Celebrating 50 Years in Gemology: Meet Perry, Our Master of Stones

This May, we’re honored to celebrate an extraordinary milestone—50 years in the jewelry industry for our very own Perry, Senior Graduate Gemologist and lifelong treasure hunter.

Perry’s journey began long before his formal training at the Gemological Institute of America. At just 14 years old, he found himself sorting through his grandfather’s jewelry inventory after it was brought from Chicago to Arizona. What started as helping his father quickly turned into a fascination that would shape the rest of his life.

In 1976, Perry became one of just 18 students in the very first graduating class at GIA’s Santa Monica campus—an experience he describes as “very exciting,” especially under the instruction of Bill Boyajian, who would later become GIA’s president for two decades.

A Lifetime of Change—and Discovery

Over five decades, Perry has witnessed the jewelry world transform dramatically.

“When I started, the industry was much more straightforward,” he recalls. “There were fewer treatments, fewer synthetics, and designs didn’t change nearly as quickly.”

Today, he sees a renaissance of creativity—comparing modern independent designers to the Arts & Crafts movement of the early 1900s. “There are so many small studios creating incredible, fashion-forward designs. It makes for wonderful jewelry.”

What has kept his passion alive all these years? Discovery.

“New gemstone mines, new colors, new possibilities—modern technology has opened doors we couldn’t have imagined 50 years ago.”

A Love for the Extraordinary

Ask Perry about his favorite gemstone, and the answer comes easily: opal.

“It’s the rainbow,” he says. “The way it reflects the full spectrum of color—it’s magnificent.”

But it’s not just beauty that captivates him—it’s rarity. Throughout his career, Perry has been drawn to unusual stones from small, unique deposits, each with its own story.

One of his most unforgettable moments came at just 19 years old, when he was part of a small team in San Francisco tasked with appraising what was believed to be the world’s largest pearl—an astonishing 8.2 pounds. Gifted to a World War II medic by the King of the Philippines, the pearl was a true one-of-a-kind.

With no comparable precedent, Perry helped pioneer a creative approach to valuation—estimating what people might pay simply to see it. Their conclusion? In 1979, the pearl carried an estimated value of $1.3 million.

Stories You Can’t Make Up

Of course, a lifetime in jewelry comes with its share of unforgettable characters.

“One woman came in to sell jewelry from her six previous husbands,” Perry laughs. “Some divorced, some passed away under… mysterious circumstances. Then she asked if I knew anyone interested in becoming husband number seven.”

Moments like these are part of what keeps every day fresh.

“What typical day?” he says. “No day is typical—each one is extra special.”

A Life of Learning and Legacy

Perry’s career has spanned nearly every corner of the industry—from gemologist at 18 to wholesale dealer, lab director, diamond and colored stone specialist, traveling salesman, store owner, antique dealer, and buyer for over 40 years.

His advice to those entering the field?

“Find someone skilled who will take you under their wing. Don’t worry about the salary—focus on learning. It will make you far more valuable in the long run.”

Today, one of his greatest sources of pride is working alongside his daughter Allie, a fifth-generation jeweler, and seeing the possibility of a sixth generation following in their footsteps.

The Heart Behind the Expertise

For Perry, jewelry has always been about people as much as gemstones.

“I enjoy learning about customers’ lives—their stories, their experiences.”

And when he’s not in the store?

“Kissing my grandbabies’ toes,” he says with a smile.

50 Years—and Still Curious

When asked what keeps him coming back each day, Perry doesn’t hesitate:

“You never know what you’re going to get working with the public.”

After 50 years, it’s that sense of unpredictability—paired with a lifelong love of discovery—that continues to define his remarkable career.

And for those who know him, one thing is certain: Perry isn’t just part of the jewelry industry—he’s part of its living history.