SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
IndependentsJun 21, 2022
Jeweler Tommy Glatz, Known for Being Creative and Kind, Dies at 68
Glatz owned and operated Glatz Jewelers in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania for more than 40 years.
Tommy Glatz shared this photo on Facebook of himself and wife Marleen Glatz at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s San Antonio conference in March. “Diamonds, jewelry and a party. Loving this!” he wrote. The longtime Pennsylvania jeweler died suddenly at his home earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of Tommy Glatz/Facebook)
Aliquippa, Pa.—Tommy M. Glatz, the longtime owner of Glatz Jewelers in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly at his home on June 7.
He was 68.
Glatz grew up in Shaler Township, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh, and graduated from Shaler High School.
After earning bachelor’s degrees in metalsmithing and fine art, Glatz and wife Marleen opened Glatz Jewelers in 1976.
Over the years, they grew their business from a small store into a multi-brand operation, gaining a reputation as one of the most trusted jewelry retailers in the Pittsburgh area while Glatz became known for his signature bow tie.
In 2009, Glatz Jewelers became a member of the Independent Jewelers Organization.
Around that same time, the store began branching out into another business—wine.
The Glatz family had been making wine for generations but didn’t begin marketing it until 2007, selling bottles under the label Glatz Wine Cellars with names befitting a jewelry store, like “Amethyst,” and “Topaz.”
“People ask me how long I’ve been making wine. Longer than jewelry, I tell them,” Glatz told National Jeweler when the publication profiled the store’s wine business in the 2019 Retailer Hall of Fame issue, noting that his family has been producing wine in Germany and France for more than 200 years.
In addition to jewelry and winemaking, Glatz loved talking about travel, the arts, biking, and genealogy, and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed spending evenings and weekends in the garden with his dog Ted, growing fruits and vegetables and sharing them with family and friends.
He also loved being “Poppy” to his six grandchildren.
Glatz was “brilliantly creative … witty, feisty, and kind,” his online obituary states. “He will be missed by countless friends and family from all walks of life all around the world.”
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marleen (Michael) Glatz; daughter Arlene and her husband Bob Nalli; son Aaron and his wife Shelby Glatz; son Dale and his wife Dana Glatz; and six grandchildren: Andrew and Elise Nalli, Oscar and August Glatz, and William and Waylon Glatz.
Also surviving are his father, Robert Glatz of Shaler Township; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Kerry Glatz of Shaler Township; his mother-in-law, Alice Michael of Center Township; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn (Haffely) Glatz, and his father-in-law, Steve Michael.
Friends will be received Friday, June 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tatalovich Funeral Home, 3475 Brodhead Road, Monaca, PA 15061.
He was 68.
Glatz grew up in Shaler Township, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh, and graduated from Shaler High School.
After earning bachelor’s degrees in metalsmithing and fine art, Glatz and wife Marleen opened Glatz Jewelers in 1976.
Over the years, they grew their business from a small store into a multi-brand operation, gaining a reputation as one of the most trusted jewelry retailers in the Pittsburgh area while Glatz became known for his signature bow tie.
In 2009, Glatz Jewelers became a member of the Independent Jewelers Organization.
Around that same time, the store began branching out into another business—wine.
The Glatz family had been making wine for generations but didn’t begin marketing it until 2007, selling bottles under the label Glatz Wine Cellars with names befitting a jewelry store, like “Amethyst,” and “Topaz.”
“People ask me how long I’ve been making wine. Longer than jewelry, I tell them,” Glatz told National Jeweler when the publication profiled the store’s wine business in the 2019 Retailer Hall of Fame issue, noting that his family has been producing wine in Germany and France for more than 200 years.
In addition to jewelry and winemaking, Glatz loved talking about travel, the arts, biking, and genealogy, and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed spending evenings and weekends in the garden with his dog Ted, growing fruits and vegetables and sharing them with family and friends.
He also loved being “Poppy” to his six grandchildren.
Glatz was “brilliantly creative … witty, feisty, and kind,” his online obituary states. “He will be missed by countless friends and family from all walks of life all around the world.”
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marleen (Michael) Glatz; daughter Arlene and her husband Bob Nalli; son Aaron and his wife Shelby Glatz; son Dale and his wife Dana Glatz; and six grandchildren: Andrew and Elise Nalli, Oscar and August Glatz, and William and Waylon Glatz.
Also surviving are his father, Robert Glatz of Shaler Township; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Kerry Glatz of Shaler Township; his mother-in-law, Alice Michael of Center Township; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn (Haffely) Glatz, and his father-in-law, Steve Michael.
Friends will be received Friday, June 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tatalovich Funeral Home, 3475 Brodhead Road, Monaca, PA 15061.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
CrimeMar 11, 2025
Man in Florida Swallows Allegedly Stolen Tiffany & Co. Jewelry The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Stephen Barnes Is the New Owner of IJOAfter more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
