Hidden Gems: Meet Julie Walton Garland of Walton’s Jewelry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Walton Garland.

Hi Julie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up immersed in the world of fine antique jewelry, watching my grandmother, Melba, and my dad, Mike, pour their hearts into Walton’s Jewelry. Their passion for the community, their genuine care for clients, and their deep love for the business left a lasting impression on me.

Some of my earliest memories are of playing in the showroom, my dad’s office, and the workshop. As a baby, I even had a spot in the showroom doorway, bouncing in a “Johnny Jump Up,” instinctively jumping every time the front doorbell rang.

I went to the University of Colorado and after graduation, worked in the event and wedding planning industry, but something was missing. Sensing this, my dad made me an offer—come home for a month and give the family business a try, no pressure. I took the leap, and the rest is history. I officially joined the team, pursued my Graduate Gemology Degree, and never looked back.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, for the most part, yes, and I feel like a big part of that is due to my dad’s openness to change and growth.

Running a multi-generational family business comes with its unique set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is balancing tradition with innovation. The way my grandmother and father built Walton’s Jewelry was rooted in personal relationships, trust, and timeless values—things that are still at the heart of our business today. However, as times change, so do customer expectations, technology, and the way business is done.

There’s a delicate balance between honoring the legacy of those who came before you and pushing forward with necessary evolution. Whether it’s updating technology, embracing digital marketing, or shifting customer experiences, implementing change while respecting tradition requires patience, communication, and a shared vision.

At the end of the day, the goal is the same: to continue the legacy while ensuring Walton’s Jewelry remains relevant and successful for future generations. It’s not always easy, but navigating these challenges is part of what makes running a family business so rewarding.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
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.

We specialize in pre-1940’s antique and estate jewelry, while also offering custom jewelry design and jewelry repair.

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 over 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.

For our 50th anniversary last year, we put together a beautiful short film about our history: https://youtu.be/npJRAtQFV7Y?list=TLGG4xTxCRQWaJIyOTAxMjAyNQ

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
We filmed this to tell our story for our 50th anniversary last year: https://youtu.be/npJRAtQFV7Y?list=TLGG4xTxCRQWaJIyOTAxMjAyNQ

https://waltonsjewelry.com/pages/our-story

In 2017 I was selected by Facebook as one of 12 small business owners from across the country to join their Small Business Council. They sent a production team to follow me around for three days to film – it was a really incredible experience!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://waltonsjewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waltonsjewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waltonsantiquejewelry/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@waltonsantiquejewelry
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@waltonsjewelry