Generations of Mastery: Gemstone Carvings by Dreher
February 2015 - October 2015
Photo: Robert Weldon/GIA, Chameleon carving by Gerd Dreher, in grossular garnet. Courtesy of the Larson family.
Exhibit Description
This exhibit features more than 20 intricate and lifelike animal carvings from world-renowned gemstone carvers Gerd and Patrick Dreher. The pieces on display – made from a variety of gem materials including tourmaline, ruby in zoisite, smoky quartz, grossular garnet, jasper and agate – depict many animals including a chameleon, starfish, mouse and more, capturing the creatures’ true-to-life-forms.
The House of Dreher, whose family legacy dates back five generations, is part of the 600-year gemstone carving tradition of Idar-Oberstein, Germany, a major center for the cutting and carving of gems. House of Dreher also carved many of the original animal figures for Fabergé.
Pieces 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.
