Ann Marie Dunn was born in Torrebruna, Italy, and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of ten. After learning English and building a career in business, she worked at IBM as an executive secretary in their field engineering office for eight years; a rare role for a woman in a largely male-dominated environment at the time. In 1969, she and her husband, Jim Dunn, used their savings to purchase a small house in Hanover, Massachusetts, which they converted into their first jewelry store, originally called the House of Gems. 

Not long after opening, tragedy struck. The store was burglarized, and nearly everything inside was stolen, including treasured items left in their care for repair. For many young business owners, such a loss might have been the end, but Ann Marie and Jim made a decision that would define their reputation for decades to come: they replaced every customer's piece out of their own pocket. It was a costly choice at a time when they had little to spare, but it reinforced the trust of their community and set an early standard for the integrity that would always distinguish their business.

As the business grew, Ann Marie and Jim relocated to South Florida in 1978, establishing what would become J.R. Dunn Jewelers. Through her dedication to customer relationships, keen buying sense, and focus on exceptional service, she helped expand the store into one of the leading luxury jewelers in the region. Today, J.R. Dunn Jewelers operates an 10,000 square-foot showroom in Lighthouse Point that reflects the couple's commitment to innovation and excellence.

In the years that followed, Ann Marie's brother, Robert Pelliccia, joined the growing enterprise. A gifted jeweler and designer, Robert introduced a creative dimension to the business, crafting custom pieces that quickly became a hallmark of the store. His artistry elevated the reputation of the House of Gems, ensuring that customers could find not only fine jewelry but also unique, one-of-a-kind designs. Alongside him, his wife Tammy Pelliccia contributed her own strengths to the family business, helping to manage operations and foster the warm, service-driven culture that customers came to value. This reinforces the sense that the business is not only family-owned but truly family-operated.

“I didn’t want J.R. Dunn to feel like just another jewelry store,” she said. “If a piece touched me, I knew it was coming home with me.”

Ann Marie Dunn has earned recognition throughout her career for her leadership in the jewelry industry and her commitment to the South Florida community. She received the Heart, Soul, and Service Award from the Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach for her dedication to advancing women in business and supporting charitable initiatives. Together with her family, she has helped raise more than $5 million for local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Food for the Poor, and the Humane Society of Broward County. Under her guidance, J.R. Dunn Jewelers has grown while remaining firmly rooted in its values as a family business and a strong sense of responsibility to give back.

Carrying those values forward into the next generation, Sean Dunn, Ann Marie and Jim's son, became an integral part of the business. With a strong grasp of both the traditional principles that built J.R. Dunn and the modern innovations needed to sustain its growth, Sean has helped lead the company into the digital era. His work in expanding the jeweler's online presence and adapting to new retail strategies has positioned J.R. Dunn as a leader in both in-store and e-commerce luxury sales. Sean's leadership reflects the same commitment to integrity and service instilled by his parents, ensuring that the family legacy continues to evolve while honoring its origins.

In 2021, Jim Dunn, co-founder of J.R. Dunn Jewelers, passed away at the age of 78. Known for his vision, warmth, and commitment to excellence, Jim worked side by side with his wife, Ann Marie, to grow a family business built on trust and personal relationships. He was admired not only as a leader in the jewelry industry but also as a mentor and friend to those who knew him. His legacy lives on through his family, who continue to uphold the values and passion that he brought to every part of the business.

After Jim's passing in 2021, Ann Marie and her son, Sean Dunn, took on the responsibility of guiding J.R. Dunn Jewelers into its next chapter. Ann Marie provided continuity with the values she and Jim had established—trust, service, and family at the center of the business—while Sean introduced new energy and vision, particularly in the areas of digital growth and modern retail strategies. Together, they have balanced tradition with innovation, ensuring the store remains both a trusted neighborhood jeweler and a leader in luxury e-commerce. Their partnership reflects the strength of the Dunn family legacy, honoring Jim's memory while continuing to build a future shaped by integrity and forward-thinking leadership.