Jewelry Making & Repair

The intersection of technology and craft is fraught with misunderstanding, especially in an age of increasing automation. At NBSS though, the Jewelry Making & Repair program is proof that embracing visionary technology can enhance traditional handwork without replacing it. Under the leadership of Department Head Ann Cahoon JM '02, the program has acquired five new high-precision microscopes that allow students to more easily work on the complex designs that have become common in contemporary jewelry.

Current Jewelry Making & Repair student Kailey Maraglia JM '21 left a corporate apprenticeship to pursue jewelry making training at NBSS. Though working quickly had been highly valued at her previous job, her first few days in the JM program felt like a dramatic slam on the brakes and a parallel to her time in the Marine Corps. Read how through making a twisted wire ring, Kailey learned "that slowing down was the only way I could really pay attention to the work my hands were doing."

Take a virtual tour of e. scott originals, a boutique jewelry store in Somerville, MA owned and operated by Emily Scott Surette JM '07. The cozy 415 sq ft space is filled with vintage furniture and hand-crafted jewelry of all kinds for sale. A small showroom and consultation area fill the front, and you can see straight through to Emily's workspace in the back. She has operated this boutique storefront for nine years, growing into a local go-to for unique, handmade, custom jewelry.

The work of Emily Scott Surette JM '07 aims to be timeless: a ready-to-wear style that's functional while still elegant, found everywhere from the hands of local brides-to-be, to the inside of swag bags at the Oscars. Her dedication to the craft keeps Emily going, and her jewelry business thriving. "Working with your hands has a bearing on your self-esteem," Emily says. "Making a tangible product that you can hold and can say 'I made that' is huge. It does a lot for someone's self-confidence. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Merit-based scholarships at NBSS recognize excellence and provide a benchmark toward which future students strive. The Gladys Brooks Foundation Scholarship is one of the School's newest offerings, and NBSS is proud to announce Marei Dose JM '18 as the inaugural recipient.

"The more you work with your hands, I think the more respect you have for your hands. I think that people who don't work with their hands might not understand exactly how hands learn, but hands do learn." Watch this video of NBSS President Miguel Gómez-Ibáñez CF '99 describing how the hands and mind work together when honing your craft.