Paul Comerford was born and raised in Hamilton New Zealand where he completed an apprenticeship in the fine art of hand engraving. He was awarded the prestigious honor of creating three of the countries National Gold Medals given to the three most accomplished athletes of the year.Paul evolved into a "Master Engraver" and artist creating the distinctive "Kiwi Gold" line of hand engraved wedding rings and jewelry with business partner Johann deBlaauw. The highly sought after designs are still sold nationwide and at Johann Paul Jewelers today.While of Dutch decent, Johann deBlaauw was raised in New Zealand where he trained as an aircraft engineering specialist.During a 1975 holiday to the states with his longtime friend, and current business partner Paul Comerford, Johann ignited his life-long passion for jewelry design and manufacturing which led to the creation of Kiwi Gold and later Johann Paul Jewelers.Robyn deBlaauw was born and raised in New Zealand. Upon leaving high school she worked as a nurse before coming to America in 1975. She met with Johann and Paul the year before they all left and kept in touch by letter; yikes... this was way before e-mail! Her intention was to visit with her sister in Canada before traveling on to England, obviously this did not happen. Johann met her in Los Angeles and they ended up in Marin County in December 1975. The rest as they say is history.Working with Johann and Paul ever since and initially keeping the books and building wax models for Johann to cast into rings, during this time she also had a few other successful business's, including independent sales in Health products and in the Energy conservation field. Both of these things remain close to her heart.She graduated from Gemological Institute of America with certificates in Diamond Identification and Grading as well as Pearl Identification and Grading. Since Johann Paul Jewelers has carried the exclusive "Hearts of Fire" diamonds she has graduated from HOF University. Robyn also does the repair of most every style of pearl and beaded jewelry for Johann Paul Jewelers.Johann and Robyn married in 1979 and have three daughters who all have worked in the store at various times. The deBlaauw's have one son-in-law and a beautiful little granddaughter. Where did the time go?Paul Comerford - Apprenticeship
Commissioned to create New Zealand National three (3) Gold Medals awarded to the three top athletes.
Sarah Comerford graduated from San Francisco University in 1979 with her Elementary Education Teaching Credential. She went on to do her graduate work in Early Childhood Education. She was working as the director of a preschool when in 1987 she began working with her husband and his partner Johann in the office of Kiwi Gold. At the same time she helped open Johann Paul Jewelers with Paul, Johann and Johann's wife Robyn.The birth of Johann Paul Jewelers also coincided with the birth of Sarah and Paul's first child Maxwell. This was followed three years later by the birth of their second child Alexandra. Both of their beautiful children have periodically worked at Johann Paul Jeweler's, continuing the family tradition.Sarah loved the jewelry industry but it was quite different from teaching so in order to gain knowledge of this new career path she read everything she could on jewelry design, and listened carefully to all Paul and Johann had to tell her. She eventually enrolled in the GIA Colored Stone Course and attended the Heart's on Fire University. She continues to keep her finger on the pulse on the changing trends in jewelry so that she can better market Johann Paul Jewelers.Sarah is still in awe of the designers; including Paul and Johann, who create the incredible pieces carried in the store. She also loves working with the customers who frequent Johann Paul Jewelers, of whom many have become personal friends.
Copyright © 2003 Johann Paul Jewelers -- All Rights Reserved
Web: Design Carte
Mission Statement
To provide world class jewelry to our Marin / Bay Area community, with the guarantee of impeccable service and integrity that only a well established family owned business can offer.
To provide "non-conflict" diamonds to our customers and to give back to the community that has given us so much.
Johann Paul Jewelers… A store with a heart, for all of your jewelry needs.
Johann Paul Jewelers
Johann deBlaauw, Paul Comerford
272 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, CA 94904
415.461.1866, 415.461.4286-Fax
e-Mail: Info@JohannPaulJewelers.com
w Hearts On Fire w JB Star w Jerry Spaulding w JoTal w Kiwi Gold w Kurt Gutmann w Lisa Ceccorulli w Martin Flyer
