Our Story
It started with Melba Walton.
Franklin, Tennessee. 1974. Melba opened her first storefront in Carter's Court, then the heart of downtown Franklin shopping. Before that, she sold antique jewelry on the hood of her car at flea markets, often set up next to people selling chickens.
She built her first collection piece by piece. She had an eye for beautiful things and a love for the hunt. What she didn't have was easy access to capital. Back then, women couldn't get a business loan without a husband's signature. So Melba asked Jack, her husband, to co-sign. And that's how Walton's began.
In 1982, she bought the building at 410 Main Street. She didn't know it then, but that choice would shape three generations and counting.
Second Generation
In the early 1980s, Melba’s son, Mike Walton, joined the family business. He earned his Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America and brought a technical eye to Walton’s that balanced his mother’s intuition and instinct.
Mike became the go-to expert for sourcing, appraising, and restoring one-of-a-kind pieces. He traveled the world in search of gems and antiques, always with a curious mind and a jeweler’s precision. For decades, 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.
Now retired, Mike enjoys life at a slower pace with his wife, Adrian, and the joy of watching his grandchildren grow. His legacy still lives in the way we work, the way we see, and the way we value every piece that passes through our hands.
Third Generation
Julie grew up behind the showcases at Walton’s, watching her father and grandmother run the shop with care, character, and a deep love for the jewelry they sold. After earning her degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, she found her way back to Franklin—and back to the family business.
Since then, Julie has brought a new energy to Walton’s, earning her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the GIA, expanding the brand’s reach online, and leading a full renovation of the showroom to create a space that feels just as timeless and personal as the pieces inside it.
She's also deepened Walton’s role in the local community. A passionate supporter of Historic Downtown Franklin and its small businesses, she’s committed to keeping Walton’s not just family-owned, but locally rooted.
Now raising two young children in the same town where she grew up, Julie is keeping an eye on the future while honoring everything that came before.
Julie x Facebook Small Business Council
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.
This incredible partnership with Facebook has opened up a world of possibilities and opportunities for Walton’s.
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.
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.