Gem Artist Glenn Lehrer, dead at age 71
Gary Roskin –
Roskin Gem News Report –
Glenn Lehrer, beloved gem artist, passed away in November at the age of 71. From Bahia to TorusRings, from Tucson gem & mineral shows to Gemporia and QVC, his passion for gems and his creations in gem art will forever be his legacy.
A personal note – gr
Like many of us in the industry, we had the good fortune of meeting Glenn Lehrer in Tucson at the annual February gem and mineral shows. Glenn was a gem artist, always presenting new carving designs or gem materials that had captured his focus. His talent was unmistakable, and he was particularly famous for his fantasia carved agates and patented TorusRing designs.
However, earlier in his career, he worked with his friend and colleague Lawrence Stoller, creating large works of gem art. One of those pieces, Bahia, is a 426-pound rutilated quartz from Bahia, Brazil. It was an enormous 800-pound crystal that he and Lawrence had planned to polish and mount on a pedestal, reminiscent of the works they created during their years-long partnership. Unfortunately, the crystal was exposed to extreme cold during transport to the U.S. and suffered two large cleavage breaks. Undeterred by this setback, the two used their collective creative genius to carve out the cleavages and create a masterpiece: the world’s largest gemstone pendant, which now hangs in the rotunda at GIA on the main campus in Carlsbad, California. If you visit GIA on the mornings of either the summer or winter solstice, you will see sunlight streaming through the side window, directly into Bahia. The sunbeams then focus into a stream of spectral light that travels the entire length of the main building’s walkway (see image below). All of Glenn’s work reflects this meticulous attention to how gems interact with light.
Images from GIA.edu
Top Photo: Judy Colbert
Left Photo: Harold & Erica Van Pelt
“Within the halls of GIA this magnificent 426 lbs. rutilated quartz crystal sculpture is playfully referred to as ‘the world’s largest pendant’ and is one of the highlights of GIA’s collection. Weighing nearly one million carats, the hanging piece took renowned gem carvers Glen Lehrer, G.G. and Lawrence Stoller more than seven years to create.
The Bahia resides in GIA’s lobby and represents a superb synthesis of gemology and artistic expression.”
Like many fine artists, Lehrer’s road to success was not always easy. While Bahia helped get his name out there, it was a seven-year project, followed by several more years before it found a home at GIA. One of his proudest global breakthroughs came when he signed on to sell his gems and jewels on British jewelry television, Gemporia (formerly known as Gems TV). Glenn would travel once, twice, or even three times a year to England, bringing his gems and jewels to the network. They loved his work. He became a part of the Gemporia family, and they have written a wonderful introduction of Glenn that you can read here.
More recently, during his trips to QVC in West Chester, Pennsylvania, we would share a meal and discuss the dramatic twists and turns of his career. He was relieved to have finally broken through and been presented on television in the U.S., even if only for his 10 sold-out minutes of fame. There were plans—or discussions—to extend those 10 minutes into 20 by the following year (2025). It was a goal that kept him carving a path forward.
We will all miss him, his friendship, and his work. Rest in peace, Glenn. – gr
A memoriam, from the family …
Glenn Lehrer, Renowned Gem Artist and Beloved Family Member, Passes Away (1953-2024)
Glenn Lehrer, an award-winning gemstone artist, master craftsman, and cherished family member, passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer. Known worldwide for his groundbreaking gemstone designs, Glenn’s life was a testament to creativity, resilience, and boundless generosity. His body of work, artistic vision and spirit leave an enduring legacy that spans generations.
Born with an artist’s heart, Glenn began his journey in California, where his early passion for art and adventure took him across the globe. His life changed forever on a soul-searching trip to India in the 1970s, where he discovered a deep spiritual connection to crystals and gemstones. This profound experience ignited his lifelong dedication to the art and science of gemstone carving. Largely self-taught, Glenn mastered crystallography, gemology, and mineralogy, creating a unique blend of science and gemstone carving that set him apart as an innovator in the jewelry industry. Glenn’s gemstone art and jewelry designs were showcased on the cover of the Lapidary Journal, the industry’s leading trade magazine a record 18 times along with numerous articles on his endeavors. He also won numerous American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum and Cutting Edge lapidary awards for his unique and stunning gemstone designs.
Glenn’s love of surfing was a constant thread in his life and an inspiration for his artistry. He first learned to ride longboards growing up in Los Angeles and later fell in love with carving waves along the rugged coast of Northern California. One of his favorite spots was Rodeo Beach and Fort Cronkhite near the Golden Gate Bridge, where he found both exhilaration and peace in the ocean’s rhythm. The fluidity and motion of the waves profoundly influenced his gemstone carving, infusing his art with a sense of movement and natural beauty.
In addition to surfing, Glenn had a deep love of horseback riding. In his free time, he proudly served as a volunteer member of the National Park Service’s horse patrol for the Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Engaging with the horses and exploring the breathtaking coastal trails on horseback brought Glenn a sense of peace and connection to the natural world.
A seminal moment in Glenn’s career came when he collaborated with fellow artist Lawrence Stoller to create Bahia, the largest crystal sculpture in the world at a magnificent 426 lbs. The monumental rutilated quartz sculpture stands as a testament to Glenn’s vision and his ability to elevate raw natural materials into breathtaking works of art. This project embodied his lifelong dedication to honoring the inherent beauty of crystals while pushing the boundaries of creative expression. For Glenn, Bahia was not just a masterpiece but also a reflection of his passion for collaboration and innovation. Bahia hangs prominently in the lobby of the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Carlsbad campus, symbolizing Glenn’s enduring impact.
Glenn’s personal life was marked by a deep and abiding love for his wife, Sharon. Married for 45 years, they traveled the world together, sharing adventures that enriched their lives and inspired Glenn’s artistry. Their partnership was a cornerstone of Glenn’s life, providing him with unwavering support and joy throughout his career and personal endeavors.
Family was central to Glenn’s life. He cherished the fun-filled days of his youth spent with his brothers, Wayne and Harvey, and their beloved mother, Ruth, in Los Angeles. These formative years were filled with joy and camaraderie, fostering a lifelong bond among them. Glenn often spoke of how his older brother, Wayne, served as a constant source of inspiration, encouraging him to pursue his passions and dreams.
Over more than 48 years, Glenn’s exceptional artistry gained international recognition. Known as the “Master of Light,” his gemstone carvings and jewelry designs can be found in museums and private collections worldwide, celebrated for their beauty and innovation. He was a featured speaker, writer, and esteemed member of the gemological community, sharing his knowledge and passion with artists, scientists, and enthusiasts alike. Later in life he loved being a presenter on both QVC and GEMPORIA television, sharing his jewelry and gemstone designs with the world, and he was very appreciative of the admiration and love that his fans and customers gave him over the years.
Glenn Lehrer is survived by his wife, Sharon; his two brothers, Harvey and Wayne; and his nephews and nieces, Thomas and Erica Rose Jeffrey; and Elijah, and Makenna Lehrer. He also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and admirers who were touched by his kindness and artistry. His legacy lives on through his art and the countless lives he influenced with his creativity, wisdom, and kindness.
Glenn Lehrer will be remembered not only for his extraordinary talent but also for the love, guidance, and joy he gave so freely. His light continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to contact the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) about creating a scholarship in Glenn’s name. Donations can be made directly to GIA in remembrance of Glenn at [email protected].
If you like or want…. please help keep Glenn’s memory alive… by sharing this celebration of life post on your Facebook feed…. Thank you.
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