Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
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.
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.
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.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award RecipientsDDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
