Perry’s Presents Leah Ludwig
Leah Ludwig has been a bench jeweler at Perry’s Emporium for eleven years, turning stones, strategy, and steady hands into heirlooms. She’s also part of a quiet shift in the industry, from the only woman on the bench to now one of a whole team of excellent female jewelers. We talked to her about the craft, the setbacks, and what keeps her going.
What about being a jeweler do most people not see?
Honestly, all of it. People think I can just wave a magic wand, but in reality it’s a demanding and dirty job. Mountings don’t just appear; stones don’t just get set. There’s a lot of meticulous measuring and recalculating, strategizing and visualizing… and a lot of injuries. When I come home, I look like a coal miner!
How did you know this path was for you?
Ha! Does anybody ever know? My mother instilled a love of jewelry, and my first job was at a jewelry store when I was just 15. I fell in love with the meanings of different gemstones and the history of jewelry, and I got so excited to be able to merge my creative side with such a historic craft.
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
When I first started at Perry’s Emporium, I was the only full-time female jeweler here. I didn’t see that dynamic as a challenge – I love to prove people wrong – but now our workshop is majority women, and every time a new woman jeweler is added, my heart gets more and more excited. We work together so harmoniously.
Who is a woman who inspired you?
My first boss, Corleen Sanders, started her jewelry business as a farmer’s market stand and grew it into a multi-million dollar store all by herself. Her accomplishments, tenacity, and drive showed me that it’s possible to achieve your goals.
What’s next for you?
I want to help Perry’s continue to scale the customs department. I love hearing our customers’ stories – why we’re making these pieces and how they’ll be worn. It’s so rewarding to create legacy jewelry that will be passed down for generations. I believe even the sky isn’t the limit for us.
Read more at perrysemporium.com.
