SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsMar 31, 2021
Philadelphia Jeweler Robert Wolf Dies at 91
Wolf is remembered for his fierce devotion to his family and his love of all things fun.
The late jeweler Robert Wolf was described by loved ones as “the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, father-in-law and friend to ever grace this planet.”
Philadelphia—Longtime Philadelphia Jeweler Robert Wolf died March 15 at the age of 91.
Born March 6, 1930 to Henrietta and Jacob Wolf, he grew up in the Logan section of Philadelphia, as per his online obituary.
At the age of 11, he got his start on the city’s historic Jewelers’ Row, working as an errand boy. He worked his way up to being a salesman and then manager of Perloff’s fine jewelry store.
In 1961, he opened Wolf Jewelers on 8th and Walnut streets. The store remained there until the Wolf family sold the building in 2019.
His son, Lon, joined the family business after graduating from college and worked there for nearly 40 years.
Wolf had a number of famous customers come through his store over the years, including entertainers Sammy Davis Jr. and Eddie Fisher, daredevil Evel Knievel, and local celebrities Jack Kelly and Emma Chappell, according to his obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In his youth, Wolf played tennis and was a member of the Raleigh Beach Bums, a volleyball team based in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
He and his wife Erma later bought a home on the Jersey shore, riding bikes along the water together into their 80s.
The couple traveled the world together, visiting Europe, South America, Northern Africa, Mexico, Greece, and other far-flung locales.
“Bob was an exceptionally friendly, gregarious guy who loved to tell stories and jokes and just adored people, who adored him back. He loved life, and lived it to the fullest,” said his online obituary.
In a comment on his obituary, his niece, Allison Better Folkart, remembered how her uncle would sculpt airplanes and automobiles out of sand, to the delight of his nieces and nephews.
He was “full of humor to bolster his family and friends and cutting-edge cool, even into his 90s. He was a man who truly deserved the admiration and love he garnered,” she commented.
Wolf loved staying active, traveling, throwing parties, and fine dining, but his greatest love was his family, according to his obituary.
“He was a fiercely loyal supporter and protector of them, and was their rock through thick and thin. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, father-in-law and friend to ever grace this planet.”
Wolf is survived by his wife Erma, daughter Alissa, son Lon, granddaughter Mazie Katherine, sister Marcia Better and her husband Ken, nephew Alan Butchin, former daughter-in-law Boni Wolf, and his nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Born March 6, 1930 to Henrietta and Jacob Wolf, he grew up in the Logan section of Philadelphia, as per his online obituary.
At the age of 11, he got his start on the city’s historic Jewelers’ Row, working as an errand boy. He worked his way up to being a salesman and then manager of Perloff’s fine jewelry store.
In 1961, he opened Wolf Jewelers on 8th and Walnut streets. The store remained there until the Wolf family sold the building in 2019.
His son, Lon, joined the family business after graduating from college and worked there for nearly 40 years.
Wolf had a number of famous customers come through his store over the years, including entertainers Sammy Davis Jr. and Eddie Fisher, daredevil Evel Knievel, and local celebrities Jack Kelly and Emma Chappell, according to his obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In his youth, Wolf played tennis and was a member of the Raleigh Beach Bums, a volleyball team based in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
He and his wife Erma later bought a home on the Jersey shore, riding bikes along the water together into their 80s.
The couple traveled the world together, visiting Europe, South America, Northern Africa, Mexico, Greece, and other far-flung locales.
“Bob was an exceptionally friendly, gregarious guy who loved to tell stories and jokes and just adored people, who adored him back. He loved life, and lived it to the fullest,” said his online obituary.
In a comment on his obituary, his niece, Allison Better Folkart, remembered how her uncle would sculpt airplanes and automobiles out of sand, to the delight of his nieces and nephews.
He was “full of humor to bolster his family and friends and cutting-edge cool, even into his 90s. He was a man who truly deserved the admiration and love he garnered,” she commented.
Wolf loved staying active, traveling, throwing parties, and fine dining, but his greatest love was his family, according to his obituary.
“He was a fiercely loyal supporter and protector of them, and was their rock through thick and thin. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, father-in-law and friend to ever grace this planet.”
Wolf is survived by his wife Erma, daughter Alissa, son Lon, granddaughter Mazie Katherine, sister Marcia Better and her husband Ken, nephew Alan Butchin, former daughter-in-law Boni Wolf, and his nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
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 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
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.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
