In Memoriam: Glenn Lehrer (1953–2024)
Renowned gemstone cutter and carver Glenn Lehrer passed away in November at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. After nearly 50 years transforming stones into incredible works of art, Lehrer will be remembered for his innovative designs and unique carvings, masterfully blending science and artistry in each piece.
Lehrer discovered his fascination with gemstones after traveling the world extensively in the early 1970s and returning to his native California, when he felt a deep connection to a quartz crystal gifted from his brother. As a self-taught lapidarist and goldsmith, he returned to college to study crystallography, mineralogy, and geology, and earned a graduate gemologist diploma from GIA in 1979.
Inspired by nature, Lehrer was devoted to creating and introducing new designs to the industry, using his own lapidary techniques. Perhaps his best-known design is the patented TorusRing, a gemstone faceted with a hole in the middle to hold another faceted gemstone inside. His groundbreaking creations earned him numerous AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards and were featured on the cover of Lapidary Journal a record 18 times.
During his career, Lehrer collaborated with other notable artists and designers, including Paula Crevoshay and Lawrence Stoller. Lehrer and Stoller worked for seven years to create the 193 kg (426 lb.) rutilated quartz sculpture “Bahia” (shown in the photo). Widely considered the largest cut crystal in the world, the sculpture has permanently hung in the lobby of GIA’s Carlsbad, California, campus since 2003, after being exhibited at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.
In later years, Lehrer enjoyed sharing his designs on the television networks Gemporia and QVC. He also penned an autobiography, In Quest of the Indescribable: The Artistry and Life of a Gem Carver.
Lehrer is survived by his wife, Sharon, his two brothers, and several nieces and nephews. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lehrer’s family, friends, and colleagues.
