About Us

The Family

J.F. Kruse Jewelers was founded in 2000 with the goal of becoming the premier destination for jewelry and service in Central Minnesota. Our unwavering focus on superior customer service and commitment to providing an unparalleled jewelry buying and custom design experience has allowed us to grow and make a difference in the lives of our customers.

Co-owners Jim Kruse and Melissa Kruse-Kelley have been in the jewelry business for more than five decades combined. With their team, they’ve worked hard to set new standards for customer service, jewelry design and value in the area.

Being a jeweler is about sharing special moments with our clients. We’re honored to be a part of your lives and your stories, and love helping you make your dreams come true!

Our Founder

Jim Kruse, Founder

Jim has always had a passion for helping others. His first summer job during high school at a local garden and nursery center was one of the first hints: Within a month of employment, Jim was moved from potting plants to sales due to his positive and enthusiastic relationships with customers.
Years later, Jim began as a bench jeweler and was soon promoted to a sales and management position, and then eventually trained as a diamond setter. He became a certified gemologist through the American Gemological Society and the Gemological Institute of America. Jim took a break from the retail world and worked for a time as a custom jeweler and bench jeweler. His combination of retail and artistic experience was the perfect foundation on which to create and grow J.F. Kruse Jewelers.

Ownership

Melissa Kruse-Kelley, Owner and President

Melissa graduated from Rasmussen College with a degree in business management. She began her career at J.F. Kruse Jewelers in 2003 with basic office duties and cleaning, from which she worked her way up to general manager and co-owner. Melissa earned a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America – a distinction that very few jewelers achieve because of the rigorous schooling, on-site training and high testing standards. Melissa is qualified to assist clients with full jewelry appraisals and identification of all gemstones. She has a passion for people and finds her greatest joy in working with and helping others.

Our Purpose and Vision

At J.F. Kruse Jewelers, we define our purpose with three simple words: Spirit, Story, Sparkle.

Embody spirit speaks to the caring and genuine approach of the J.F. Kruse team, our commitment to integrity and the Christian principles we were founded on.

Become part of the story means that we believe every person has a story. We are honored to have the opportunity to learn and become a part of each story through the jewelry created or chosen, and the experience we deliver.

Be the sparkle in the lives of each person we meet, no matter how brief the encounter. We strive to be fun, funky and accessible!

We also believe in sharing the blessings that our company has received in order to benefit others. We are active members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, Zonta International and the Forum of Executive Women. We support many local causes, including Youth for Christ, the American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, Muscular Dystrophy and families and children with medical needs. We also partner with The Raining Season, an organization that helps orphaned children and impoverished families in Sierra Leone, West Africa.