A legacy, carved in jade

Lorrance's journey into the world of lapidary began in the early 1960s when he was immersed from a young age in his father Keith Torckler's pioneering work. Keith was one of New Zealand’s original lapidarists, collecting, cutting, shaping, and polishing semi-precious gemstones at this homemade workshop in Taranaki. In 1963, he transitioned his hobby into a lifelong career, teaching lapidary night classes and opening a manufacturing jewelry shop in Auckland. It was there he honed his skills in fine gold and silver work, a foundation that would soon influence his meticulous approach to jade carving that he became renowned for being commissioned to make many intricate fine carvings and teaching the next generation of carvers. It was during the 1970's that as a teenager Lorrance was fortunate to learn the art of working greenstone alongside his father.

What truly sets Contemporary Jade carvings apart is Lorrance's distinctive style that while featuring some traditional Māori carving elements like the koru he draws inspiration from his Christian faith, from music, the arts and the natural world around him seeking to draw out the raw beauty of each piece of greenstone he works. His pieces are designed for both everyday wear and special occasions, offering a blend of heritage and contemporary flair that appeals to wide range of people. He takes pride in a meticulous attention to detail, and a high-quality finish that often requires significantly more hours than simpler, mass-produced designs, but it’s this dedication that ensures every Contemporary Jade piece is a true work of art.