Eleven silver strands of light, Eleven facets of a gleaming heart, Eleven tears, forever falling, on Eleven names in a tranquil pool.

On Sept. 11, 2001, American Express lost 11 employees in the terrorist attacks. A memorial “environment” designed by New York architect Ken Smith highlights an elaborately faceted 600-lb. (original weight nearly 1,100 lb.) crystal sculpture created by gem artist Lawrence Stoller. Many of Stoller’s pieces are monumental in size. The rock crystal quartz pendant is suspended from a height of 35 ft., hovering just above an 11-sided black granite reflecting pool, where the names of the 11 AMEX employees are inscribed. The 9/11 memorial can be found in the corporate headquarters of American Express, across the street from Ground Zero.

Installation of the memorial took place on Aug. 25, 2003, in New York City, followed by a private unveiling for the family members of those lost two years ago. It is now open to the public.

For more information about Lawrence Stoller’s work, visit www.crystalworks.com or call (541) 388-1721.