AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
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
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
