The History of Paul's Jewelers

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Paul's Jewelers has a rich history steeped in the dreams and aspirations of its founder, Polychronis “Paul” Antonopoulos. Born in Greece with a knack for craftsmanship and a yearning for adventure, Paul embarked on a journey that would lead him to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he would lay the foundation for a legacy that continues to shine brightly today.

Paul's story began aboard the ships of Aristotle Onassis, where he served as a Shortwave Radio Operator. It was during his time at sea that he crossed paths with a woman through whom Paul would meet the love of his life and future wife, Marousa.  Spanning continents, this led him to leave his native Greece and turn towards the shores of America.

Upon arriving in Milwaukee, Paul's entrepreneurial spirit, with the support of his wife, ignited. Marousa encouraged Paul to pursue watch repair. In 1967, Paul's Jewelers opened on Milwaukee's South Side, expanding its services and quickly establishing itself as a beacon of quality jewelry craftsmanship 

Soon, Paul and Marousa welcomed two children, Nikolaos and Paraskevi, known as Nick and Vivian. Raised amidst the glittering treasures of their parents' store, Nick and Vivian inherited their father's passion for jewelry and craftsmanship.

Vivian, in particular, displayed a remarkable aptitude for the art of jewelry design. After honing her skills at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America and the renowned Kulicke-Stark Academy of Jewelry Arts, Vivian embarked on her own journey of professional growth, interning at the esteemed Ilias Lalaounis' factory in Athens.

In August 1982, Paul's vision grew, opening a second location on Milwaukee’s West Side. This, Paul entrusted to the capable hands of Nick and Vivian, who carried forth their father's legacy, infusing Paul's Jewelers with their own unique talents. 

Tragedy struck in 1994 with the sudden passing of Paul, leaving Nick and Vivian to navigate the future of their family's business. Undeterred, they assumed leadership of both locations, steering Paul's Jewelers through periods of growth and evolution.

In 2011, the original Mitchell Street location bid farewell, marking the end of an era but heralding a new chapter in Paul's Jewelers' storied history. Vivian continued to guide the business with unwavering passion and expertise until 2022, when she endowed its future to Mircea "Mitch" Prejbeanu, also an immigrant visionary, entrepreneur and owner of a local jewelry manufacturing company.

Under Mitch's stewardship, and with Vivian on staff as Consultant, Paul's Jewelers has flourished, evolving into a premier destination for fine jewelry and expert craftsmanship. With a team of skilled goldsmiths, CAD designers, gemologists, and custom designers, Paul's offers a comprehensive range of services, from repair and restoration to bespoke design and appraisal.

Today, Paul's Jewelers stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founder and the indomitable spirit of Paul’s family. From its humble beginnings to its current position as a guiding light of innovation and excellence, Paul's continues to illuminate the lives of its customers with timeless beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship.