10/29/2025
Meeting a Legend: Randy Polk & the Story of Sugilite
At the Hard Rock Gem Show in Westminster, I had the opportunity to meet with Randy polk, a true pioneer in the world of gemstones. During our conversation, he shared stories from his remarkable career and even brought out a large specimen of sugilite, inviting me to take a photo with it. Needless to say, I didn’t hesitate!
It’s not every day you meet the individual who played such a defining role in bringing a gemstone to global recognition. Randy’s influence on sugilite’s rise in the jewelry market is unmatched. He also showed me some of his exquisite jewelry pieces, each one reflecting the innovation and artistry that have become synonymous with his name. It was an absolute privilege to meet someone who helped shape part of modern gem history, and who remains as approachable and passionate as ever.
For those unfamiliar with his background, Randy’s story is truly extraordinary. In the early 1980s, he came across several striking purple mineral samples that had been traced to the Wessels Mine in South Africa’s Kalahari Desert, one of the few sources of gem-quality sugilite. Driven by vision and determination, Randy followed his intuition and sold everything, including his wife’s engagement ring, stereo, and his gun collection. Then went to South Africa to secure a significant quantity of this newly discovered material.
His acquisition ultimately gave him control over much of the world’s gem-grade supply at the time. Recognizing its potential, he introduced the material to the market under the trade name “Royal Lavulite,” effectively founding the commercial sugilite trade. Through his efforts, the vivid, lavender-to-deep-purple gemstone gained international acclaim among jewelers and collectors alike.
Standing beside that extraordinary specimen of sugilite, speaking with the man who helped introduce it to the world, was a moment of genuine inspiration, a reminder that every great gem carries not only natural beauty, but also a story of human courage, creativity, and conviction.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve crossed paths with legends in the gem world, or who have their own favorite rare gemstone stories. Feel free to share them in the comments below!
