Dieter Lorenz, a native of Idar-Oberstein and a lapidary pioneer, is one of the top names in contemporary gem carving, despite having had no formal training. His unique shapes, esp. his bowls or “navettes”, have won praise the past few years.

When Dieter Lorenz entered the scene nearly 30 years ago, many of his contemporaries were carving representational pieces that closely imitated natural objects. But he was interested in the abstract, and built a reputation for free-form jewelry carvings that contrast matte-finished black onyx or polished agate with drusy – a concept foreign to carvers of the day, who discounted the value of drusy as a creative element.