A Look Inside Maw Maw's Jewelry Box

A Look Inside Maw Maw's Jewelry Box

Over 45 years ago, Melba Walton defied all odds and transformed from a jewelry vendor at flea markets, who sold her wares from the hood of her car to a successful business owner with a couple of storefronts in the historic Downtown Franklin area.

For decades, Melba welcomed customers with her kind eyes that twinkled like diamonds behind the counter at Walton's Jewelry. Offering a warm smile to casual browsers and serious shoppers alike along with a small container of plastic safari animals to help busy little ones keep their hands to themselves.

Melba had a genuine passion for jewelry and it wasn't uncommon to see her wearing a whole lot of it all at once.

Looking back on old photographs, it's clear that Maw Maw had an eye for classic pieces that never went out of style. The name of her game was big, bold, and yellow gold!

Her thick chains added rich texture and subtle sophistication to her everyday wear. Creating a layered look that tells your story (like Maw Maw's signature loupe) remains popular to this day.

She loved to draw attention to her face and add a double dose of whimsy to her jewelry wardrobe with eye-catching earrings that gave her a pop of personality while still looking polished.

And no Melba Walton ensemble would be complete without her stack of diamond wedding bands (the three that she wore are pictured in the first photo). 

Melba was a trailblazer — not only in her jewelry box — but in building a legacy that would live on in her family for three generations and counting.

As the third-generation owner of Walton's Jewelry, Julie Walton Garland holds a profound appreciation for her grandmother's timeless style.

The Walton family continues to operate the same storefront, offering the same exceptional quality, timeless style, and outstanding service that generations of women have come to love. While traditional values have been preserved, we've made our way into the digital world.

Today, customers can find the latest one-of-a-kind antique arrivals on our website, and scheduling an appointment to view our collection in person is only a click away. We've come a long way from the days of handwritten receipts, but our commitment to offering the finest jewelry has remained the same.

Wishing you a happy Mother's Day!
Julie and the Walton Family