Friedrich Wilhelm Klein laid the foundation for an outstanding success story in the craft of gem carving. He was born in Herrstein in 1872 and founded his own grindery in Tiefenstein. In 1931 he employed approximately 30 workers and delivered wonderful engravings throughout Germany and abroad (even as far as the United States). Friedrich Wilhelm Klein's son Herbert completed his vocational education as a gemstone engraver in his parents' business and founded Herbert Klein Carvings on March 1st, 1946, in Idar-Oberstein. At the time, the company produced primarily intaglios and cameos. Herbert Klein's son Wolfgang represented the next generation in the family business in the 1950's, and the company began making plastic carvings of flora, animal figurines, crests and monograms. Wolfgang took over the business with his wife Christel in the mid 70's and lead it to a successful future. The majority of the workshop's output comprised fine individual pieces carved from tourmalines, aquamarines, amethysts and citrines. The company's mission was to perfect craftsmanship in carving and continuously develop enhancements in treatment techniques, style and variety. Wolfgang's son Stefan began his vocational education at Herbert Klein studio in 1977 and developed the craft skills for which the studio is renowned. After finishing his vocational education as gemstone engraver in 1981 and passing the Master Exam with honours in 1985, he focused on the treatment of high quality coloured gemstones.