Independents

Longtime Maine Jeweler Stanley Pollack Dies at 82

IndependentsFeb 08, 2022

Longtime Maine Jeweler Stanley Pollack Dies at 82

A beloved and respected figure in the industry, he was a past JA president and member of National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame.

20220208_Stanley Pollack.jpg
Stanley C. Pollack, who started working at his father’s jewelry store in the ‘60s after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, died Jan. 25. The longtime Maine jeweler was 82 years old.
South Portland, Maine—Stanley C. Pollack, a well-respected jeweler who headed some of the industry’s most prestigious organizations and is remembered for his kindness and guidance, died Jan. 25 surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was 82.

According to his online obituary in the Portland Press Herald, Pollack was born in Pittsburgh to Perle and Gerald Pollack but moved to Maine, the state that would become his longtime home, when he was 15.

He graduated from Deering High School and went on to attend, and graduate from, the University of Bridgeport.

It was during his freshman year at Bridgeport that he met the woman who would become his wife, Doris Carroll. He was 18 and she was 17, and their meeting sparked the beginning of a 59-year romance.

After college, Pollack served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis (1961) and received the National Emergency Medal from President John F. Kennedy for his service.

He was honorably discharged from the Army and began working alongside his father, Gerald, at G.M. Pollack & Sons, the jewelry store Gerald had opened in 1955.

Pollack led the expansion of G.M. Pollack & Sons from one store in Maine to more than a dozen across the state and in New Hampshire, including a corporate office.

He was a diamontologist and gemologist who not only sold jewelry but also designed it and brought happiness and love to his customers.

Pollack headed some of the most visible organizations in the jewelry industry.

He was treasurer, vice president, and president of Jewelers of America, served two terms as chairman of the Diamond Council of America, and founded the Maine Jewelers Association.

He also served on the first board of directors when the organization now known as Jewelers for Children transitioned from being the International Retail Jewelers Charity Fund to the Jewelers Charity Fund for Children.

According to current JFC Executive Director David Rocha, Pollack spearheaded JA’s effort to support JFC from the start.

It was his idea to create the JFC canister for retailers to put on their counters and he worked through JA to send one to every member at the time.

He was inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame in 1999 alongside Cartier’s Ralph Destino and New York jeweler Al Solomon.

His family’s jewelry store, G.M. Pollack & Sons, closed in 2015, struggling with the same troubles that have plagued many independent jewelers in recent years.

Outside of the jewelry industry, Pollack was involved in various charities in Maine, and had a deep-rooted love for the state’s Jewish community and for continuing the traditions of his religion.

He also liked to fish, travel, and spend time with his family, and was a fan of all New England sports teams, especially the Boston Red Sox.

Pollack was preceded in death by his sister, Betsi Messier.

He is survived by his wife, Doris; two sons, David and Sam; two daughters-in-law, Agnes and Stacey; two grandchildren, Sage and Boden; sister, Leiba Frankel (Marshall Frankel); brother-in-law, Raymond Messier; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and three special “furry friends,” Timmy, Willi, and Bella.

The family held a private funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pollack’s memory to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital via this link or through the mail to the Maine Medical Center Philanthropy Department, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102. 
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

2025 Met Gala jewelry
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry Moments

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

instappraise-1.png
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal Format

Sponsored by Instappraise

Brilliant Earth three stone Sabine diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

Exterior of Margot McKinney Beverly Hills Location
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New Boutique

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales Manager

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Pandora gold and silver charm bracelet
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for Tariffs

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Headshot of Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and Beyond

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest Auction

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

Logo for “In the Loupe,” Punchmark’s podcast
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Harwell Godfrey Met Gala brooch with Mediterranean Blue diamond
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready Brooch

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 for 2025
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ List

Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.

Sissys Log Cabin Fort Smith Arkansas
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New Store

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

Gunderson’s Jewelers
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV Series

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

Zadok Jewelers Austin store
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in Austin

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

Nancy Astor Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to Auction

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy