IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
MajorsAug 09, 2021
Linda Lambrecht, a Groundbreaking VP at Shaw’s Jewelers, Dies at 67
Beloved by customers, Lambrecht rose to become the retailer’s first female regional vice president of operations.
Linda Lambrecht, who spent 20 years with Sterling Jewelers’ Shaw Jewelers, died from metastatic breast cancer earlier this month. She was 67.
Mosinee, Wisc.—Linda Rae Lambrecht, a longtime Sterling Jewelers executive, died Aug. 2 from metastatic breast cancer.
She was 67.
Born Nov. 30, 1953, Lambrecht was the fourth of Harry and Nellie Krumrie’s five children, as per her online obituary.
Raised in Menomonie, Wisconsin, she later moved with her family to Wittenberg.
Soon after her 1971 high school graduation, she met her would-be husband, an avid fisherman named Gary “Chops” Alan Lambrecht.
The two married on May 5, 1973, which happened to be the opening day of that year’s fishing season. The pair were married for 48 years and raised three children, Amy, Krista, and Kirk.
Lambrecht’s 20-year jewelry career began in 1983 on the sales floor of Shaw’s Jewelers in the now-closed Wausau Center Mall in Wausau, Wisconsin.
She climbed the ranks to district manager and eventually became the company’s first female regional vice president of operations.
“She was a recognized, trusted face in the Shaw’s storefront, and with her radiant personality and signature blonde hair, drew customers looking for just the right piece of jewelry,” said her obituary.
Many customers asked for Lambrecht in particular, especially when looking to mark a special occasion.
After she left the jewelry industry, she held various hotel and bank management positions but the jewelry world never left her.
Long after she left Shaw’s, customers would spot Lambrecht and show off the jewelry she helped them pick out decades ago.
“We’re saddened to learn of Linda’s passing, and extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” a Signet Jewelers spokesperson said in an email to National Jeweler.
“We join them in celebrating Linda’s life, especially her service to the company through her lifelong customer relationships, and as an inspiration for so many of her colleagues.”
She was 67.
Born Nov. 30, 1953, Lambrecht was the fourth of Harry and Nellie Krumrie’s five children, as per her online obituary.
Raised in Menomonie, Wisconsin, she later moved with her family to Wittenberg.
Soon after her 1971 high school graduation, she met her would-be husband, an avid fisherman named Gary “Chops” Alan Lambrecht.
The two married on May 5, 1973, which happened to be the opening day of that year’s fishing season. The pair were married for 48 years and raised three children, Amy, Krista, and Kirk.
Lambrecht’s 20-year jewelry career began in 1983 on the sales floor of Shaw’s Jewelers in the now-closed Wausau Center Mall in Wausau, Wisconsin.
She climbed the ranks to district manager and eventually became the company’s first female regional vice president of operations.
“She was a recognized, trusted face in the Shaw’s storefront, and with her radiant personality and signature blonde hair, drew customers looking for just the right piece of jewelry,” said her obituary.
Many customers asked for Lambrecht in particular, especially when looking to mark a special occasion.
After she left the jewelry industry, she held various hotel and bank management positions but the jewelry world never left her.
Long after she left Shaw’s, customers would spot Lambrecht and show off the jewelry she helped them pick out decades ago.
“We’re saddened to learn of Linda’s passing, and extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” a Signet Jewelers spokesperson said in an email to National Jeweler.
“We join them in celebrating Linda’s life, especially her service to the company through her lifelong customer relationships, and as an inspiration for so many of her colleagues.”
Lambrecht retired in 2016 after being diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
Even on her toughest days, she is remembered for her positivity and resilience.
An avid traveler, Lambrecht visited 29 countries across the world, but still enjoyed visiting local Wisconsin destinations, like going to a Northwoods waterfront cabin or taking a day trip to Door County.
She loved to entertain on the holidays, hosting family and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Her turkey stuffing was the talk of the town.
“Linda had a heart of gold and gave generously to others. Her thoughtfulness was unmatched. She was a prolific sender of greeting cards and never missed an occasion. She knew that the best cards weren’t empty, so she always included something special for her grandchildren, such as a movie ticket, a gift card, or a few dollars,” said her obituary.
Lambrecht is survived by her husband, Gary; her three children, Amy (Howard) Ruddell, Krista (Andrew) Hamilton, and Kirk (Sarah) Lambrecht; nine grandchildren; her brother Harry (Alexandra) Krumrie Jr.; her sisters Kathy Hoffman and Dr. Shirley (Dr. Steven) Kleiman; sister-in-law Joan (Gary) Martin; brother-in-law Bruce Lambrecht; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Krumrie.
A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aspirus Hospice Care in Lambrecht’s name.
Even on her toughest days, she is remembered for her positivity and resilience.
An avid traveler, Lambrecht visited 29 countries across the world, but still enjoyed visiting local Wisconsin destinations, like going to a Northwoods waterfront cabin or taking a day trip to Door County.
She loved to entertain on the holidays, hosting family and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Her turkey stuffing was the talk of the town.
“Linda had a heart of gold and gave generously to others. Her thoughtfulness was unmatched. She was a prolific sender of greeting cards and never missed an occasion. She knew that the best cards weren’t empty, so she always included something special for her grandchildren, such as a movie ticket, a gift card, or a few dollars,” said her obituary.
Lambrecht is survived by her husband, Gary; her three children, Amy (Howard) Ruddell, Krista (Andrew) Hamilton, and Kirk (Sarah) Lambrecht; nine grandchildren; her brother Harry (Alexandra) Krumrie Jr.; her sisters Kathy Hoffman and Dr. Shirley (Dr. Steven) Kleiman; sister-in-law Joan (Gary) Martin; brother-in-law Bruce Lambrecht; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Krumrie.
A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aspirus Hospice Care in Lambrecht’s name.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
