Walton’s Jewelry was featured in Your Williamson Magazine’s Fall 2021 issue as a Distinctively Williamson Business. Read more below (pg. 74):
"This business was started almost fifty years ago by Melba Walton, an entrepreneur who had a sincere passion for antique jewelry. Before having a storefront of her own, she would sell jewelry on the hood of her car at flea markets. Oftentimes, Melba would set up right next to people selling chickens! When she decided to open her first brick-and-mortar location during a time when women could not get a loan on their own, she had her husband, Jack, cosign to help her pursue her dreams of becoming a business owner. Melba persevered, opening Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry in 1974 in our original location in Carter’s Court - the premier Downtown Franklin shopping destination at the time. In 1982, she decided to invest in the future, purchasing our current building at 410 Main Street in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee.
Mike, Melba’s youngest son, joined the family business in 1980. He received his Graduate Gemology degree to become the resident jewelry appraiser. He also took courses and put in hundreds of hours to become our resident jeweler. For many years, Mike handled almost every aspect of day-to-day operations. His passion, knowledge and genuine, honest character helped grow Walton’s into the jewelry store it is today.
In 2012, Julie, Mike’s oldest daughter, joined the family business. She pursued her Graduate Gemology degree and began making her mark by establishing a solid online presence for Walton’s. “Julie launched our first website and grew our Facebook and Instagram following, allowing us to connect with our customers in a whole new way,” says Mike. In 2017, she launched Walton’s online store, allowing our customers to shop with us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week from all across the country!
Today, Walton’s has become a staple in the downtown Franklin community. Not only offering beautiful pieces to purchase, but also repairing fine jewelry and offering custom design. Specializing in pre-1940’s antique and estate pieces, Walton’s maintains the foundation on which Melba created the store, a place where all are welcome to share in the love and admiration for pieces of one-of-a-kind jewelry."
