Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
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
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
