Prior to 1990, the original Principals of U.S. JEM, INC Dick and Janice Marsellos, were rock hounds of sorts. They had spent a year travelling the United States, discovering all sorts of things. What captured their attention the most was Sapphire - Montana Sapphire to be more specific. They took an interest in a mine and were biten from that point forward by what some of us in the trade call the 'gem bug'. They studied and learned everything they could, they both became Graduate Gemologists and Janice was going to learn to facet. Dick also became a certified appraiser.

Well as the story goes, they ended up with more gemstones then they knew what to do with. In 1990 they incorporated into U.S. JEM, INC. (born from Janice's initials) and took the show on the road so to speak, doing the various gem shows across the country. Appearing in shows with GEMFAIRE, INTERNATIONAL GEM & JEWELRY, GLDA and more; they sold both natural material from around the world and synthetic gemstones, some very unique in the industry like Tourmalike - and the gold/silver to put them in. Janice became quite a designer of some of the most glorious custom jewelry.

About the same time, Janice realized that she could not possibly facet all the material they had acquired and after much research, they invested in a cutting operation partnership in Sri Lanka with a man fondly known as Karu.

In 1994, they took thier first trip to Sri Lanka. They asked Dick's daughter Delia, if she would 'babysit' the business. Well you can guess what happened next. Yes it's true, Delia was biten by the 'gem bug' too. Delia quit her full time job and went to work for Dick and Janice and went on the road a few countless times herself.

After many years of the grueling show circuit and a stroke that Dick had, they finally decided to retire from the show circuit in 1999. Delia had had her second baby and had taken a bit of a break in 1998, yet still kept in touch and when Janice and Dick would go out of town for a wee trip, she would step in.

Well on good authority, we hear that Dick and Janice are REALLY retired at the end of 2002. Dick is 77 and if I tell you how old Janice is, I will get shot . . .

They drove out on the road one last time, to Oregon at the end of February (2003). Janice will have the opportunity to work on her embroidery, Dick will get a chance to tinker with cars and wine making and they will both get a chance to have some much needed and deserved 'kick-back' and do nothing time, although niether of them do that well.

Dick and Janice chose to pass the U.S. JEM baton on to me - I'm Delia.

I've moved the business to Pasadena, and it take me to much time to get back in the swing of things. I am most honored that my Dad and Janice have entrusted their "baby" to me.

I have been married for 16 years to a wonderful man named Blake. Blake is a Senior Network Engineer, which is a fancy title for 'computer geek'. We have two beautiful children - Shane, our son is 15 years old, a sophomore in high school, 6'2' and a hockey player. Devon our daughter, is 6, a second grader and ruler of all our lives.

We were fortunate to be able to vist Dick and Janice this summer (2004), click here to see some pictures of them, their new house and my family.

That pretty much brings you up to date ABOUT US. I look forward to a long and joyful relationship with those of you who have remained loyal customers and with those of you who will become new customers!