TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
IndependentsMar 31, 2021
Philadelphia Jeweler Robert Wolf Dies at 91
Wolf is remembered for his fierce devotion to his family and his love of all things fun.
The late jeweler Robert Wolf was described by loved ones as “the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, father-in-law and friend to ever grace this planet.”
Philadelphia—Longtime Philadelphia Jeweler Robert Wolf died March 15 at the age of 91.
Born March 6, 1930 to Henrietta and Jacob Wolf, he grew up in the Logan section of Philadelphia, as per his online obituary.
At the age of 11, he got his start on the city’s historic Jewelers’ Row, working as an errand boy. He worked his way up to being a salesman and then manager of Perloff’s fine jewelry store.
In 1961, he opened Wolf Jewelers on 8th and Walnut streets. The store remained there until the Wolf family sold the building in 2019.
His son, Lon, joined the family business after graduating from college and worked there for nearly 40 years.
Wolf had a number of famous customers come through his store over the years, including entertainers Sammy Davis Jr. and Eddie Fisher, daredevil Evel Knievel, and local celebrities Jack Kelly and Emma Chappell, according to his obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In his youth, Wolf played tennis and was a member of the Raleigh Beach Bums, a volleyball team based in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
He and his wife Erma later bought a home on the Jersey shore, riding bikes along the water together into their 80s.
The couple traveled the world together, visiting Europe, South America, Northern Africa, Mexico, Greece, and other far-flung locales.
“Bob was an exceptionally friendly, gregarious guy who loved to tell stories and jokes and just adored people, who adored him back. He loved life, and lived it to the fullest,” said his online obituary.
In a comment on his obituary, his niece, Allison Better Folkart, remembered how her uncle would sculpt airplanes and automobiles out of sand, to the delight of his nieces and nephews.
He was “full of humor to bolster his family and friends and cutting-edge cool, even into his 90s. He was a man who truly deserved the admiration and love he garnered,” she commented.
Wolf loved staying active, traveling, throwing parties, and fine dining, but his greatest love was his family, according to his obituary.
“He was a fiercely loyal supporter and protector of them, and was their rock through thick and thin. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, father-in-law and friend to ever grace this planet.”
Wolf is survived by his wife Erma, daughter Alissa, son Lon, granddaughter Mazie Katherine, sister Marcia Better and her husband Ken, nephew Alan Butchin, former daughter-in-law Boni Wolf, and his nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Born March 6, 1930 to Henrietta and Jacob Wolf, he grew up in the Logan section of Philadelphia, as per his online obituary.
At the age of 11, he got his start on the city’s historic Jewelers’ Row, working as an errand boy. He worked his way up to being a salesman and then manager of Perloff’s fine jewelry store.
In 1961, he opened Wolf Jewelers on 8th and Walnut streets. The store remained there until the Wolf family sold the building in 2019.
His son, Lon, joined the family business after graduating from college and worked there for nearly 40 years.
Wolf had a number of famous customers come through his store over the years, including entertainers Sammy Davis Jr. and Eddie Fisher, daredevil Evel Knievel, and local celebrities Jack Kelly and Emma Chappell, according to his obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In his youth, Wolf played tennis and was a member of the Raleigh Beach Bums, a volleyball team based in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
He and his wife Erma later bought a home on the Jersey shore, riding bikes along the water together into their 80s.
The couple traveled the world together, visiting Europe, South America, Northern Africa, Mexico, Greece, and other far-flung locales.
“Bob was an exceptionally friendly, gregarious guy who loved to tell stories and jokes and just adored people, who adored him back. He loved life, and lived it to the fullest,” said his online obituary.
In a comment on his obituary, his niece, Allison Better Folkart, remembered how her uncle would sculpt airplanes and automobiles out of sand, to the delight of his nieces and nephews.
He was “full of humor to bolster his family and friends and cutting-edge cool, even into his 90s. He was a man who truly deserved the admiration and love he garnered,” she commented.
Wolf loved staying active, traveling, throwing parties, and fine dining, but his greatest love was his family, according to his obituary.
“He was a fiercely loyal supporter and protector of them, and was their rock through thick and thin. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, father-in-law and friend to ever grace this planet.”
Wolf is survived by his wife Erma, daughter Alissa, son Lon, granddaughter Mazie Katherine, sister Marcia Better and her husband Ken, nephew Alan Butchin, former daughter-in-law Boni Wolf, and his nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
