Standing from left to right: Eli Tuchler, Philip Sturgill, & Ruth Dodson; sitting, Cindy Mabry; and in lap, Zoe
P.R. Sturgill Fine Jewelry the Gem of Radford, Run by a Man With a Heart of Gold
By Vickie Holt
During art class at Radford High School, young Philip Sturgill found that he loved making jewelry. He loved it so much that he would often turn up at Luffman’s Jewelers to ask questions and get help with mistakes. Curtis “CC” Luffman had started the jewelry store in 1961. Known as “the jewelry store on the corner”, Luffman’s quickly became a reputable name in the watchmaking and jewelry repair business, offering great service and quality pieces of fine and estate jewelry. Where most other seniors of Philip’s graduating class were pouring over college applications, visiting the career guidance counselors, and otherwise trying to figure out what they wanted to do with their lives, Sturgill had only one aspiration – to become a jeweler. He had originally planned to go to college for jewelry making, but his frequent trips to Luffman’s resulted in a unique opportunity. Store manager, Fances Lyles, saw his potential and hired him. “She was wonderful,” says Philip, reflecting on how much help Frances had been at the beginning of his career. Philip learned a lot from everyone involved in Luffman’s jewelry business. Education came with every minute of the workday as he 14 www.Facebook.com/RadfordMagazine www.Facebook.com/RadfordMagazine
interacted with dealers, managers, and even customers. It was one big classroom, and he learned a lot from them all. The man who honed Philip’s skill, however, was Curtis Luffman, himself. Over the years, Luffman taught Philip the skills he needed to become one of the New River Valley’s best and most sought-after jewelers. In 1989, it was time to graduate from the School of Luffman. Philip bought the jewelry store from his mentor and has never looked back. Well…unless he’s reminiscing about the old days, that is. Before the store was called P.R. Sturgill Fine Jewelry, and before the online shopping era, the old Luffman’s had a bridal section where they sold fine China, crystal, flatware, and other traditional wedding gift items. Not only did Luffman’s offer these special items, but they also wrapped and delivered them! “No gift left the store without being wrapped perfectly,” says Philip, remembering the store’s proud, professional wrapper, Ruth Price. “She had a very specific way of wrapping. Five pieces of tape only. The seam was down the middle and the ribbon covered the seam. Flawless.” As time marched on, however, and society changed, the bridal service was no longer profitable. Philip removed the bridal section
Fall/Winter Fall/Winter 2021-2022 2021-2022
