EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
Weekly QuizNov 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
David Yurman Gem Awards Grant Opens 2027 ApplicationsThe grant recipient will be awarded $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with executives at David Yurman and other industry executives.
Events & AwardsNov 03, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Name 2026 Scholarship WinnersThe winners include a non-NAJA member seeking training, a member beginning NAJA courses, and a member becoming a Certified Master Appraiser.
AuctionsNov 02, 2026
197-Carat ‘Romanov Sapphire’ Heads to Sotheby’s GenevaThe rare jewel, which has links to Russia’s Romanov dynasty, is estimated to fetch up to $2 million.
CrimeNov 02, 2026
Customs Seizes More Than 400 Fake Audemars Piguet WatchesIt is one of several seizures of counterfeit jewelry and watches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Louisville this year.
MajorsNov 02, 2026
Lawrence Bock, Caryl Capeci, Amanda Coleman-Phelps Join JA Board Jewelers of America announced the additions to its board of directors following its annual general meeting, held last week.
CollectionsNov 02, 2026
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, Heller Jewelers Expand ‘Always Dream’ CollectionThe jewelry collection supports Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides reading and educational resources to families in need.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
