William entered the world in Philadelphia in 1908. He gained recognition for his intricately crafted pearl accessories.
His professional journey began at Mauboussin in Atlantic City. As he advanced to a managerial position, he acquired three crates of pearls.
What distinguished Ruser as an innovative jeweler? The answer may astonish you: he secured three boxes of freshwater pearls from a Mississippi button vendor prior to the war. Although freshwater pearls were popular during the Art Nouveau era, their appeal was waning. Ruser played a key role in reviving their fame. From these gems, he fashioned various ornaments shaped like flowers, animals, and angels, often incorporating diamonds and precious stones. His creativity and passion have ensured his pieces remain highly collectible. In 1947, alongside his wife Polina, he launched his own enterprise, Ruser Jewels.
Ruser shut down his operations and retired in 1969. He passed away in 1994.
During the two decades Ruser Jewels operated, William’s designs appeared in numerous movies. Barbara Stanwyck first showcased Rouser’s creations in the 1948 film “Sorry Wrong Number.” Later, Shirley MacLaine and Caroline Jones wore his pieces in starring roles in 1955’s The Career.
