Marilyn Monroe may have professed that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but for Laura Stanley, diamonds have always been a way of life.
Her grandparents began the beloved Stanley Jewelers Gemologist in North Little Rock in 1936, and Laura spent 30 years working in the family business, until the store closed in 2017 and she began her own adventure, Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler.
“We had been an institution for 80 years, and when my father wanted to retire, I decided it was time to change things up a little bit. It was an easy transition for me because I had loyal clients from the start, and I’m pleased to say, my client base has grown enormously since then. I credit my family history, ethics and experience,” she says.
Laura also can credit her extensive knowledge of the trade. She has been a Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) for 29 years and is one of two CGA Instructors for the entire American Gem Society, which she says is a “privilege and huge honor.”
“As a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, I understand the differences in types of appraisals and what details and information are needed for accurate valuation,” she explains.
Her areas of expertise include diamonds, estate jewelry and custom pieces. She especially enjoys developing relationships with the clients she serves.
“I really like meeting a client, getting a feel for their style and jewelry needs and then helping create or recreate a ring, necklace, etc. I have honed my ability to visualize what kind of jewelry will work best for each client,” she says. “It’s a skill I’ve developed but I like to think it’s a natural talent, too. I love when someone shows up with six items of jewelry they never wear and says, ‘What can we make?’ It’s the best!”
Each creation is as unique as the clients she serves.
“Sometimes it is as simple as changing the setting on a diamond solitaire or changing the metal a gemstone is in, and sometimes we start with an idea and design the item. Then I source all of the necessary elements,” she says. “I love seeing an idea transform from my initial sketch to a CAD, then a wax model, then the finished product. It’s so much fun! I have several custom jewelers who have different skills and strengths, so I can match the project to the right creator.”
In addition to Laura’s diamonds, estate and custom pieces, she also has amassed an impressive assortment of rare Arkansas turquoise.
“I discovered Arkansas turquoise about five years ago, and I fell in love!” she says. “It’s the best kept secret in the state. Clients really connect with this product, and it has been a great gift item, especially for expats who moved away but still cherish their Arkansas connection. And it’s from the Mona Lisa Mine. It sounds beautiful even before you see it. With only one source, the production is limited, so I treat each piece we create with special care.”
In a career that revolves around beautiful and unique objects, it can be difficult to choose the mostmeaningful – but Laura says a few projects do stand out.
“A few years ago, I created a ring with the biggest, prettiest sapphire I’ve ever seen. It was an anniversary gift to replace a small, inexpensive sapphire my client gave his wife 40 years ago, when they had no money. Another one was taking diamonds from a wedding set a friend inherited from her mother and resetting them into a necklace she could wear every day and remember mom. And a few years ago, we made a wedding set — engagement ring and wedding band — for a him and her, using Arkansas turquoise. It was unique and so special.”
Laura’s creations have been the centerpieces of so many memorable moments. It’s hard to believe she almost chose a different professional path.
“It’s funny that I never thought I’d go into jewelry, the family business. My degree is in broadcast journalism from TCU,” she says. “But here I am.
“In 1989, I was going to work part-time through Christmas, and fast forward to now. I feel so fortunate to have been born into this business and learned from the best – my father, Loyd Stanley. I think of him daily and try to live up to his standards while challenging myself to grow in every aspect of fine jewelry,” Laura says. “I treasure my clients and consider most of them to be friends. I really do have the best job ever.”
For more information about Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler or to schedule an appointment with Laura, visit laura.diamonds.
"I love when someone shows up with six items of jewelry they never wear and says, ‘What can we make?’ It’s the best!”