Not your average designer

I immerse myself in the unusual, be it golfing in Malibu, Calif., without knowing how, paragliding despite a fear of heights or joining a parade in Amsterdam to preserve old homes. (Of course, I usually drag my best friend Cathy with me to share in the insanity and offset the embarrassment.)

Naturally then, when I come across a jewelry designer who shares an adventurous life, I can't help but be thrilled. So, without further ado, meet Bernard Reller of Reller Gold in Gainesville, Fla. (which is the birthplace of The Gator Nation, FYI).

Majoring in physics in college, Reller never intended to go into jewelry, but ended up in the industry due to his father's prompting. Now Reller wouldn't have it any other way, saying it turned out to be a lot of fun.

He specializes in treasure-coin and nautical jewelry designs. He says he gets upset if sails on jewelry aren't set correctly and makes sure the ones on his are set right.

Reller's talents haven't just been bestowed on jewelry but also on Michael Jackson's elephant, Ali. In 2006, Reller collaborated on creating a creation for Ali, who resided at the Jacksonville Florida Zoo and Gardens as a gift from the king of the moonwalk. The elephant had broken off one of his tusks, so Reller cast a 6-inch-diameter cap protecting the rest of Ali's tusk.

The fun doesn't stop there: Reller's biography includes skydiving, flying lessons, sailing, hot air ballooning, and salvage diving among many other eclectic endeavors.

Although we have not met face-to-face, one thing is evident: Whether he is designing jewelry or preserving elephant's faces, Reller certainly knows how to have a good time, and I can't help but be a huge fan.

For more information on Reller, read the December issue of National Jeweler. Until then, visit Rellergold.com.

Comments

[Scarlet]

He sent you that picture? Without reading further one would want to meet this guy.

[MP]

We appreciate your kind words, Mary! We work at remaining fresh and interesting. Given Bernard’s personal point-of-view, being interesting is pretty easy. He is definitely not your average designer.

Bernard’s adventurous nature finds its way into his designs and is especially evident in his Pirate, Treasure, and Nautical themes. Adventure and exploration are intimate elements in his Collections. Anchors are accurate miniatures of Danforths and Mudhooks and Sea Creatures are anatomically correct whether a Coqui Frog or an Australian Flatback Turtle.

Whether seeking a keepsake reminder of a personal adventure or a gift to an avid sailor, aviator, or charm collector, a visit to RellerGold.com can become a lengthy visit (broadband is recommended) because of the number of Collections and the compelling items within each.

Unlike some reclusive and aloof designers, Bernard is readily approachable and enjoys having customers—and prospective customers—contact him. (So, Scarlet, you can always meet Bernard via telephone or e-mail.) Chatting about other’s personal adventures or possible custom pieces is one of Bernard’s favorite diversions.

Anyone wanting to know more about Bernard can do so at RellerGold.com. Call. E-mail. We love to hear from you.

[MP]

And further more . . .

Odyssey Marine Exploration

On Saturday, November 17, Bernard will join Odyssey Marine Exploration (Finders of the “Black Swan” wreck) at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa to display his collection of Shipwreck artifacts and Mounted Treasure Coins.

The event will run from 3 to 7 PM in conjunction with Odyssey’s on-going exhibit of artifacts from the S.S. Republic, other Shipwrecks, and the Pirate History of the Caribbean.

Light refreshments will be served! And a few heavy ones.