A Woman Who Broke the Glass Ceiling: Peggy Kirby Dies at 102

New York--Hilda “Peggy” Kirby, one of the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 12 founding members, died Nov. 6 following a very brief illness. She was 102.

Kirby was born and raised in Boston and studied pre-law at the University of Michigan. She went on to receive a master’s degree in international law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, which was a joint venture between Harvard and Tufts universities.
 
Despite her impressive education, Kirby had a difficult time getting a job in what was decidedly a “man’s world,” where desirable work-related skills for women were limited to shorthand and typing.

So, Kirby turned to jewelry.

Jewelry was in Kirby’s blood. Her grandparents and parents were jewelers. Through a family connection, Kirby began working at Finlay-Straus, a small jewelry chain store in New York, in 1940.

Over the years, Kirby helped grow Finlay-Straus into a large and successful company, which was later re-named Finlay Fine Jewelry.

She ended her career there in 1978 as vice president, a role in which she handled marketing, advertising, displays, training and company statistics.

Kirby went on to write for trade magazines in her retirement, contributing to titles such as Pacific Jeweler and Executive Jeweler.

In 1983, she and 11 other women founded the Women’s Jewelry Association, or WJA. Kirby continued to be involved with the organization for the rest of her life, attending her final board meeting this fall.

“Peggy Kirby was one of WJA’s most important, most influential leaders--strong, gracious, passionate and pioneering,” WJA President Brandee Dallow said.

“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have merely crossed paths with such a dynamic woman as Peggy, let alone sat across from her during board meetings this past year. Her legacy will be remembered and treasured for many years to come.”

WJA’s president from 2006 to 2007, Ann Arnold, commented, “I have always said, ‘I hope I can grow up to be Peggy one day.’ She was a woman before her time. Her dedication to WJA was unparalleled.”