San Rafael Gem Sculptor Glenn Lehrer to Lecture at GIA on Unique Crystal Carving.

Business Editors

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2003

Renowned gemstone carver and jewelry designer Glenn Lehrer of San Rafael, Calif. will team with another highly regarded gem sculptor, Lawrence Stoller, of Bend, Ore. to present a lecture at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, Calif. Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. on how the pair created the world's largest gemstone sculpture, known as Bahia.

The spectacular rutilated quartz crystal from which the carving originated was found in Brazil in 1987 and weighed 800 pounds when unearthed. It took Lehrer and Stoller seven and one-half years to complete their work. The finished sculpture, designed to resemble a pendant, comprises three quartz pieces in a metal frame attached to suspension cables to form the "necklace" and complete the "world's largest pendant."

Lehrer, who currently operates a gallery-studio in Larkspur, Calif., is a GIA Graduate Gemologist who has won numerous awards for his jewelry and gemstone designs. Another example of his sculpture is on display in the window of the gallery in Larkspur. "The Empress of Lemuria," an almost 2 foot nearly flawless quartz crystal, was originally on display in the former Soviet Union as part of a citizen diplomacy project in 1988.

Bahia currently hangs in the base of the GIA Tower of Brilliance, in the atrium lobby of GIA's World Headquarters in Carlsbad. GIA hopes to keep it there, and is engaged in a campaign to "Save Bahia" to make that possible. GIA President William E. Boyajian is personally leading the campaign, in which individual gifts of $1,000 are sought to enable the Institute to purchase the unique sculpture, which represents the merging of gemology, artistic expression, engineering and lapidary skills.

After the presentation, Boyajian will provide closing remarks followed by a reception, during which guests can meet the artists.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System(TM) which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. Media queries contact: Alexander Angelle 760-603-4112.