The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) recently announced two deeply saddening losses that have shaken the gemology and gem arts communities. Craig Allen Lynch, a gemologist and appraiser, and Glenn Lehrer, an innovative gemstone cutter and founder of Lehrer Designs, have both passed away, leaving an indelible mark on their industry.
Craig Allen Lynch
Craig Lynch, a gemologist and appraiser at Ouellet & Lynch, unexpectedly passed away on November 23, 2024, at the age of 70. Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, Lynch had made Phoenix, Arizona, his personal and professional home.
According to AGTA, Lynch’s dedication to gems and jewelry began in the 1980s when he earned his Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA in 1983. Two years later, he became an Accredited Senior Gemologist through the Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) and continued to achieve prestigious credentials, including Senior Member status at the American Society of Appraisers and certification as an Insurance Appraiser by the Jewelry Insurance Appraisal Institute.
Lynch was a passionate teacher and a sought-after speaker at events like AGTA GemFair Tucson, where he shared his expertise on technical topics such as lead-glass-filled gemstones. His unique expertise extended to appraising artifacts from the RMS Titanic, a subject that brought him notable recognition among peers.
Alberto Scarani, editorial director of IGR Italian Gemological Review, and a close friend of Lynch, recalled: «Craig was one of the very few true friends I had. He was an exceptionally fair and loyal person, universally loved and respected, which is rare in any field, including gemology. Despite being 70, he was incredibly dynamic, constantly updating his knowledge, even exploring spectroscopy at a stage in his career when most focus on preserving rather than innovating. Craig’s passion and professionalism in sharing knowledge were unmatched».
Shelly Sergent, curator of the Somewhere In The Rainbow Collection, also highlighted, in the AGTA article, Lynch’s collaborative spirit: «He was a respected colleague all around the world, a constant student, and a dedicated teacher to others. Craig’s enthusiasm and passion, wit and charm and the gleam in his eye will be missed».
Lynch leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, passion, and a deep love for gemstones that will continue to shine through the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.
Glenn Lehrer
Glenn Lehrer, a Californian visionary artist, passed away at 71 after a courageous battle with cancer. As the founder of Lehrer Designs, he seamlessly blended science and art in the world of gemstones, becoming a pioneer in their cutting and creative transformation.
A transformative journey to India in the 1970s ignited Lehrer’s passion for gemstones, leading him to study crystallography, gemology, and mineralogy. His relentless pursuit of innovation resulted in the patented TorusRing cut, which creates a unique interplay of light and space — a groundbreaking design that took 15 years to perfect and earned him the title “Master of Light”.
One of his most renowned works is Bahia, a nearly 200-kilogram rutilated quartz sculpture, considered one of the largest cut gemstones in the world. It is now displayed at the GIA headquarters in Carlsbad, USA.
Lehrer’s artistic spirit drew inspiration from surfing and horseback riding, which influenced his creations, often characterized by fluid, wave-like lines.
Fellow designer Paula Crevoshay praised Lehrer’s impact on American gem cutters, stating to AGTA: «Glenn helped put American carvers on the map».
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These remarkable professionals will be remembered not only for their contributions to the industry but also for the lives they touched with their knowledge, warmth, and boundless passion for the gem world.
