William Ruser; Beverly Hills Jeweler

William Ruser, 86, Rodeo Drive jeweler to Hollywood. Born in Philadelphia, Ruser began his career in Atlantic City, N.J., and rose to vice president and general manager of Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin Jewelers, which moved him to Beverly Hills. He opened his own business, Ruser Jewels, on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive in 1949 and operated it until his retirement in 1969. Ruser’s customers included such stars as Barbara Stanwyck, and he was credited for the gems she wore in the film “Sorry, Wrong Number.” Ruser, who also created the jeweled prizes awarded to golfers by the Bel-Air Country Club, was featured in the recently published book “Hollywood Jewels.” In addition to his innovative jewelry designs, Ruser also made intricate model ships that are displayed in the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro. On Feb. 17 in Los Angeles of heart failure.