About

It all started when…

Archie Jellen of Fresno, CA married Hazel Griffin from Miami, FL. While on their honeymoon, Archie and Hazel discovered Highlands and decided that this was where they would spend much of their lives.

As a former hand-cutter of precision optics for military binoculars, Archie adapted his skill and started cutting the rubies and sapphires native to Macon County, NC.  Hazel's love of rocks and Archie's lapidary ability soon led to selling gems and minerals out of their home.  After building a following, they decided to open a business.  In 1952, Jellen's Gem Cutting and Mineral Shop was born.

In 1956 the Jellen's purchased the current business location, the vacant Jackson County Bank building. Over the years, the store evolved from primarily a lapidary and mineral shop to a complete fine jewelry store and we have been ongoing in this location ever since.

Currently owned and operated by the Jellen's grandson, Matthew Schroeders and his wife Laura, Matthew received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, Gainesville.  In addition, he obtained a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America, headquartered in Carlsbad, CA  and New York, NY. The couple has two girls, Jordan and Sydney.