Michael Arnstein’s family recently reached the 85th anniversary of their work with colored gemstones, so he celebrated in a way that is unique to him: Arnstein decided to climb one of the most difficult mountains in the world.
To honor his 30 years as president of The Natural Sapphire Company and its monumental anniversary, Arnstein took on the challenge of climbing Mount Everest. He reached the summit on May 12, 2024.
“I have always been drawn to extreme challenges that test the limits of human endurance,” Arnstein says. “Summiting Everest was a metaphor for the peaks and challenges our company has overcome through generations. It symbolizes our commitment to excellence and our ability to reach new heights.”
Family patriarch Walter Arnstein founded The Natural Sapphire Company in 1939. The four-generation-old family business was an early adopter of selling gemstones on the internet, and it was one of the first colored gemstone companies offering niche-specific gemstones online. Today, The Natural Sapphire Company has offices in four countries and more than 100 employees.
The company now operates four websites: The Natural Sapphire Company, The Natural Ruby Company, The Natural Emerald Company, and The Natural Gemstone Company.
The process of preparing for such a climb is extensive, Arnstein says. Part of what he did to get ready was finding motivation mentally as well as the work he had to do physically.
“Preparation involved physical training, acclimatization to high altitudes, like sleeping in a special low-oxygen tent at night for a month prior to leaving for Nepal, and logistical planning,” Arnstein says. “I also spent time reflecting on the company’s history and values, drawing parallels between the endurance needed for the climb and the perseverance shown by our family business over the decades.”
Thankfully, he had support throughout his preparation and actual climb back at the office, so to speak.
“It was a matter of careful planning and delegation,” Arnstein says. “Many of our managers have been with the company for over 10 years, even 20 years in a few instances. Our company’s strong management team allowed me to step away while they managed day-to-day operations. This trust and support were crucial in enabling me to focus on the climb.”
The climb presented many challenges beyond the grueling weather.
“The Khumbu Icefalls were particularly terrifying with their ever-shifting landscape and the ever-present danger of ice avalanche,” Arnstein says. “The extreme cold and physical exhaustion at high altitudes were constant challenges that tested my mental and physical limits. It took 28 days from start to finish—that’s a long time to be on a mountain.”
One thing that kept him going was knowing what he had with him—both physically and mentally.
“I carried pictures of the family members who operated the family business prior to my joining the company as well as a huge 307-carat blue star sapphire all the way to the summit,” Arnstein says. “I had this stone in my pocket every step of the way. I had to bring that stone home safely. It was one of the motivating factors in staying alive!”
Were his friends, family, or co-workers surprised by his decision to summit Mount Everest? Arnstein says they’re used to him at this point.
“Adventure and personal achievement are central to my leadership style. They instill a sense of excitement and determination,” Arnstein says. “By pushing my own limits, I hope to inspire my team to pursue excellence and innovation within the company.”
Just like the work his family did to establish their business, Arnstein says he is proud of the work he did for this challenge.
“Reaching the summit was an unforgettable moment. It was not just about the physical achievement but the emotional significance of celebrating our company’s legacy at the top of the world. I was very proud to hold up our company name on a small flag at the top of the world. It was a moment of profound connection to our family’s journey and the values we uphold.”
So, what’s next for Arnstein? He’s not slowing down, that’s for sure.
“Well, I’m thinking about a very long run for when the company turns 100 years old. I’ve run over 100 marathons and many ultramarathons. I once ran 135 miles across Death Valley in the middle of the summer, nonstop running, and my shoes almost melted on the road,” Arnstein says.
“I’ll be 62 years old when the company turns 100 years old. If I still have my health, my grand finale will be a run across America—San Francisco to New York City.”
Top: Michael Arnstein in May reached the summit of Mount Everest to help celebrate the 85th anniversary of his family’s company The Natural Sapphire Company (photos courtesy of Michael Arnstein).
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