Bill Reimbold

pawntastic

1,169 Sales 5 out of 5 stars

Tucson, AZ

163

3 Following 163 Followers

I began designing and making jewelry in 1981. I was fortunate to be a part of the introduction of Sugilite to the American public. Purple gem Sugilite was first found in South Africa's Kalahari Desert in 1979. Two years later I was hosting a daily live TV show in Los Angeles, California. My focus was on the colored gemstones of the world and each day I discussed a different gem.

In early 1981 a gentleman familiar with my show called me and wished to introduce me to a fabulous new gem he brought to California from South Africa. We went out to the parking lot and he opened the trunk of his car and I was amazed at the treasure of glistening purple stones inside. We struck a deal and I purchased the entire quantity. I had a number of beautiful stones cut and introduced the gem to the American public a few short weeks later. After my introduction word spread quickly.

In December of that year Smithsonian Magazine published pictures of the new gem and said "This deep purple gem writes a whole new chapter in the book of gems. A choice gem." February of 1982 Time Magazine weighed in: "Rarest of gems. Occasionally there IS something new under the sun or, in the case of this beautiful new gem, under the earth." In November, 1982, the Lapidary Journal put the new gem on the cover and published a comprehensive essay titled "Any way it's royal - the story of Sugilite." My role in the seminal introduction of Sugilte is documented. I ran a full page ad in that issue offering sugilite rough and cut stones for sale to the trade. The Lapidary Journal wrote: "Mr. Reimbold's initial investigation of sugilite convinced him that this new gem possesses the necessary qualities of rarity, durability and beauty to place it among the world's most precious gemstones. The acid test, however, had not been performed: public opinion remained untested. In November, 1981, Bill introduced sugilite to his television viewers and offered it for sale on a limited, experimental basis. What happened next was astounding."

A constant assortment of colorful characters, mostly South African, trekked to my office to sell the gorgeous stone and I continued to purchase and sell Sugilite until the Wessels Mine supply petered out. All of the Sugilite I offer on Etsy is from these early first mine supplies which are very quickly vanishing. My love of the purple gem has inspired my designs for the past 42 years. Here you will find my latest efforts which incorporate sugilite I have owned since 1981.

I also have an ongoing love affair with gorgeous turquoise from some of the smaller mines located in Arizona and Nevada which display unique characteristics and color. I use sterling silver and US coin silver to create my highly dimensional designs. I hope you enjoy my jewelry.

My work is constantly evolving and over the years I have been inspired by the work of the early Mexican and Native American silversmiths of the Southwest. From time to time I will offer for sale vintage examples of silver work created by these seminal artists.

As 2023 begins I spend most of my time making jewelry, watching my wife Sue paint her awesome watercolor portraits, and playing an addictive game with the unfortunate name of pickleball that is driving me nuts!