Our Story
Family-owned for three generations.
Est. 1974
Walton's Antique and Estate Jewelry was founded by Melba Walton in 1974 (years before women could open a line of credit or a business without their husband's blessing). Melba 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.
Since then, we've never stopped blazing a trail with our unique approach to business. Woman-founded and woman-owned, our history spans three generations of Waltons across nearly 50 years. Whether you're browsing our in-store selection of antique jewels or enjoying a complimentary consultation for a custom piece, heirloom restoration, or repair, our team of graduate gemologists, repair specialists, and experts on all things fine jewelry are ready to help.
Est. 1974
Melba Walton
Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry began over 50 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 set up right next to people selling chickens! When she decided to open her first brick and mortar location during a time when women were not able to get a loan on their own, she had her husband, Jack, cosign in order to 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.
Second Generation
Mike Walton
GIA Graduate Gemologist
Mike Walton joined the family business in 1982 when his mother, Melba Walton, opened the doors to Walton's Jewelry. He received his Graduate Gemology Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America in residence at Carlsbad California in the early 1980s and put in hundreds of hours along with completing coursework to become our resident jeweler. For many years, Mike handled most aspects of day-to-day operations here at Walton's, playing a pivotal role in shaping the store into the esteemed establishment it is today.
Mike's adventurous spirit and love for exploration have taken him around the world in search of gemstones and antique jewelry to bring back to Franklin. As Mike enters the retired phase of his life, he enjoys time spent with his wife, Adrian, and revels in the joy of being a grandparent. Though he has stepped back from the day-to-day operations, his legacy and contributions continue to shape the spirit of Walton's, reminding us of the store's rich heritage and commitment to excellence.
Third Generation
Julie Walton Garland
GIA Graduate Gemologist
Julie Walton Garland, Mike's oldest daughter, continued the Walton's Legacy by joining the business in 2012 after spending six years in Colorado where she received her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2010. Driven by her desire to expand her expertise, Julie earned her Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America. She has since played a pivotal role in establishing the business's strong online presence, ensuring that Walton's Jewelry resonates with customers far and wide. Her unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience shines through in her recent achievement of overseeing our remarkable showroom remodel. With her keen eye for design, she transformed the space into a stunning and inviting environment, where clients can immerse themselves in the beauty of our collection of fine antique jewelry.
Recognizing her achievements, Julie's outstanding reputation extends beyond Walton's Jewelry. In 2017, she was selected as one of eleven business owners from across the nation to join the Facebook Small Business Council. She also proudly serves as a Founding Member of the Facebook Leader Network, reflecting her commitment to advancing the success of small businesses.
Celebrating 50 Years
Like the authentic Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewelry in our beautifully lit showcases, our showroom always pays homage to the past. Built in the late 1800s, our historic location in Downtown Franklin has stood the test of time with many of its original features proudly on display.
Julie x Facebook Small Business Council
In 2017, Julie was selected as one of eleven business owners from across the country to become a Member of the Facebook Small Business Council. She is also a Founding Member of the Facebook Leaders Network. This incredible partnership with Facebook has opened up a world of possibilities and opportunities for Walton’s.
Our Mission
At Walton's Jewelry, we are committed to building lasting relationships with our clients based on trust, integrity, and personalized service. Our mission is to create an unforgettable experience, offering an unparalleled selection of fine jewelry. Specializing in pre-1940s 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. Today, under the stewardship of the third generation of the Walton family, we continue to carry forward Melba's legacy of providing exceptional jewelry that become cherished heirlooms for future generations.
Giving Back
Walton's has been locally owned and operated in Franklin, Tennessee since 1974. Giving back to the communities that support us has always been a part of who we are. Our philanthropic efforts are supported by our customers and our team, who play a critical role in our community giving. We're proud to support the following organizations:
Williamson County Court Appointed Special Advocates
The National CASA/GAL Association, together with state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.
Williamson County Animal Center
Williamson County Animal Center's mission is making Williamson County Tennessee better for animals through adoption, education, enforcement and pet population control.
Women of Williamson
Women of Williamson's mission is to empower women and children in our community with opportunity and hope for a brighter future.
Harpeth Conservancy
Founded in 1999, Harpeth Conservancy’s vision is clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee championed by the people who live here.
Saddle Up!
Saddle Up!’s mission is to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses.
Friends of Franklin Parks
Founded in 2011, Friends of Franklin Parks exists to cultivate stewardship within our community to preserve our cultural and natural resources, conserve public open spaces, enhance the park and trail experience, and expand its legacy for future generations!
Needs of Our Kids
NOOK's Mission is to support school staff in the Franklin Special School District and the schools of Williamson County as they work to ensure that all students enter the classroom ready to learn and succeed by achieving their individual potential.
Studio Tenn
Studio Tenn exists to captivate and inspire with Broadway-quality musicals, plays, and concerts while educating the next generation to create and delight in the experience of live theatre.
High Hopes
High Hopes' vision was to create an inclusive, play-based, family-centered therapeutic school where children of all abilities can thrive academically and therapeutically, side by side with their peers.
Gary Sinise Foundation
The Gary Sinise Foundation serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.
