MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
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
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
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 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
