In the heart of Palos Verdes, where tradition meets innovation, Robert Medawar stands as a beacon of resilience, craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to his community. Honored by the Chamber of Commerce as the Palos Verdes Citizen of the Year, Medawar is not just a master jeweler but a man whose life story is woven with dedication to his craft, his family, and the place he calls home.
Robert Medawar’s journey into fine jewelry began well before he founded Medawar Fine Jewelers in 1979. His family’s legacy in the trade dates back to the 1920s when his grandfather first established a shop in their homeland. The tradition continued with his father, and in 1975, the Medawar family left Lebanon in search of a new life in the United States.
Master Clockmaker Michel Medawar, Robert’s father, shared his son’s passion for craftsmanship and horology. As a tribute to their new homeland, in 1987, Michel Medawar donated the first Flower Talking Clock in the U.S. to Palos Verdes, what Medawar called “the paradise in which we live.” His expertise and dedication to the art of timekeeping were integral to the project, symbolizing both gratitude and a lasting gift to his community.
Reflecting on his 45 years in business, Robert Medawar’s gratitude is palpable. “We appreciate what we have,” he says. “The freedoms, the opportunities. When you work hard, offer a good product, and conduct business with honesty, you will thrive.” This philosophy has not only guided his professional journey but has also solidified his store’s reputation as a pillar of the community. Medawar Fine Jewelers is not just a place to purchase beautiful pieces; it is where lifelong relationships are built.
For Medawar, jewelry is not merely about luxury; it’s about storytelling. “Anybody can sell jewelry,” he explains. “What we do is build relationships.” He recalls a particularly touching moment when a couple visited his store, sharing that their parents had bought their rings from him 35 years prior. “That brought a tear to my eye,” he admits. “Seeing the seeds we planted come to fruition, that’s the joy of this business.”
One of his most memorable projects involved a customer who, upon retiring, wanted to surprise his wife with a breathtaking canary yellow diamond. The elaborate custom designed piece was delivered as the couple was on the way to the airport, just in time for a romantic anniversary atop the Eiffel Tower. Later that evening, Medawar’s phone rang. “Robert, I love it,” the client’s wife gushed from Paris. “It’s exactly what I wanted.” That moment, he says, epitomized the trust and artistry his business is built on.
Beyond jewelry, Medawar has an enduring passion for horology, the intricate science of timekeeping. Trained in Switzerland, he honed his skills at one of the top horology schools, mastering everything from mechanical watches to atomic timepieces.
“I still find therapy in sitting at my bench, taking apart a Patek Philippe, identifying an issue, and restoring it to perfection,” he shares. Though technology has revolutionized watchmaking, he holds a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of antique timepieces. “I collect pocket watches from the late 1800s,” he says. “Each one is a piece of art.”
Through all his achievements, Medawar credits family with shaping his journey. “We raised our kids with the mindset that one day they would grow their wings and fly,” he says, recognizing that his daughters Rachelle and Rebekah, are now adults and building lives of their own. This reality became even more poignant as he and his wife Sheila recently celebrated Rebekah’s wedding, a milestone that filled him with both pride and nostalgia.
Sheila has been a steady force in Medawar’s life. Their love story, deeply rooted in shared faith and values, is symbolized in the ring she wears, one that has evolved over the years. “At our 10th anniversary, I offered to upgrade her diamond,” he recalls. “She refused, saying she wanted to pass it down to our daughters.” When their son-in-law, Matthew, proposed to Rebekah, he unknowingly became part of that legacy, presenting her with the very diamond Robert first gave to Sheila decades ago.
Medawar’s dedication extends far beyond his store’s walls. For nearly 40 years, he has served as a reserve police officer, a role that allows him to give back to the community he loves. “I was approached by the police chief in 1984,” he says. “They wanted professionals to join the reserve program, so I went through the academy and became a sworn officer.” Today, his expertise in appraising and documenting jewelry plays a crucial role in solving crimes. He has even testified in court cases, ensuring justice is served.
Additionally, his work with the DEA’s Survivors Benefit Fund provides financial support and education for the families of fallen officers. “Helping those who sacrifice for our safety is something I’m deeply passionate about,” Medawar shares.
As Medawar Fine Jewelers celebrates its 45th anniversary, Robert Medawar remains committed to staying ahead of industry changes while maintaining the personal touch that has defined his business. Whether upgrading equipment to detect lab-grown diamonds or expanding inventory to cater to new generations, he ensures his store evolves while preserving its core values. “Trust is everything,” he says. “It takes years to build, and we never take it for granted.”
Stepping into Medawar Fine Jewelers is more than a shopping experience, it’s an encounter with history, craftsmanship, and a family whose legacy continues to shine brightly. And as Robert Medawar looks back on decades of hard work and gratitude, he remains focused on what matters most: faith, family, and the enduring beauty of human connection.
