Established in 1920, A. Leondarakis is a family run business in Athens Greece with a long history of jewelry design. The business is run by Marialena and Irini who are committed in continuing their family’s long tradition of producing unconventional gold and silver jewelry with a recognizable identity.
A. LeONDARAKIS JEWELERS HISTORY
Alexandria of Egypt – 1920
Alkiviadis Leondarakis, Alexander’s father, sets up his first jewelry workshop.
The artifacts crafted by his skilful hands are European style jewels that will adorn the women of cosmopolitan Alexandria during the war. He used platinum, gold, diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Alexandria of Egypt 1940-1950
Alexander, after graduating from high school, decides to learn the secrets of his father’s skill as an apprentice. Post war social changes will oblige Leondarakis’ family to repatriate. So Alexander will bring this tradition back to Athens (1958) with great reverence.
Athens 1960-1970
Alexander enriches his knowledge on his father’s craft with postgraduate studies at the Umanitaria college in Milan. Among his teachers are renowned artists like the Pomodoro brothers.
He is influenced by the contemporary trends and techniques which results in pioneering ideas about how to manufacture and use jewels.
Thirty years of hard work together with his wife Anna will realize all their visions for A. LEONDARAKIS.
Athens 1990
Their daughters Marialena and Irini have now undertaken the family business at 6, Skoufou Str. and 17, Skoufou Str. (workshop), in Syntagma.
Marialena – with studies in fine arts, graphic arts, architectural design, photography and gemmology – and Irini – with studies in archaeology and museology – are now keeping on their grandfather’s tradition.
DESIGNING & MANUFACTURING JEWELS
Marialena Leondaraki designs the jewelry matching eccentricity, originality and marketability so as to achieve the best balance between quality and price.
She can be inspired by anything like nature or the people around her, the arts, her travels and contemporary trends.
The jewels combine Marialena’s contemporary point of view with the traditional jewelry making techniques (granulation, filigree, archaic setting of gems, etc.).
They are made of gold and silver with precious stones.
QUALITY GUARANTEE
A. LEONDARAKIS is among the first businesses certified with the ELKA (Hellenic Center of Gold Silversmiths Trade) quality hallmark since 1997.
A. LEONDARAKIS artifacts are stamped with:
- Metal fineness (carats)
- Workshop code ΩΙ34
- The Lion’s Head Trademark