Sourcing

Gemstone Cutter Glenn Lehrer Dies at 71

SourcingDec 03, 2024

Gemstone Cutter Glenn Lehrer Dies at 71

An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.

Glenn Lehrer
Gemstone artist Glenn Lehrer, founder of Lehrer Designs Studio, died on Nov. 27 at age 71.
Larkspur, Calif.—Award-winning gemstone cutter and carver Glenn Lehrer died on Nov. 27, following a battle with cancer.

He was 71 years old.

A tribute written by his family was posted to Lehrer’s Facebook profile by Lehrer Designs Studio, the company he founded in 1980. 

The post inspired an outpouring of love from the jewelry design and lapidary artist communities, several of whom noted the impact of Lehrer’s passion, kindness, talent, and beautiful soul.

Lehrer was born March 3, 1953, in California. He developed a passion for art and adventure early in life, according to the tribute. 

His nearly 50-year career in gemstone carving and jewelry design began in the 1970s, when he traveled to India and established a spiritual connection to crystals and gemstones.

Lehrer was a largely self-taught lapidarist and goldsmith. 

In college, he studied crystallography, gemology, and mineralogy, and in 1979, he received his graduate gemology degree in residence from the Gemological Institute of America, according to an “About” page on the Lehrer Designs website. 

He was passionate about innovation and blending science and art. 

Lehrer invented new gemstone cuts, including the patented TorusRing, a modern, faceted gemstone with a hole in the middle designed for setting another gemstone in. 

He also enjoyed co-creating with other artists, including Mark Schneider, Paula Crevoshay, Gordon Aatlo, Kent Raible, Connie May, Marianne Hunter, and others. 

Notably, he worked with fellow artist Lawrence Stoller to create the monumental rutilated quartz sculpture “Bahia,” weighing 426 lbs. It has been on exhibition at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History, and currently, it hangs in the lobby of the GIA Carlsbad campus.  


Crevoshay posted to Lehrer’s Facebook page saying, “We cherish our precious memories of all the wonderful times we spent with Glenn and Sharon dreaming up new projects and collaborating on bringing them to fruition. Glenn was noble of spirit, kind and generous, and an artistic genius. Our whole world is enriched by his legacy.” 

Lehrer won numerous awards for his designs, including several American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum and Cutting Edge lapidary awards. 

His work has also been featured on the covers of industry trade magazine the Lapidary Journal several times, and his gemstone carvings and jewelry designs are in museums and private collections worldwide. 

Lehrer loved to share his passion, appearing on television programs such as QVC and Gemporia for his gem cutting knowledge. 

He also authored the 2016 book, “In Quest of the Indescribable: The Artistry and Life of a Gem Carver.” 

Lehrer volunteered his time to the jewelry industry in several ways. 

He was a member of AGTA and served on the board of directors for 10 years, where, as chair of the constitution committee, he contributed to the re-writing of AGTA's constitution and bylaws, according to the Lehrer Designs website. 

Lehrer was given a lifetime honorary membership with the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) for his work consulting with the board and staff to re-write and update their constitution and bylaws, the web page said.  

He also served on the board of trustees for UK-based nonprofit Colourful Life Foundation, an organization committed to helping improve health and education initiatives and foster sound environmental practices in gemstone mining and cutting communities in the developing world, the Lehrer Designs website said. 

Lehrer’s work was inspired by the natural world around him. 

Growing up riding a longboard in Los Angeles later turned to surfing on the coast of Northern California, particularly Rodeo Beach and Fort Cronkhite near the Golden Gate Bridge, where Lehrer was inspired by the fluidity and motion of waves in the ocean.  

The exhilaration and peace he found in its rhythm influenced the sense of movement and natural beauty seen in his creations. 

In addition to surfing, Lehrer had a deep love of horseback riding, finding a sense of peace and connection to the natural world through exploring coastal trails. He was member of the National Park Service’s horse patrol for the Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 

Lehrer had a deep and abiding love for his wife of 45 years, Sharon, and considered their partnership a cornerstone of his life, the tribute said. 

Family was central to his life; he cherished his childhood, often speaking of how his older brother Wayne constantly inspired and encouraged him to pursue his passions. 

Lehrer is survived by his wife, Sharon; his two brothers, Harvey and Wayne; and a handful of nephews and nieces, as well as many friends, colleagues, and admirers. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages readers to contact GIA about creating a scholarship in honor of Lehrer. 

Donations can be made directly to GIA in remembrance of Lehrer at scholarship@gia.edu


Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

Kristen Bell, Angela Bassett, Lisa Manobal
EditorsSep 15, 2025
Skipping the Necklace, Embracing Snakes: The Best Jewelry From the 2025 Emmy Awards

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

Holiday presents in gift boxes
SurveysSep 15, 2025
Resilient Shoppers to Boost Holiday Retail Sales, Says Deloitte

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

Rough montana sapphire
EditorsSep 12, 2025
Out & About: Mining Sapphires in Rock Creek, Montana

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Arunashi Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings
TrendsSep 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Arunashi’s Fordite and Rhodolite Earrings

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Weekly QuizSep 12, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Susan Jacques and Al Gilbertson
Events & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

Supreme Court stock image
Policies & IssuesSep 11, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case in November

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Tabayer’s Nordstrom Shop-in-Shop
MajorsSep 11, 2025
Tabayer Opens Nordstrom Shop-In-Shop

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

De Beers education app on mobile phone
SourcingSep 11, 2025
Need to Sell More Natural Diamonds? De Beers Has an App for That

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

Gold jewelry on a scale
MajorsSep 10, 2025
Stuller to Swap Gold Scrap for Full Credit to Account

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob and Co Loewe headphones
SourcingSep 10, 2025
Tech Meets Style in the New Loewe x Jacob & Co. Headphones

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Tiffany & Co Favrile Beetle Necklace in Frankenstein
TrendsSep 10, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Archival Jewels Bring Life to ‘Frankenstein’

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsSep 10, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo American’s Quellaveco copper mine in Peru
SourcingSep 09, 2025
Anglo American to Merge With Canadian Copper Miner

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The Mellon Blue diamond
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
‘The Mellon Blue’ to Return to Auction, This Time at Christie’s

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

Dianne Batista Phillips Auctions
AuctionsSep 09, 2025
Phillips Names Dianne Batista Head of Jewels, New York

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

Anastacia Lauren, Elle Jerge, Logan Nye
MajorsSep 09, 2025
MJSA Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

Korman jewelry store Austin
IndependentsSep 08, 2025
Take a Look Inside the New Korman Store in Austin

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsSep 08, 2025
MJSA Is Officially Now Under JA’s Umbrella

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

Sothebys JAR and Suzanne Belperron jewels
AuctionsSep 08, 2025
Sotheby’s To Auction ‘Exceptional’ Collection of JAR, Suzanne Belperron Jewels

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

A street in Carlsbad California
Events & AwardsSep 08, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

Jamie Turner Victoria Labradorite Necklace
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Stock image of the U.S. Supreme Court
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

Patrick Mahomes Hublot campaign
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand Ambassador

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

gia-edu main image.png
Supplier BulletinSep 04, 2025
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Sponsored by GIA

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy