Independents

Longtime Arkansas Jeweler Loyd Stanley Dies at 84

IndependentsOct 11, 2023

Longtime Arkansas Jeweler Loyd Stanley Dies at 84

The second-generation jeweler lived by the mantra, “never criticize, condemn, or complain,” his family said.

Loyd Stanley and Bart Boydston
Loyd Charles Stanley, right, pictured with his friend Bart Boydston in Los Angeles in 2022, died earlier this month at age 84. He joined the family business, Stanley Jewelers Gemologist, in 1959, and worked there until it closed in 2017. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Stanley)
Little Rock, Ark.—Loyd Charles Stanley, the longtime owner of Stanley Jewelers Gemologist in North Little Rock, Arkansas, died Oct. 4 after a six-year battle with cancer.

He was 84.

Stanley grew up in North Little Rock, the only child of Charles and Sally Stanley (née Loyd).

He was active in the church his parents helped start, Park Hill Baptist Church, and was a Boy Scout and the photographer at his high school.

Stanley originally attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) on a photography scholarship but in 1959 left to join the business his parents had opened in 1936, Stanley Jewelers Gemologist.

He remained at the store for his entire career, becoming sole owner after his parents died in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s and, later, running the business alongside his children until it closed in 2017.

Stanley became a Gemological Institute of America graduate gemologist (G.G.) in 1968 and an American Gem Society certified gemologist. He was the first G.G. in central Arkansas.

In 1985, he added AGS certified gemologist appraiser (C.G.A.) to his resume, and, in 2017, became a C.G.A. emeritus.

Stanley also was active in the industry at large.

He helped De Beers and Retail Jewelers of America (now Jewelers of America) develop a diamond sales course and served as president of Arkansas Retail Jewelers (later the Arkansas Jewelers Association) in 1973, on the AGS board of directors from 1981 to 1985, and as president of the AGS’s Southwest Guild in 1986. 

He also developed and marketed the Identi-Jewel and Identi-Gem cameras, which were used throughout the industry.

Stanley was named Arkansas “Jeweler of the Year” in 1985 and the Arkansas Jewelers Association awarded him its prestigious and seldom-given Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Loyd Stanley and Cos Altobelli
Loyd Stanley, left, is pictured alongside another longtime American Gem Society jeweler, Cos Altobelli, at Altobelli’s office in California in 2017. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Stanley)

Outside of work, Stanley was an “adventurous guy” who lived by the mantra coined by author Dale Carnegie, “never criticize, condemn or complain.” He never did, his family said.

He liked to race cars, sail, and ski, and was a licensed private pilot who owned several small aircraft. 

Stanley is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kaye Stanley; daughters, Caroline Stanley (Dennis Nakasone) and Laura Stanley (Dr. Joel Mroczkowski); stepchildren, Todd King and Michelle Peebles (Damon); and five grandchildren, Gabriel King, Mira and Daniel Nakasone, and Kaden and Breanna Peebles.

His daughters are still in the jewelry industry. Caroline works as a consultant through her company, Red Jewel Inc., while Laura is a personal jeweler, a transition she made after the family closed its store. 

Stanley was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Stanley; son, Stephen Loyd Stanley, who died in 2017; and grandson Andrew. 

A celebration of Stanley’s life is scheduled for Oct. 17 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Services will be held Oct. 18 at Park Hill Baptist Church at 11 a.m.
 
Attendees are asked to wear a red tie in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to DeMolay International, the Boys & Girls Clubs, or The Bridge House of Little Rock. 

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Sylvie Jewelry Auranova Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Pomellato Nudo toi et moi ring
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Deborah Meyers Experience The Birds Earrings
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ Earrings

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

ejap cohort 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

Melee diamonds from De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid Uncertainty

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (1).jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Wolf CEO Simon Wolf
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. Expansion

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

gia1d100 btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to Noncompliance

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

Young Diamantaires
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to Nonprofit

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Mined + Found "Hope" Matchbox Locket
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So Charming

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Bulgari’s expanded factory in Valenza, Italy
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in Italy

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Jason McNary accepting FGI Fine Jewelry Rising Star award for Paola Sasplugas
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ Award

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

1999 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to Auction

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown David Yurman campaign
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen Brown

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine Jewelry

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

JAR Apricot Blossom bracelet
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry Collection

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of Mouth

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

Avi Levy
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth Officer

GCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.

Cartier Exhibition Installation at Victoria & Albert Museum
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bill and Birdie Levine of Van Cott Jewelers
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 Years

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

IJO Director Samantha Larson
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise Strategy

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.

Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host Convention

The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

Daymond John
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Dukachi Easter Bread Pendant
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ Pendant

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

Bremer Jewelry
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated Store

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.

Tiffany & Co. Strong Like Mom campaign
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day Campaign

The “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.

×

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