SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
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
IndependentsJul 15, 2026
New Jersey Jeweler Barry Berman Dies at 81The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
IndependentsJul 14, 2026
Foundrae Opens First Standalone Store Outside USThe New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
