CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
IndependentsOct 26, 2021
Shreve, Crump & Low President David Walker Dies
He purchased the retailer in 2006 after it ran into financial trouble and set about bringing back its sparkle.
Shreve, Crump & Low President David Walker (Image courtesy Shreve, Crump & Low Facebook page)
Boston—David Walker, president and owner of well-known retailer Shreve, Crump & Low, has died.
The son of a Boston jeweler, Walker’s nearly four-decade-long career started when he was in his early 20s in Boston, the family said in an announcement about his passing on social media.
After applying for, but ultimately not getting, a job at Shreve Crump & Low—one of the oldest retailers in America and one he greatly admired—Walker started his own business in the late 1970s called David & Company.
He spent the following two decades growing his business and building a presence in the wholesale jewelry community, indulging his true passion of acquiring rare diamonds and gemstones.
In 2006, Walker purchased Shreve, Crump & Low when the retailer was having financial problems.
With his acquisition and the hard work that came after, Walker not only saved the storied jeweler but grew it “beyond his wildest expectations,” his family said.
His love for business and hard work came second only to his love for his family—his wife, Antonella, and his three kids, Brian, Bradford, and Olivia.
“David did everything for his family and his business.”
Walker divided his time between the retailer’s two locations—working alongside Brian at the company’s brownstone on tony Newbury Street in Boston and with Bradford and Olivia at the store in Greenwich, Connecticut.
His dream was to see his children continue the legacy he built “with confidence, cohesion and, most importantly, happiness in their hearts.” The three of them will continue to run the business.
Walker is remembered as a kind man and a great businessman whose involvement in the industry touched many lives.
Memorial remembrances may be sent to the retailer’s its Boston location: 39 Newbury St., Boston, MA, 02116.
The son of a Boston jeweler, Walker’s nearly four-decade-long career started when he was in his early 20s in Boston, the family said in an announcement about his passing on social media.
After applying for, but ultimately not getting, a job at Shreve Crump & Low—one of the oldest retailers in America and one he greatly admired—Walker started his own business in the late 1970s called David & Company.
He spent the following two decades growing his business and building a presence in the wholesale jewelry community, indulging his true passion of acquiring rare diamonds and gemstones.
In 2006, Walker purchased Shreve, Crump & Low when the retailer was having financial problems.
With his acquisition and the hard work that came after, Walker not only saved the storied jeweler but grew it “beyond his wildest expectations,” his family said.
His love for business and hard work came second only to his love for his family—his wife, Antonella, and his three kids, Brian, Bradford, and Olivia.
“David did everything for his family and his business.”
Walker divided his time between the retailer’s two locations—working alongside Brian at the company’s brownstone on tony Newbury Street in Boston and with Bradford and Olivia at the store in Greenwich, Connecticut.
His dream was to see his children continue the legacy he built “with confidence, cohesion and, most importantly, happiness in their hearts.” The three of them will continue to run the business.
Walker is remembered as a kind man and a great businessman whose involvement in the industry touched many lives.
Memorial remembrances may be sent to the retailer’s its Boston location: 39 Newbury St., Boston, MA, 02116.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal OfficialThe formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.
