Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand
Episode: From Code to Carats: Nerissa Parisi on Choosing Passion Over the Path You’re Given
Host: Jaclyn Zukerman Delory
Guest: Nerissa Parisi Hill (co-founder and lead designer of Tesoro Boston)
Date: January 21, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode explores the journey of Nerissa Parisi Hill, who transitioned from a background in corporate operations and IT to co-founding Tesoro Boston, a fine jewelry design studio. Through candid conversation with host Jaclyn Zukerman Delory, Nerissa shares how personal legacy, authenticity, and embracing vulnerability shaped both her path and her business. With stories behind bespoke jewelry, lessons learned in switching careers, and reflections on building a client-centered experience, the episode delves deep into the true human side of building a brand with meaning.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. First Impressions & Personal Style
[01:43 - 03:16]
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Jaclyn opens by describing Nerissa’s outfit (ivory, snakeskin shoes, brown leather jacket), tying style choices to Nerissa's personal and brand attributes: elegance, sophistication, confidence, authenticity, and adventure.
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Jewelry Spotlight: Nerissa highlights a sentimental diamond ring designed by her husband using his late father’s diamond—a piece loaded with family legacy and emotional resonance.
"This piece in particular is really special to me because the diamond in this ring belonged to David's dad ... I never met his father, who was also a jeweler and a master watchmaker. So this is the legacy piece and it's really special."
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [02:46]
2. The Tesoro Boston Difference
[04:06 - 05:40]
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Tesoro Boston is characterized as a custom jewelry house with a "diamond and design bar" instead of traditional showcases.
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The brand intentionally creates a personal, communal space focused on storytelling, transformation, and involving clients in the creative process.
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Client Engagement: Nerissa notes how the process honors heirlooms and sentimental jewelry, reshaping them into new stories.
"We wanted to create a different experience for the jewelry shopper ... there weren’t a lot of jewelers who really embraced that part of the jewelry experience. So from that idea came the jewelry diamond in the design bar."
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [04:35]
3. Meaningful Client Stories & Legacy Building
[05:57 - 07:27]
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Nerissa shares a touching story about a client who—as a preteen—had customized her first jewelry piece with Tesoro, and later returned for her engagement and wedding rings.
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The jewelry they create is interwoven into major life moments, reflecting the emotional attachment people have to these objects.
"We have done so many cool pieces, and the reason why I can't really pick one is because there's a story behind every single piece that we've done ... people have a sentimental connection to jewelry and a love for it. And every piece we make is really something special."
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [05:57]
4. Origins of “Tesoro”
[07:35 - 08:21]
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The name “Tesoro” means “treasure” in Italian, also a term of endearment. They found the word while watching “Under the Tuscan Sun,” and it felt fitting for what their brand aims to create.
"We were watching 'Under the Tuscan Sun,' and they used that term in the movie, and it sounded beautiful ... it's actually a term of endearment. So darling. But the literal translation means treasure."
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [07:38]
5. Career Pivot: From IT and Law Enforcement to Jewelry
[08:21 - 09:38]
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Contrary to assumption, Nerissa did not start in jewelry; her background spans law enforcement and IT.
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She joined forces with her husband David, who comes from a multi-generational jewelry background, after corporate downsizing led both to reevaluate their futures.
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Their complementary skills—David’s deep jewelry knowledge and Nerissa’s operations/project management experience—formed a strong business foundation.
"We thought our skill set essentially just complimented each other. I had an operations background, an IT background, a project management background ... So we're like, why don't we do this together?"
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [09:06]
6. Blending Tech with Creativity
[09:38 - 11:25]
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Nerissa still actively utilizes her IT skills—particularly precision, efficiency, and attention to detail—in her jewelry work.
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She describes how bringing the design process in-house (instead of outsourcing) makes creations both faster and more intimate for clients.
"When you're designing something, you're looking to make every detail matter and every detail count ... it allows us to be more efficient. It allows you to be part of the process, which makes it even more special." — Nerissa Parisi Hill [09:49, 11:09]
7. Visibility Through Vulnerability
[11:57 - 13:53]
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Nerissa talks about her leap from a stable corporate path to entrepreneurship, emphasizing how personal growth often requires stepping away from the familiar.
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She reflects on the moment she realized fulfillment had to come from within, not just from external achievement or corporate advancement.
"You spend a lot of your life in the corporate world ... you get to a point where you're like, okay, what about me? ... How do I get to a point where I'm doing things that are the most rewarding for myself and that allow me to grow and fulfill you, really?"
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [12:04]"It's hard work to take that leap when you've invested so much in another avenue."
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [14:04]
8. Game Time! “This or That” & “Rapid Fire”
[14:14 - 16:18]
Fun, personality-driven questions reveal more about Nerissa’s taste and philosophy:
- Silver, gold, or platinum?
"Platinum." [14:25] - Paris or Boston?
"Boston, then Paris ... Rome in the middle." [14:31] - Sketchbook or 3D render?
"3D render." [14:38] - Diamonds or gemstones?
"Diamonds." [14:42] - Heirloom redesign or brand new commission?
"Brand new commission using heirloom stones." [14:48] - Morning coffee or evening champagne?
"Morning coffee and evening champagne." [14:54]
Rapid Fire:
- One word to describe design philosophy:
"Be true to yourself. Know your lane. Everyone buys onto trends, but know your own style." [15:29] - Gemstone reflecting personality:
"Diamond, because it has a clean aesthetic and it's neutral on brand for you. Sapphire would be next." [15:42] - Dream client:
"Steven Tyler from Aerosmith." [15:54] - Surprising fact:
"I have a tendency to be an introvert." [16:05] - Biggest lesson from the industry:
"That creativity is boundless." [16:15]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On legacy and connection:
"Every piece we make is really something special ... it can follow you through the thread of your life."
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [07:27] -
On courage and starting over:
"Do I want to continue on this path? It's not fulfilling me anymore. Or like, do I want to start over and really feel fulfilled every day?"
— Jaclyn Zukerman Delory [13:53] -
On design authenticity:
"Be true to yourself. Know your lane. Everyone buys onto trends, but know your own style."
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [15:29] -
On creativity and limits:
“That creativity is boundless.”
— Nerissa Parisi Hill [16:15]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------| | 01:43 | Introduction and style discussion | | 02:46 | Story behind Nerissa’s diamond ring | | 04:06 | Tesoro Boston’s philosophy & setup | | 05:57 | Favorite client heirloom story | | 07:35 | Name origin: “Tesoro” | | 08:31 | Career background & transition | | 09:38 | Using IT in jewelry design | | 11:57 | Vulnerability and career leap | | 14:14 | “This or That” game | | 15:29 | Rapid fire—design philosophy, more | | 16:15 | Jewelry industry lesson & closing |
Where to Find Nerissa and Tesoro Boston
- Instagram: @tesoroboston
- Website: tesoroboston.com
- Email: info@tesoroboston.com
Summary Note:
This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone at a crossroads, juggling practical skills with creative urges, or desiring to leave a legacy—whether in business, family, or self-expression. Nerissa’s story embodies the transformative magic that happens when you step off the expected path and design your journey with intention and heart.