The High School Vocational Student Who Built a 70-Year Jewelry Dynasty in Lakeland
What happens when a teacher sees something special in a young student, encourages him toward watchmaking, and that student builds a business that spans seven decades and employs 14 family members?
Meet Foshee Jewelers—the Lakeland, Florida jewelry store that has been serving Central Florida families since 1953. What began when founder Clyde Foshee took vocational courses at Lakeland High School has grown into a beloved institution where 14 family members now work together, providing exceptional jewelry, expert repairs, and the kind of personal service that's become rare in the age of chain stores.
Over 70 years and three locations later, Foshee Jewelers remains what it's always been: a family serving families with beautiful jewelry and honest craftsmanship.
From Orange Groves to Horology School
The Foshee Jewelers story begins with a pivotal moment in a young man's life.
In the late 1940s, a teacher at Lakeland High School saw something in Clyde Foshee and suggested he consider watchmaking. After a stint working in Florida's orange groves, Clyde knew he wanted something different. He committed to pursuing horology school in Jacksonville.
That decision changed everything.
In 1953, Clyde Foshee opened his first jewelry store on Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland. He would stay there for twenty-two years, building a reputation for quality work and honest service.
The next move was to Ingraham Plaza, where Foshee Jewelers served customers for thirty-five more years. In 2010, the business moved to its current location on East Parker Street—modern facilities with the same family values.
Three Generations, 14 Family Members
What makes Foshee Jewelers truly special is the family that runs it.
Today, 14 family members work together in the business:
- Clyde's daughter Pam Cothern — Handles repair and custom work
- Sister Barbara Hunt — Part of the team
- Son Chris Foshee — Continuing the family legacy
- Daughter-in-law Duska Foshee — Expert jeweler and team member
- And more family members throughout the operation
This isn't a business that happens to be family-owned. It's a family whose life together is expressed through their business. When you walk into Foshee Jewelers, you're entering a family's workshop.
GIA Certified Excellence
Foshee Jewelers combines family warmth with professional credentials:
GIA Certified Professionals The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world's foremost authority on diamonds and gemstones. Foshee's GIA-certified staff can accurately assess, appraise, and work with precious stones.
On-Site Services All sales and services are conducted on-site—no sending your precious jewelry away to unknown locations.
Expert Repairs From watch repair to jewelry restoration, the Foshee family has been perfecting these skills for over 70 years.
Custom Work Want something unique? The family's craftspeople can create custom pieces designed just for you.
Services for Every Occasion
Foshee Jewelers offers comprehensive services:
Fine Jewelry Engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary gifts, and everyday pieces that become family heirlooms.
Watch Services Expert watch repair and servicing—the craft that started it all when Clyde attended horology school.
Gold and Silver Fair prices for buying gold and silver, with the honesty that's defined the business for seven decades.
Custom Design Working with customers to create one-of-a-kind pieces that tell their stories.
Repairs Bringing damaged or worn jewelry back to life with expert craftsmanship.
Seventy Years in Lakeland
Foshee Jewelers has been part of Lakeland's story for over seven decades:
1953 — First store opens on Memorial Boulevard 1975 — Move to Ingraham Plaza (35 years) 2010 — Current location on East Parker Street 2013 — 60th anniversary celebration 2023 — 70 years of continuous service
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce named Foshee Jewelers Small Business of the Month in April 2023—recognition of seven decades of community service.
Location: 943 E Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33801
Why This Matters
A jewelry store that has operated for 70 years with 14 family members working under one roof is not just a business -- it is a living refutation of the idea that only corporate chains can survive in modern retail. Foshee Jewelers offers something no chain can match: GIA-certified professionals who do all sales and repairs on-site, a family whose craftsmanship has been refined across three generations, and the kind of personal trust that means customers bring their most precious heirlooms to the same family that helped their grandparents pick out an engagement ring. The story of Clyde Foshee -- a young man encouraged by a teacher to pursue watchmaking, who built a 70-year dynasty from that one pivotal moment -- is itself a testament to what mentorship and faithful persistence can produce.
How You Can Support
- Visit the store: 943 E Parker St, Lakeland, FL
- Website: FosheeJewelers.com
- Shop local: Choose family jewelers over chain stores
- Refer friends: Help others discover this Lakeland treasure
- Share the story: 70 years of family business deserves recognition
Discover More Catholic Gifts & Artisans — Go Paid
Shopping for an engagement ring, a religious medal, or a meaningful gift? Foshee Jewelers is one of many Catholic-owned jewelers, artisans, and gift shops in our directory. Paid subscribers get our Catholic gifts and artisan guide with hand-picked businesses for every occasion.
Paid subscribers get: curated Catholic business guides, exclusive deals from listed businesses, deep-dive interviews, and full directory access. Upgrade your subscription →
Have you purchased jewelry from a family-owned jeweler? What made the experience different from chain stores? Drop a comment below!
Find Foshee Jewelers:
- Website: fosheejewelers.com
- Address: 943 E Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33801
- Phone: Check website for current number
- DCB Listing: Find Foshee Jewelers on Discover Catholic Business
Sources: Foshee Jewelers, Southern Jewelry News, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce