Communication is the key to a successful personal and working relationship according to Kay Drysdale, who with husband Jim, has run Drysdale’s Berwick Village Jewellery since 1984.
Jim is a master jeweller who has been honing his craft since 1956 when he started in the industry as a 17 year old apprentice.
“He spent a year in his youth thinking he might be a panel beater, but he has always been a jeweller,“ said Kay.
The couple moved their business from Noble Park to Berwick in 1984, occupying a shop previously devoted to clock making.
Thirty four years later Drysdale’s Berwick Village Jewellery is an institution.
The couple’s adult son Raymond, who has special needs, is also a familiar sight at the shop and around Berwick, cheerily greeting the many people who know him. Jim and Kay also have a daughter and two grandchildren.
Before meeting Jim, Kay was a medical receptionist at Murray House in Dandenong. Their romance was kindled when Kay was bridesmaid for her friend who was marrying Jim’s brother.
Earlier this year the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a “marvellous“ flight in an old crop duster over the Great Ocean Road.
Kay said after so many years she and Jim operate like a well-oiled machine.
“Jim is the jeweller and I do all the buying and organising. I deal with the reps and the selection of jewellery. I take care of the business side of things so Jim can focus on his work,“ Kay said.
“I guess the secret is to do your part of the job. I leave the artistic side to Jim and I do all the organisation and keep things ticking over.“
Kay said they confine most of their business talk to work hours and couldn’t run their business without the help of long term employees Michelle and Jen.
“There are hiccups here and there, but we have two wonderful staff who are excellent and a great back up for Jim and I.“
As for retirement, Kay and Jim have no firm plans, despite Jim preparing to celebrate his 80th birthday next year.
“We still enjoy it, “said Kay. “The regulars say ’You can’t retire yet, Jim’.“
However, Kay says they would welcome enquiries from qualified jewellers interested in helping Jim ease into retirement.
