Arkansas jeweler to win Lifetime Achievement Award

The Arkansas Jewelers Association (AJA) will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Loyd Stanley on Aug. 16.

Stanley, who owns Stanley Jewelers Gemologists Inc., has been a jeweler since 1959, and was the first certified gemologist in central Arkansas.

"I can think of no greater honor than to receive acknowledgement from your peers," Stanley said about receiving the award.

Stanley has proven to be a leader in his local jewelry community throughout his career. He was president of the Arkansas Jewelers Association from 1973-1975, and president of the Southwest Guild of the American Gem Society in 1986. He was also awarded Arkansas Jeweler of the Year in 1985.

Stanley is also currently on the local Rotary board and is a District Paul Harris Society Chairman, and has been involved with a number of other community involvements over the years.

"We look for an individual who has contributed supremely throughout his life to the jewelry industry in Arkansas; someone who, by unselfish dedication and professionalism, has established traditions of ethics and has set the standards by which others are measured," AJA Executive director Janisue Rigel said in a media release. "We certainly found that in Loyd Stanley who, through service and example, has left a legacy that has become the lifeblood of the jewelry industry in Arkansas today."

Stanley, who currently lives with his wife, Kaye, in Little Rock, said he is pleased with his career choice.

"I was not the best student, but when my dad brought home a gemscope, I enrolled in the GIA diamond course," Stanley said. "I grew up excited about diamonds."

This is the third Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed on a member of the AJA since 1947.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork