ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
OtherFeb 08, 2015
Oklahoma jeweler BC Clark Jr. dies at 101
Benton Clyde Clark Jr., a pioneer in the industry who was known for his uncompromising integrity and humble spirit, died Wednesday at the age of 101.
Oklahoma City--Benton Clyde Clark Jr., a pioneer in the industry who worked into his 90s and was known for his uncompromising integrity, died Wednesday at the age of 101.
The man known as B.C. Clark Jr. was born April 4, 1913 in Purcell, Okla.
He met the “love of his life,” Ruth Carroll, while a student at Oklahoma City University. The pair were married on Leap Day in 1936 and stayed together for 59 years until her death in 1995.
He wed again a couple of years later, marrying Jeroldine Zachritz. The pair stayed together for 11 years, until her death in 2008.
Like so many of his generation, Clark served in the military during World War II, in the Navy as a gunnery.
After the war, he returned to his “first love,” the jewelry business that his father B.C. Clark Sr. opened in 1892. He worked in his family’s Oklahoma City jewelry store, BC Clark Jewelers, until his early 90s, last serving as chairman emeritus of B.C. Clark Inc.
In addition to his work at the store, Clark, who was known for his humble spirit, also gave back to his community through his involvement in civic and church-related work.
He created endowment funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and established the B.C. Clark Jr. Chair endowment fund at his alma mater’s school of business, Meinders.
He was president of the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Retailers Association, the Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Retail Jewelers Association and the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America, where he established another endowment fund, the “Go To Camp” fund.
Clark also was a past regional vice president of Jewelers of America.
Among his many honors are the Pathmaker Award from the Oklahoma County Historical Society, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Jewelers Association and an honorary doctorate of commercial science from Oklahoma City University.
He was a long-time member of the Fortune Club, Men’s Dinner Club, the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club and was a founding member of May Avenue United Methodist Church and a devoted member of Nichols Hills United Methodist Church.
Clark was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth; his second wife Jeroldine; parents Flora and B.C. Clark Sr.; a daughter-in-law, Johanna Clark; and five sisters: Vera Evans, Mary Lee Clark,
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Floreta Tomlin, Clara Mae Stuhr and Sally Langston.
He is survived by two sons, Dr. Benton C. Clark II and Jim C. Clark and his wife Carolyn; and seven grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Services took place Saturday at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America Last Frontier Council, 3031 N. W. 64th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73116.
More on Other
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
