About

ROBIN WOOLARD

Robin’s customers experience the rare luxury of having their dream jewelry pieces entirely executed by one master, from elaborating the design,
to alloying precious metals, to selecting and setting each stone. Robin works his unparalleled perfection without letting the slightest detail escape his trained eye.

For more than 35 years, Robin has created exquisite custom jewelry. His classical training dates back to the Renaissance traditions
of Italian schools of goldsmithing, which are being rapidly replaced by computer-generated mass-production, even amongst the most prominent jewelry houses.
His techniques entail hand-forging the metal without the use of wax or casting, an organic system that creates a balance of color, line, and form, giving each jewel a one-of-a-kind life of its own.

ONCE UPON A TIME

Robin was introduced into the world of fine jewels by his grandfather, whose exclusive jewelry shop thrived in Los Angeles in the 1920’s and 30’s,
and by his father, who continued the family tradition. At an early age, Robin developed a passion for both classical and contemporary art. His love and study of paintings, sculptures, and designs continues to inspire his meticulously crafted work.

John Woolard jewelry Store, Whittier, CA. Circa 1921

THE TEACHER

While apprenticing in Carmel, California in the early 1970’s, Robin met Italian master Orlando Feriozzi, a major influence on his career Mr. Ferriozzi was an apprentice
of the Italian master, Angelo Giorgio Cazzaniga, who was greatly influenced by the Castellani family, responsible for reviving the forgotten goldsmithing techniques and motifs of the Ancient Etruscan and Greek cultures.

Maestro Feriozzi was set apart by his ability to project life into his jewellery through manipulating metal forms, engraving textures, and techniques of setting the gems.
As Robin recalls, “I recognized Feriozzi’s unbelievable capacity as a goldsmith and his connection to historical figures, artistic sense and aesthetics…
I had already worked for years before I met him, but it was my fate – through revelation I went down the road to educate myself as a goldsmith.
The major difficulty was to find the right mentor because apprenticeships didn’t really exist in the US at that time. Everywhere else it was wax casting and mass-production.
People really didn’t understand the old techniques. And here comes a guy from an obviously different cultural background.
When a real genius shows up, you recognize him and follow him.”

AFFILIATIONS

Robin Woolard at Work

In 1979 Robin moved to New York, where he worked for Carvin French, producing pieces for Cartier, Bulgari, Van Cleef and Arpels, and other premier jewelry houses.
He then moved to London to work for E.Wolfe & Co, whose clients included Garrard & Co and Asprey & Co, among many others.

In 1992, the passion to create unique designs led him to open his own shop – Robin Woolard, Goldsmith – in Carmel – home to other innovative jewelers and artisans. His jewels are now found in collections throughout the world.

TODAY

Today: Robin Woolard and Galina Kouliaeva

Today, along with his business partner and fellow gemologist Galina Kouliaeva, Robin holds a fine boutique in the historic San Francisco Fairmont Hotel.
Galina, a highly skilled gemologist, earned her degree from the GIA in New York City, specializing in diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls. Her devotion to the appreciation of fine jewelry led her to become a jewelry designer and stylist.

Galina’s path into jewelry designs was paved from her musical background. A gifted musician from Moscow, Russia, she was able to bring a modern
feminine touch to Robin’s work, adding spectacular silver and gold collections of her own design. Galina found her transition from music into jewelry natural and organic.

THE FAIRMONT

Since 1907, The Fairmont, also known as “The White House of the West,” has served as the San Francisco residence for U.S. presidents, world leaders
and starts of stage, screen and sports. The hotel has played host to several of San Francisco’s most stylish and memorable events. In 1945, it welcomed
the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draft the United Nations Charter. Classic by design and contemporary in spirit, the city’s most
celebrated grand dame hotel is the perfect home for Robin Woolard Precious Jewels. Guests and locals visiting the jeweler can enjoy the storied history and romance of this landmark property where Tony Bennett first performed “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in its famed Venetian Room. Entering the stunning lobby they are instantly transported to the era of glamour and elegance, and just steps away, can continue their stylish journey at Robin Woolard Precious Jewels.

The Fairmont Hotel

THE BOUTIQUE

Together, Robin and Galina offer an exclusive collection of original designs in a wide range of styles from classical to contemporary, and traditional to unconventional. Your personal inimitable style will be reflected in a jewelry piece designed and created specially for you through a close and intimate collaboration with the artist.

The Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco, CA

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