Sidney F. Mobell (born 1926) is an American artist, jeweler, and philanthropist from San Francisco.[1] He owned Mobell Jewelry and was known for his designs of everyday objects made of gold and jewels.[2] He lives in Hillsborough, California.[3]
Sidney Mobell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1926 (age 95–96) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Jeweled art |
| Spouse | Ronni J. Grant (1959–2002, death) |
Sidney Mobell was born in Denver in 1926, and starting in 1937 he was raised an orphan.[3]
Mobell eventually made his way to San Francisco and owned and operated several jewelry stores in the city until his retirement 1995. In March 1996, Mobell Jewelry was sold to Shreve & Co..[4]
He is known for his transformation of ordinary, everyday items such as food cans and cellular phones into bejeweled pieces of art. Several of his works are housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, including a $2,000,000 USD Monopoly set made of 23-carat gold, with rubies and sapphires atop the chimneys of the houses and hotels.[5] It is the most expensive Monopoly set ever produced.[6]
Mobell was a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, several times where he showcased his designs.[4] Mobell has been a donor to healthcare causes.[3]