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Founder of Women’s Jewelry Association Dies

She helped form the group in 1983.

Published

8 years ago

November 14, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Founder of Women’s Jewelry Association Dies

Peggy Kirby (right) with Billie Sutter in 2013.

Peggy Kirby, one of the founders of the Women’s Jewelry Association, has died.

Kirby was 102, according to her obituary. She passed away Nov. 6 after a very brief illness, according to WJA.

Kirby was one of a group of a dozen women who formed the WJA in 1983.

The association “was an idea born of the belief that women networking with each other could change the world,” according to its website, which continues:

“The founders of the Women’s Jewelry Association also believed women could act as mentors, provide scholarships and seed money for new entrants into the industry, and recognize women’s talents and accomplishments.”

Kirby was raised in Boston and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1935 and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1937.

She served as a vice president for Finlay Fine Jewelry until 1978. She was the first winner of the WJA’s Hall of Fame award in 1985.

Related Topics: Women's Jewelry Association

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