Meet the Artist

Stephan Gunning — Master Goldsmith & Owner

Stephan became an apprentice goldsmith in 1975, at the age of sixteen, under Master Goldsmith Donald Kleyensteuber in Palo Alto, California. For the next five years he learned traditional European skills and techniques in all aspects of jewelry manufacturing and fabrication. This apprenticeship was a rare opportunity to study old-world skills with a master here in the United States. With rare exceptions, such training would only be available in Europe.

After completing his apprenticeship he began to work for some of the finest jewelry stores in the San Francisco Bay Area as their resident master goldsmith. While he was the master goldsmith at Timothy Fidge & Co. in Palo Alto, CA, they were award recipient of the De Beers International Diamond Design Competition three times. 

Among the most defining chapters of Stephan’s career was his 24-year tenure as master goldsmith at Lehrer Designs, a world renowned studio in Larkspur, CA celebrated for its innovation in jewelry design and gemstone artistry. Stephan played a pivotal role in executing complex, award-winning designs that pushed the boundaries of traditional jewelry. During this time, Lehrer Designs won eight AGTA Cutting Edge Awards and earned top honors from the AGTA Spectrum Awards—competitions known for recognizing the highest levels of craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation in the industry. Stephan’s unmatched ability to translate visionary concepts into flawless, wearable works of art was central to these achievements.

In addition to his fine craftsmanship, Stephan is skilled in all aspects of jewelry creation—from hand forging and custom stone setting to advanced casting and restoration of historic pieces. His precision and artistic sensibility allow him to blend structure and fluidity in designs that are as durable as they are beautiful.

Over his 40+ year career, Stephan has created custom pieces for an extraordinary range of clients, including U.S. government officials, British aristocracy, and iconic musicians such as The Allman Brothers, Journey, and The Pretenders. His work has appeared in books like Diamonds by Renée Newman and is featured in the collections of the Lizzadro Museum and the Peretti Museum in Switzerland.

Today, Stephan continues to bring his passion and expertise to Ross Goldsmith in San Anselmo, California—offering bespoke, museum-quality jewelry that reflects a lifetime of dedication to excellence in the goldsmith’s art.