Born in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, in December of 1950, Barry is an “army brat” who traveled the world throughout his youth. He has spoken several languages, including German, French and Japanese. Barry is still fluent in Spanish.
Some of his accomplishments include being a university professor at age 20 and taking the first team of commercial divers ever to go to the Antarctic. He was awarded the Antarctic service medal by the U.S. Government.
Nicholls has an Associate of Arts degree from Manatee Community College, and an Associate of Science degree in underwater technology from Florida Institute of Technology.
Nicholls currently owns Paradise Jewelry. He has also published articles in professional jewelry trade journals and he wrote a chapter for GIA (Gemological Institute of America).