Mose Eplan located to Gainesville, opening Gem Jewelry in 1936 following the hit of one of the nation’s deadliest tornados. Mr. Eplan’s daughter, Elise, married Marvin Orenstein. After serving in defense work during WWII, Marvin and Elise returned to Gainesville to take over the business in 1944 after Mr. Eplans death.
As Marvin and Elise’s daughters, Linda Orenstein and Temme Orenstein Schooler, completed college, they joined their parents in running Gem Jewelry, the business their grandfather began 75 years ago on the Square in Downtown Gainesville.
In 1946, Marvin began the “Most Valuable Football Player Award” in Mose’s memory, as he was a dedicated supporter of Gainesville High athletics. Marvin and Dr. John Jacobs, Sr. would travel to the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to beg for their used sports equipment! The MVP Award now includes all Gainesville-Hall County schools, and each winner is presented a top-of-the-line Bulova watch. For 65 years, the most outstanding athletes from our area have won this award. Many have gone on to play at the collegiate and professional level, and more importantly, are among the most outstanding citizens of our area.
Gem Jewelry, 111 Bradford Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-532-6305.