Louis “Louie” Glick, one of New York’s most respected diamond dealers and a pioneering force behind the rise of yellow diamonds, passed away on 10 January at the age of 102.

Born in 1924, Glick entered the diamond trade at just 21 years old, founding the diamond company that would later bear his name. His firm went on to become a De Beers sightholder in 1976, cementing his position among the industry’s elite.

Glick was widely recognised for his visionary role in advancing yellow diamonds into the mainstream market. Together with his business partner Stanley Doppelt, he co-created the StarBurst cut — a modified radiant cut designed specifically to enhance yellow diamond colour. The innovation played a crucial role in increasing demand for fancy yellow diamonds, as documented in GIA’s Gems & Gemology.

Don Spak, who previously worked under Glick, credited him with reshaping industry attitudes toward coloured diamonds.

“Mr Glick believed in the yellow diamond market and helped develop it,” Spak wrote on LinkedIn. “Today, there is not a designer, manufacturer, or retailer who does not carry yellow diamonds in their collections or inventory. The place of yellow diamonds will forever be part of the industry thanks to people like Louis Glick.”

Among his many achievements, Glick was also part owner of one of the world’s most famous yellow diamonds — the extraordinary 407-carat Incomparable.

Former Stuller vice president Stanley Zale reflected fondly on his time working with Glick, describing him as both a brilliant businessman and a deeply principled individual.

“The word mensch doesn’t even begin to do justice to who he was,” Zale. “He was the smartest businessperson I’ve ever known. If you wanted to learn the diamond business, he was the person to learn it from. He led with humility, kindness and respect. It was an honour to have known and worked for him.”

Glick’s influence extended well beyond his own success. His nephew, diamond dealer Daniel Sklarin, noted that Glick’s greatest legacy was the people he helped along the way.

“He was a giant in the diamond business, and at his height there was no one even close,” Sklarin said. “His greatest successes were the many individuals he helped establish their own paths in the diamond trade.”

Louis Glick is survived by his son, Simon Glick, and his daughter, Esther Pluchenik. His legacy as a visionary, mentor and true gentleman of the diamond industry will endure for generations.