CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
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.
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.
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.
Creating the quartz sculpture “Bahia” embodied Lehrer’s dedication to honoring the inherent beauty of crystals, while pushing the boundaries of creative expression, said a tribute written by his family.
Lehrer’s “Maine Phoenix,” circa 1989, features tourmaline that originated from a famous pegmatite in the state of Maine and is permanently housed at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum. (Photo credit: Harold and Erica Van Pelt)
Lehrer made this piece, “Ice Angel,” in collaboration with Paula Crevoshay. It features a 199-carat aquamarine from Ukraine, as well as moonstone, blue zircon, star sapphire, and diamonds. His nephew Thomas Jeffrey said it was Lehrer’s favorite.
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
SurveysApr 01, 2026
Consumers’ Outlook Improves Again in MarchThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up, with optimism about the present outweighing worries about the future.
IndependentsApr 01, 2026
Zachary’s Jewelers’ Constance Polamalu to Release Children’s BookThe retailer’s Zach Bear gift comes to life in “Zach Bear and the Window Necklace,” which centers on curiosity, bravery, and helping.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2026
AGA Opens 2026 Gemological Scholarship, Research Grant ApplicationsApplications are open for the AGA Gemological Scholarship Program through May 15, and until June 2027 for the Gemological Research Grant.
ColumnistsMar 31, 2026
Q1 Clues That Reveal Where Your Jewelry Store’s Sales Are Heading These customer behavior patterns say a lot about how successful your jewelry store is going to be this year, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Mejuri Adds Silver to ‘Puzzle’ CollectionMejuri’s popular collection of 18-karat yellow gold vermeil rings debuted in sterling silver alongside new “Puzzle” slider charms.
CollectionsMar 31, 2026
Buddha Mama, Ashley Longshore to Host Pop-Up in DallasThe Miami-based jewelry brand and the NYC-based artist will be in Dallas from April 9-11.
EditorsMar 30, 2026
Tom Moses Looks Back on His Decades at GIA Moses, who will leave the lab in May after nearly 50 years, discusses his start in the business, gemstones that stand out, and what’s next.
TrendsMar 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman Debuts First Spring CatalogThe new catalog, which showcases 35 one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, is a compliment to the company’s popular holiday catalog.
SourcingMar 30, 2026
Rio Tinto Hauls Last Load from DiavikProduction has ceased at the Canadian diamond mine, which has yielded more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds in its 23-year run.
MajorsMar 30, 2026
Tanishq Opens First New England LocationThe store opening marks the 10th United States location for the India-based jewelry retailer.
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
