About DW Gems
About The owner
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 2 years he received his Graduate Gemologist title. He went on to became 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.
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. He has spoken before a number of civic groups on jewelry, gemology, appraisals and selling your jewelry.
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 captain’s “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.
Family Oriented
Don and Jenifer have lived in Cheshire since 1996 and have 2 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.
What Clients Say
Jeffrey Cavanaugh
Don is amazing!! He helped us with something super last minute and we are so happy with the results! He even resized our watch onsite! Highly Recommend!!
Renee Young
Don is an excellent jeweler who helped me replace the missing stone from my engagement ring. I can’t thank him enough for the time and effort.
Harriet Perdikaris
I took a pearly pendant to Don hoping he could make it into a ring for me. He listened to what I was envisioning me some ideas of how best to recreate it.
