Feature Article | By Jocklyn Mundy | Photos courtesy of Windermere Photography
From Left to Right: Gray, Beau, Milani, Jeff, and Scout Walters. Maya, Frank, and Heather Walters. Wyatt, Dustin, Hayes, Waylon, Lindsay, and Dax Brake.
For more than three decades, Windermere has been home to the Walters family, where Little League games and lake days have built a foundation of everyday moments that continue to echo in their family’s legacy. It’s where Frank Walters’ two oldest children, Lindsay and Jeff, grew up and now raise families of their own, and where he and his wife Heather are raising their daughter, Maya.
That same sense of connection and community is also at the heart of Frank’s life’s work: Victoria Jewelers. Walk into Victoria Jewelers, and you’ll notice something different right away. The diamonds have a brilliance that is uniquely Victoria’s, the staff is welcoming, and the showroom exudes elegance. What truly sets them apart, however, is the deep history of craftsmanship and care that has been passed down through generations.
That story begins with Frank, who at 23 was a husband and father of two very young children when he took a job at a small jewelry shop to make ends meet. “I never intended to become a jeweler,” Frank says. “I just needed something flexible while I was in college. But I quickly realized how fulfilling it was helping people with such personal purchases and earning their trust.”
He rose quickly, managing the shop and eventually running it almost entirely. But he also witnessed poor leadership and broken promises. “I paid attention,” he says. “I decided then that if I ever opened my own store, I would do it the right way.” In 1987, he did just that. Victoria Jewelers opened its doors in a modest Conway strip mall. Named after Frank’s beloved grandmother, a Godly, wise woman who raised nine children alone and served as Justice of the Peace in rural Virginia, the store was built on values, not volume. “She was the strongest, most respected person I’ve ever known. Naming the store after her felt right.”
Those early years were challenging. Frank remembers days when no one walked through the door. But he held fast to his belief: treat people right and do excellent work. That philosophy built Victoria Jewelers’ reputation, one based not on promotions or gimmicks, but on quality. Customers brought in heirlooms others had deemed beyond repair, and Frank’s team restored them with integrity and care. Another principle set him apart: his obsession with diamond quality. Frank insisted on sourcing stones cut from "number one rough," the top-tier material that gives diamonds their unmatched brilliance. “You can have two stones with the same specs on paper, but side by side, only one will sparkle,” he explains. “Our customers see it. Their friends see it. That’s what keeps them coming back.”
His reputation spread. One favorite story involves a small act of kindness, fixing an elderly man’s watch band free of charge. Months later, the man’s son flew in from Maine to purchase a diamond. “My dad said I had to come here,” he told Frank. “He said this is where you go when it matters.” That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from a transaction; it comes from a relationship. Frank explains, “Our heart is in helping people understand what they’re buying. It’s never been about sales, it’s about trust and connection.” That mindset built a fiercely loyal clientele that not only returns but sends their friends, children, and grandchildren. Frank trained his team to prioritize service over sales quotas, a philosophy now carried forward by the next generation.
That next generation includes his son Jeff, who grew up around the jewelry business but initially took a different path. A standout athlete at Olympia High School, Jeff was captain of the football team and MVP of the basketball team. But baseball was his sport. Jeff was drafted five times, but he chose college instead, playing baseball at the University of Georgia, where he also earned his degree. After graduation, he was drafted in the 7th round by the Mets. Jeff spent eight seasons playing professional baseball before transitioning into a successful career in medical device sales. In 2023, he returned to his roots, joining Victoria Jewelers full-time, a move Frank describes with pride: “He’s got character and work ethic.”
Jeff and his wife, Milani, both grew up in Windermere, attending Windermere Elementary, Gotha Middle, and Olympia High School. “He asked me to prom in 2006, and the rest is history,” Milani says with a smile. Today, Milani and Jeff are raising their three children, Beau, Gray, and Scout, in the town they’ve always called home. Milani is the heart and soul of their busy household, expertly balancing work with caring for their energetic crew. Her influence reaches well beyond her home, fueled by a deep commitment to the community she loves. Two years ago, Milani envisioned a meaningful way for fathers and daughters to create lasting memories together. She brought together a dedicated team and hosted the inaugural Father-Daughter Dance at Town Hall, and it was an instant success. Elegant, joyful, and full of heart, her vision turned a thoughtful idea into one of Windermere’s most cherished traditions.
That same spirit of family and dedication extends to Frank’s oldest daughter, Lindsay, and her husband, Dustin Brake. Their story began at a specialized design course in Louisiana, where a shared passion for jewelry quickly sparked something more. The connection was instant. Not long after, Dustin moved to Florida, and the couple began building a life together. They married in 2015 and have called Windermere home ever since. Today, Dustin plays a key role at Victoria Jewelers, managing the Baldwin Park store with both leadership and expertise. He and Lindsay center their lives around their four energetic boys, twins Wyatt and Waylon, followed by Dax and Hayes. Grounded in strong values, their shared purpose is to leave a lasting legacy, both through their work and in their family.
Today, Victoria Jewelers features the region’s only AGS-accredited gem lab. Brian Hunt, one of Victoria Jeweler's most knowledgeable and beloved team members, holds certifications from both GIA and AGS. He’s the trusted resource for clients seeking expert diamond guidance and peace of mind. “He’s brilliant,” Frank says. “And he’s kind. People love working with him.”
Jeff’s return to the business came at the perfect time. With Frank easing into semi-retirement and Dustin already a trusted leader, the family was ready to take the next step, expanding their presence beyond Baldwin Park. When the new retail space on Main Street in Windermere became available, it just felt right. Now, their new boutique will offer a refined, intimate version of the flagship store, bringing the same quality and care even closer to home. Central to that experience is the store’s design, a reflection of Heather’s creative vision. “From Baldwin Park to Windermere, Heather’s vision has shaped each space,” Frank says. Heather adds, “Designing our family jewelry stores has always been about striking the right balance between elegance and approachability. Our style has evolved from traditional warmth to a refined aesthetic, like stepping into a beautiful hotel lobby. For our Windermere location, we carried that same feel into a lighter, more intimate space, like a penthouse boutique set within timeless architecture. It’s classic, curated, and always unmistakably Victoria Jewelers.”
As the new Windermere location opens its doors, it represents more than geographic growth; it reflects the maturation of a brand rooted in family and craftsmanship. What began as Frank’s pursuit of doing business the right way has grown into a multi-generational operation, with each family member contributing to its heart and success. Jeff shares, “Opening a store in Windermere means more than just expanding the business; it’s about being connected to a community we love. This town helped shape who Milani and I are, and now we get to raise our own family here while continuing the legacy my dad started. It’s an honor to bring Victoria Jewelers to the heart of a place that means so much to us.”
Looking ahead, Frank is energized by what’s to come, not just the new location, but the continuation of something deeper. “Watching Jeff and Dustin lead with the same heart and care I’ve always strived for means everything. And now, Windermere has its storefront, serving our neighbors with the same quality and experience we’re known for. That’s exciting.” And the story doesn’t end there. Frank and Heather's daughter, Maya, is entering the 8th grade at Gotha Middle School and is a competitive wakesurfer. “Maya keeps us busy, and we have seven grandkids,” Frank beams. “Weekends are for them. We work hard, but we make time for what matters. That’s the real reward.”
In every setting, from an heirloom repair to a new engagement diamond, what shines brightest isn’t just the stone; it’s the legacy behind it. Nothing replaces the human touch. “We’re not a mass-production place,” Frank explains. “Our jewelers are some of the best in the country; they approach every piece with care and precision.” Frank also credits his team for maintaining the store’s long-standing reputation. “Everyone here shares the same values: no shortcuts, no pressure, just honest service and integrity.” That welcoming spirit is what makes Victoria Jewelers truly shine. It’s not only the brilliance of the diamonds, but the warmth of the people and the sense that you’re in good hands. “When people walk through our doors, I want them to feel seen, known, and respected,” Frank says. “That’s what my grandmother did, and that’s what I’ve passed on to my children.”
For the Walters family, jewelry has never just been about stones and settings; it’s about stories, milestones, and trust built over generations. With three generations of the family now calling Windermere home, opening a store here is more than a business decision; it’s a continuation of their story in a town that’s already part of their family.
Victoria Jewelers | victoriajewelers.net
