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Some gorgeous historic buildings were built to inspire commerce. Others were built out of pride, to show prosperity or power. The Historic Bessesen was built for love. A century later, that tradition of love continues at Jeni’s Fine Jewelers.

I recently attended the grand opening of the newly renovated Jeni’s Fine Jewelers, and I was struck by how beautifully Keli and David Enser have honored the 140-year tradition of fine jewelry on this block. They’ve breathed new life into a space that has held countless love stories, milestones and memories for generations.

The legacy began in 1885, when John Bessesen opened his jewelry store in Albert Lea. His son, Dr. William Bessesen, later built the Bessesen Opera House in 1916 as a gift for his wife, Beatrice Gjertsen Bessesen, an internationally-famous opera star. The 740-seat theatre featured marble floors, highly ornamented decorative plasterwork and state-of-the-art theatrical equipment. The new building also included ornate retail space for Bessesen Jewelers.

This grand space — built for love — became a theatrical and cultural landmark, later transforming into the Rivoli Theatre, where generations of couples and families gathered to share special moments. In 1920,Wilhelm Braaten — known as the “King of Diamonds” — purchased the Bessesen jewelry business. Decades later, Larry and Sandra Fisher continued Braaten’s legacy with Fisher’s Fine Jewelers, serving the community for over 35 years.

Today, Jeni’s Fine Jewelers carries this legacy forward with deep respect for its history. The store’s interior design is inspired by the original jewel-toned movie theater wall color, uncovered during renovations. Their Art Deco branding — a nod to Braaten’s “King of Diamonds” aesthetic — brings a touch of Roaring Twenties glitz and glamor. Even the marble-look flooring pays tribute to the original marble floors unearthed during restoration. Above, a stunning new coffered ceiling and Italian-designed chandeliers with hundreds of shimmering crystals make the space feel like a jewel itself.

Beyond the beauty of the space, what makes this story even more special is the mentorship and support from the Fisher family, who have been guiding and assisting Keli and David as they step into this role. It’s rare to see a business transition with such warmth, continuity and care.

As someone who values both history and artistic craftsmanship, I can’t say enough good things about what’s happening here. Jeni’s Fine Jewelers is a love letter to Albert Lea’s heritage and a dazzling promise for its future. I encourage everyone to visit, see the stunning renovation and experience this legacy firsthand.

Jeni’s Fine Jewelers is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in its newly-renovated location at 224 S. Broadway Avenue, in the heart of Albert Lea’s historic downtown. Come see this regenerated neighborhood landmark for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Elisha Marin
Albert Lea