#GIA - Dreher Gem Carving Dynasty from Germany to Exhibit in California

From Press Release by GIA

Dreher Gem Carving Dynasty from Germany to Exhibit in California

Intricate animal carvings to go on view at GIA in Carlsbad, Feb. 19

Carving by Patrick Dreher, 12 x 12 x 13 cm,
 from a single piece of strawberry quartz 
with zones of amethyst and rock crystal. 
Courtesy of the Larson family. 
Photo by Robert Weldon; © GIA

Over 20 intricately carved and lifelike animal sculptures by world-renowned gemstone carvers Gerd and Patrick Dreher will go on exhibit at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) world headquarters in Carlsbad, CA beginning  Fenruary 19th. The Dreher family, whose legacy dates back five generations, is part of the 600-year gemstone carving tradition in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, a major center for the cutting and carving of gems. “Generations of Mastery: Gemstone Carvings by Dreher” will be on view through summer 2015.  

“Pieces by the Dreher family are among the most admired gemstone carvings in the world,” said Terri Ottaway, curator of the GIA Museum. “Their sophisticated designs and artistry have been refined and passed down through generations. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to share the Dreher family’s extraordinary craftsmanship.”

Known for its one-of-a-kind gemstone carvings, particularly animal sculptures, the House of Dreher has created celebrated pieces since the late 1800s. In the mid-twentieth century, the family gained further acclaim for their work with design house Fabergé. Today, their carvings can be seen in museums around the world and in private collections. Dreher creates sculptures using many different gem materials, but a favorite of the design house is natural agate from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The more than 20 gem carvings in GIA’s “Generations of Mastery: Gemstone Carvings by Dreher” exhibit depict lifelike animals such as a chameleon, a starfish, and a frog perched on a lily pad. The Drehers are known for their extensive study of animals and other creatures, drawing from as many as 500 photos of each subject to create the superb detail in their works of art. Pieces in the exhibit include jasper, agate, tourmaline, ruby in zoisite, smoky quartz and grossular garnet.

Carving by Gerd Dreher, 10.5 x 10 cm, in grossular garnet with shale.
Courtesy of the Larson family. Photo by Robert Weldon; © GIA

The pieces exhibited are on loan from the Larson family of Fallbrook, CA. Bill Larson, owner of Pala International, is a well-known collector and connoisseur of gems, minerals and carvings. 

Carving by Patrick Dreher, 7x5 cm, from a single crystal of smoky quartz.
Courtesy of the Larson family. Photo by Robert Weldon; © GIA

“Generations of Mastery: Gemstone Carvings by Dreher” will be on display from Feb. 19 through summer 2015. GIA’s museum is free and open to the public Mondaythrough Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance by emailing  guestservices@gia.edu or calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4116 or 760-603-4116. 

For more details about the museum, visit GIA’s website.

Carving by Gerd Dreher, 17x10 cm, from a single piece of multicolored agate. 

Courtesy of the Larson family. Photo by Robert Weldon; © GIA

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ 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. Visit www.gia.edu.