Majors

Quality Gold’s Tony Marciano, a ‘Larger-Than-Life Figure,’ Dies at 61

MajorsMay 18, 2023

Quality Gold’s Tony Marciano, a ‘Larger-Than-Life Figure,’ Dies at 61

The company honors his four-decade approach to customer relationships, calling it “the gold standard.”

Antonino “Tony” Marciano
Antonino “Tony” Marciano, senior vice president of sales at Quality Gold, died of heart failure on April 30.
Fairfield, Ohio—Antonino “Tony” Marciano, a 40-year salesperson known in the industry for his energetic personality, died April 30 from heart failure.

He was 61.

“Tony M,” as he was known to many, enjoyed a career spanning almost 40 years, 15 of which he spent at Quality Gold, most recently as senior vice president of sales.

Quality Gold remembers Marciano as “a larger-than-life figure.” 

He left an indelible mark on the jewelry industry, the jewelry company said, calling his approach to customer relationships “the gold standard” of being not just another vendor, but a strategic partner and trusted advisor to jewelers across the country. 

His legacy and unwavering spirit will be everlasting in the hearts and minds of those privileged to work with him, because, while he was very proud of his work at Quality Gold, Marciano always credited his success to the team. 

Marciano’s passion for the industry and his customers inspired his colleagues to strive to be their best in both their professional and personal lives, Quality Gold said. Many on his sales team spent more than 20 years by his side across multiple companies. 

Born May 30, 1961, Marciano grew up in Paramus, New Jersey, and found a love for wrestling at Paramus High School.  

He later attended Southern Connecticut State University and became the first member of the Marciano family to graduate college.

After college, Marciano began working for his cousins at their family jewelry business, Michael Anthony Jewelers, in Mount Vernon, New York. 

Starting in product control, he eventually rose to become senior vice president of sales, establishing lifelong friendships with colleagues and customers along the way.

In April 1998, Marciano purchased partial ownership of Philadelphia-based gold and silver jewelry supplier Metal Marketplace International, relocating his family to southern New Jersey. Building on relationships made at Michael Anthony, he ingrained himself with the local jewelry community. 

Marciano shifted in July 2007 to CG Creations in Spring Valley, New York. Nine months later, he came into his next and final adventure at Quality Gold.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 38 years, AnnaMarie; his daughter Amber and her husband Michael; his son Giovanni and his wife Victoria; a grandchild on the way; and a legion of family, friends, and cherished colleagues who will remember his “zest for life.”

To honor Marciano, his family encourages everyone to make a concentrated effort to spend time with their families, hug their loved ones close, eat well, exercise to maintain good health, and remember Marciano, “friend and shining star,” for his boundless pursuit to make the world a brighter place. 


Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

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