IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
