm and enjoys hunting.
JP Weir – Store Manager
JP Weir joined the House of Diamonds team in November 2015, bringing a dynamic background in business and a deep passion for delivering exceptional client experiences. A proud graduate of the University of Kansas School of Business, JP specializes in business development and public relations, helping to elevate House of Diamonds’ commitment to exceptional service and personalized care.
He is currently pursuing his Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, further deepening his knowledge and expertise in fine jewelry.
Outside the showroom, JP loves spending time with his son, “Little Vinny,” and his wife, Dana. He’s a devoted family man who enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams, traveling, discovering new restaurants across Kansas City, and making lasting memories with friends and loved ones
Dexter Krumrie
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Dexter brings a foundation of hard work, dedication, and integrity to every client interaction. He earned a degree in Business Administration from JCCC and is currently pursuing a Graduate Gemologist certification through the Gemological Institute of America.
Dexter’s journey in jewelry began not on the bench, but through the eyes of a customer—someone who appreciated the craftsmanship and personal meaning behind each piece. Today, he takes pride in guiding clients to select jewelry that commemorates life’s most meaningful moments. Coming from a football family (his father, Tim Krumrie, played 12 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and coached in the NFL for 14 more), Dexter brings the same work ethic and commitment to excellence to every client.
When he’s off the clock, Dexter immerses himself in his guitar, a passion he’s nurtured for nearly 30 years. He lives here with his wife, a dedicated first-grade teacher, their daughter Harper, another little one on the way, and two large (and lively) Central Asian Shepherd Dogs.
Hunter Murray
A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Hunter brings both artistry and precision to his role as a jeweler. After graduating from Blue Valley High School in 2014, he earned a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from the University of Kansas in 2018, laying the foundation for a career that blends craftsmanship with creativity. He went on to earn his Diamonds Certification from the Gemological Institute of America in 2019, further sharpening his technical expertise.
Hunter has always been passionate about working with his hands, whether constructing something entirely new or bringing a client’s vision to life. He’s drawn to the balance of structure and imagination that jewelry making provides, and takes pride in creating pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautifully made.
When he’s not at the bench, you’ll often find Hunter diving into new projects, exploring creative outlets, or working on hands-on builds that keep his skills sharp and his ideas fresh.
David Balmilero
Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, David’s path into the world of fine jewelry began with a single high school class that sparked a lifelong passion. That early interest led him to the University of Kansas, where he earned a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry, combining technical training with a deep appreciation for the craft.
David joined House of Diamonds in 2023, bringing a hands-on and curious mindset. He thrives on the challenges that come with bench work, knowing that no two days (and no two pieces) are ever the same. For David, jewelry is a constant opportunity to learn, refine, and evolve, whether perfecting a new technique or tackling a complex custom design.
Driven by a desire to improve with every project, David takes pride in helping clients turn their ideas into something tangible, beautiful, and lasting.
