About DW Gems

Don Walsh has been in the jewelry business for over 40 years, beginning his career as a teenager and continuing after achieving a degree in Business-Economics. He began his career at Michaels Jewelers in 1982. Within two years, he received his Graduate Gemologist title. He went on to become one of the first Certified Gemologist Appraisers in the country in 1986, which is the highest title awarded by the American Gem Society. During his 37-year career with Michaels Jewelers, one of the largest family-owned jewelry chains in the country, Don was the lead gemologist and managed the appraisal department and estate division.

As your personal jeweler, Don now offers a level of knowledge, experience, and service that is rare in today’s industry, making him a trusted source for those seeking custom jewelry with a personal touch.

Astounding Reputation

He has built a strong reputation for honesty and integrity in all of his business practices. During his career with Michaels, he also served as a trainer to the management team and sales associates, assisted with diamond grading, and consulted with the owners on most gemological issues. He has served as an expert witness for numerous cases for the state of Connecticut and various police departments. He was a guest lecturer on Estate Jewelry for the American Gem Society Conclave and has spoken before a number of civic groups on jewelry, gemology, appraisals, and selling your jewelry.

Today, as a leading personal jeweler in Connecticut, Don continues to be a respected voice in the field, offering unmatched insight and guidance to clients across the region.

Community Focused

Don is also a civic-minded individual. He and his wife, Jenifer, started the charity Cheshire’s Lights of Hope in 2005. This charity ran through 2022 and raised over $1.2 million to help those in need within the Cheshire community. He also captains “Team Jenifer,” a WalkMS team started in 1999 to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. To date, this charity has raised over $450,000.

Don served as an alternate on Cheshire’s Planning and Zoning Commission from 2018–2019. In 2019, Don was elected to serve on the Cheshire Town Council representing the 3rd District and was re-elected in 2021 and 2023.

A strong commitment to service and integrity defines every client interaction—core values that shape the reputation of trusted personal jewelers.

Family Oriented

Don and Jenifer have lived in Cheshire since 1996 and have two children, Cara and Patrick, as well as a dog named Sweet Caroline. Jenifer has also joined Don in the family business and handles all the scheduling, making the experience even more personal and efficient for every client who trusts them for personal jewelry service.