Renowned gem carver Glenn Lehrer, celebrated for his groundbreaking artistry with colored gemstones, passed away on November 27 at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. His passing was announced by Lehrer Designs, his Larkspur, California-based company.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Lehrer’s passion for gems was sparked in 1976, following his return from three years in India. His fascination began when his brother handed him a piece of quartz, an encounter he described as life-changing in his autobiography, In Quest of the Indescribable: The Artistry and Life of a Gem Carver:
“As I held the crystal, I felt a surge of energy run from my hand, up through my arm, and explode in my head. Never before had I felt anything so powerful.”
Lehrer was largely self-taught, immersing himself in crystallography, gemology, and mineralogy. After years of honing his skills, he reflected on the evolution of his craft:
“It was not until my 15th year when I really began to come into my art, where skill merged with my imagination to dream up many of the complex styles I’ve created.”
Creating Masterpieces
Lehrer’s artistic achievements include the iconic Bahia, a 426-pound rutilated quartz crystal, crafted in collaboration with gem artist Lawrence Stoller. The piece is displayed at the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Carlsbad headquarters and has been humorously dubbed “the world’s largest pendant.”
Lehrer’s work earned numerous accolades, including American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum and Cutting Edge awards, and graced the cover of Lapidary Journal a record 18 times.
“The reason I love to cut and carve colored gemstones is that they are all so different and unique. If it’s been done before, I am not interested in doing it,” Lehrer once told Gemporia. His innovative approach redefined gem artistry, creating designs the industry had never seen.