The new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.
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.

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.
The Latest

Take a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.

In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.


The new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.

The holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

The brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Timepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.

The auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.

As chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.

The parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Jewelry industry veteran Alisa Bunger has taken on the role.

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

The company will pay 1.5x silver’s current spot price for each pound of silver oxide batteries submitted.

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.