CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Glenn Lewis, who died on Sunday at age 68, is remembered for his impact on the city of Moore, Oklahoma, as a beloved community jeweler and the city’s longest-serving mayor.
Moore, Okla.—Glenn Delbert Lewis, longtime mayor and co-founder of Lewis Jewelers in Moore, Oklahoma, died at the age of 68 on April 28.
He had been experiencing a “lengthy illness,” the family said in his obituary.
Lewis was born July 12, 1955, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to John Delbert Lewis and Tawana Ruth Richardson Lewis.
In the summer of 1960, the family moved to Moore, where John built their home.
Lewis graduated from Moore High School, where he was president of his senior class, in 1973. He attended the University of Oklahoma and transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma, where he graduated with a degree in municipal management.
Following an interest in rock hunting, Lewis became a jeweler apprentice at age 16.
In 1976, he opened Lewis Jewelers with his younger brother Tim. Glenn’s business focus was on manufacturing wholesale and retail jewelry, the family said.
Both brothers got their start in the industry cutting and polishing gemstones, according to the store’s website.
Today, the store is fully integrated from gemstone cutting to designing and manufacturing finished pieces in its own factory, and it has served multiple generations of customers for 45 years.
He had been experiencing a “lengthy illness,” the family said in his obituary.
Lewis was born July 12, 1955, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to John Delbert Lewis and Tawana Ruth Richardson Lewis.
In the summer of 1960, the family moved to Moore, where John built their home.
Lewis graduated from Moore High School, where he was president of his senior class, in 1973. He attended the University of Oklahoma and transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma, where he graduated with a degree in municipal management.
Following an interest in rock hunting, Lewis became a jeweler apprentice at age 16.
In 1976, he opened Lewis Jewelers with his younger brother Tim. Glenn’s business focus was on manufacturing wholesale and retail jewelry, the family said.
Both brothers got their start in the industry cutting and polishing gemstones, according to the store’s website.
Today, the store is fully integrated from gemstone cutting to designing and manufacturing finished pieces in its own factory, and it has served multiple generations of customers for 45 years.
After 18 years in the jewelry industry, Lewis was elected the mayor of Moore in 1994.
He was nicknamed “Mr. Mayor” for his love and commitment to the city, his family said.
U.S. Representative Tom Cole, who has lived in Moore for more than 60 years, has said that Lewis’ time as mayor was "the most consequential in the history of Moore, without question."
It was during Lewis' tenure that the 1999 EF5 tornado struck the city, killing more than 40 people and leaving behind more than $1 billion in damage.
On a visit to Moore, then-President Bill Clinton called Lewis “the most experienced mayor in dealing with FEMA disasters.”
Lewis was also in office when another tornado hit in 2013, leading to the injuries and deaths of dozens, as well as $2 billion in damage.
Then-President Barack Obama visited the city, and federal emergency responders “followed the city’s lead, rather than the other way around,” The Oklahoman reported.
President Barack Obama talking with Glenn Lewis on his visit to Moore, Oklahoma, in May of 2013 (Photo by Bryan Terry, courtesy of The Oklahoman)
In 2021, thanks to a unanimous vote by city councilmembers, Lewis was honored with the renaming of a portion of SW 25 Boulevard—the section near a Costco he helped attract to the area—to Glenn Lewis Boulevard.
After 30 years in office, Lewis, the longest serving mayor in the state, decided last year to not seek reelection, according to local news.
The new mayor Mark Hamm remembers him on the city's official Facebook page, stating that “City Council recently honored [Lewis] with the ‘Key to the City,’ symbolizing the impact he had on the community. Glenn had the key to our hearts.”
Lewis was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Pamela Coulter Lewis.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura Lewis, and her partner Brendan Schulz; their children, Riley and Daniel; and his brother Timothy J. Lewis and his wife, Julie.
A visitation took place May 1 at Lynlee Mae Chapel, located at 507 East Main in Moore, and will also be held May 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The funeral service will be held May 3 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Moore, located at 301 NE 27th Street, and interment will follow at Moore City Cemetery at 800 SW 4th Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Lewis’ memory be made to the Pam and Glenn Lewis Scholarship Fund.
Those can be mailed to Moore High School Alumni Association, PO Box 7916, Moore, Oklahoma 73153.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
