William Sustachek Rasmussen Diamonds

As a young boy, William (Bill) collected and categorized an extensive rock collection. As a college student he received 100% in all of his chemical labs where he had to identify “unknowns”. As a young married man he gave up a sales career to go to school in California to become a Graduate Gemologist. Combining his childhood pleasures with his abilities in the sciences Bill embarked on a new road with new dreams. Bill’s dream was to own the finest jewelry store in Southeast Wisconsin. To achieve this dream he prepared himself by becoming completely educated. He graduated from the Gemological Institute of America and joined the prestigious American Gem Society. As a member of the American Gem Society he continued in classes to become a Registered Jeweler, and a Certified Gemologist. Bill also became a Certified Gemologist Appraiser; a title that is very difficult to achieve and is only shared by approximately 400 jewelers world wide. In 1977 Bill’s father Calvin, a Certified Master Watchmaker, was approached by Frank Rasmussen to buy his store. Calvin and his wife, Marilyn, purchased the store and Bill became the Manager. In 1988 Bill and his wife Kathy bought the store from his parents. A lifelong passion and dream had come true. Bill continues in his passion of this industry and has served in a variety of ways for this industry and for the city of Racine. He continues to assist with the appraisal department and the diamond inventory selection for Rasmussen Diamonds. Now that Bill has been able to hand over the reigns to his daughter and son-in-law, you’re sure to find him playing guitar at local venues, or enjoying the nicer days on the golf course! Some of Bill's many accomplishments over the years: -Wisconsin Jewelers Association – Board of Directors – Past President -Chairman of the Conclave Committee – American Gem Society -Chairman of the Education Committee – American Gem Society -Board of Governors – Jewelers Education Foundation of the American Gem Society -Member and speaker for the Jewelers Education Foundation -Member of the Racine Founders Rotary Club – Past President Bill also makes sure that Rasmussen Diamonds gives back to the community it serves. Rasmussen Diamonds has donated merchandise or gift certificates that value in excess of $1 million dollars since 1977.