Meet Our Gemologists
Our gemologists have attained certified or graduate levels of expertise. This means they have successfully passed rigorous industry requirements for skillful gemstone identification and evaluation. They can identify hundreds of common or unusual stones, detect synthetics, simulants and treated gems, and more.
By working with our certified and graduate gemologists, you can be assured that you are getting an accurate and complete story of your jewelry piece from a trusted expert!
Melissa Kruse-Kelley (Owner and President)
Graduate Gemologist - G.I.A
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.
Jim Kruse (Founder)
Certified Gemologist - G.I.A
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 early 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.
Joey Ruegemer (Jewelry Buyer)
Certified Gemologist - G.I.A
Joey has nearly two decades of experience in sales and visual merchandising. She earned her certified gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in 2000. In addition to having deep experience in nearly every area of the industry, she is creative, fun, and excels at jewelry merchandising, personal styling and has an enthusiasm for design and fashion!
