Geraldine Kish Perry JM ’00

November 2, 2017
Geraldine Perry

Before coming to NBSS, I was a nutritionist for the Head Start program, but I didn’t feel tangibly engaged in my work. I decided to become a jeweler so I could work with my hands to make things of lasting value and beauty.

I wanted to contribute the highest quality craftsmanship to people and the important events in their lives. I wanted to feel pride in and enthusiasm for my work, and do it with integrity.

Geraldine's work

I couldn’t be more happy with my choice to change careers and attend NBSS for my training. The teachers and curriculum are excellent. I tried to absorb everything I could. The technical training and practical skills I learned were essential to working in the real world. It was exhausting sometimes because I was also working full-time after school to support myself. But it was absolutely worth the commitment and the sacrifice. As a student at NBSS, you get out what you put in.

It hasn’t always been easy, but I would make the same decision today. Since graduation, I have designed, made, repaired jewelry, and have taught classes. In 2007, I became a partner of Fairbank and Perry Goldsmiths in Concord, Massachusetts where I have autonomy, ownership and a daily sense of accomplishment. Every day is different, never boring. Woo-hoo!

See Fairbank and Perry Goldsmith’s work on their Instagram page.

I decided to become a jeweler so I could work with my hands to make things of lasting value and beauty. I wanted to contribute the highest quality craftsmanship to people and the important events in their lives. I wanted to feel pride in and enthusiasm for my work, and do it with integrity.