PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
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, 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.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
