Rudolf Erdel Dies in Kayaking Accident

Rudolf Erdel, a pioneer in the U.S. platinum jewelry design community, died Saturday, May 2, in a kayaking accident on Long Island, NY. The designer, born in Germany of a three-generation jewelry family, started to champion platinum early in the 1990s and incorporated it into his name and very successful design company in New York City. He had recently started to promote the brand in Latin America and Europe.

"We are deeply distraught over the news of Rudi's passing," says Laurie Hudson, president of the Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry, Newport Beach, CA. "We were platinum evangelists together when I first started the PGI office in the U.S. Rudi was not afraid to take risks, and he poured his heart and soul into what he believed in. I think that's what he taught us and what will remain with us. We all learned from his incredible passion, vision, ideas and focus."

Erdel is survived by his wife, Luly Estevez, a principal at Rudolf Erdel Platinum; his father, Erich Oeding-Erdel; four brothers and sisters, Thomas, Christiane, Dorit and Uta; and an aunt, Ingar. The family requests that donations be sent to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1443, Newport News, VA 23601-0443; (757) 596-5553.

- by Peggy Jo Donahue