Business & Finance
Vivian Zeik-Lund, Annie Leonard, Ivette Zeik-Fernicola, John LeonardPhoto Credit: Leonardo Jewelers
Leonardo Jewelers- Metuchen Photo Credit: Leonardo Jewelers
Leonardo Jewelers - Metuchen Photo Credit: Leonardo Jewelers
Vivian Zeik-Lund, Annie Leonard, Ivette Zeik-Fernicola, John LeonardPhoto Credit: Leonardo Jewelers
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By Elise Phillips Margulis
Published December 1, 2020 at 9:42 PM
Metuchen, NJ — Leonardo Jewelers was founded in Elizabeth in 1964 by Leondardo Zeik. He, his wife and children had immigrated from Cuba just a few years earlier during Fidel Castro’s rise to power.
Three of his children--Ivette Zeik-Fernicola, Vivian Zeik-Lund and Leo Zeik--moved the family business to Metuchen in 2017.
According to Ivette, they chose to move their store to Metuchen because “it’s truly a community.”
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Ivette reported that she and her siblings are “Very happy to be in Metuchen because their clients are wonderful, and it’s a very accessible location.”
Their father taught them to offer the best quality, value and exceptional service. He traveled to Italy and built a network of designers and vendors who made jewelry with 18 carat gold, a favorite of the Cuban community in Elizabeth, and platinum. The siblings still work with those businesses.
Ivette explained, “All of the pieces in our stores are great quality, from the least to the most expensive.” She added, “We have strong relationships with our vendors and work with them to get the best prices for our clients.”
Leonardo Jewelers specializes in fine jewelry and luxury watches. Their Red Bank store, which opened in 1989, is an authorized watch service center. Leonardo Jewelers is also well-known for custom-made jewelry and jewelry repair.
They carry time pieces by Rolex, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Tissot, Philip Stein, IWC, David Yurman, Ulysse Nardin, Omega, Baum & Mercier, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Shinola.
Ivette shared that Leonardo’s has three generations of clients who return to them for happy occasions.
“I consider myself so blessed to be in the jewelry business. Our clients arrive at the store filled with joy because they are becoming engaged, planning a wedding, buying a gift for a loved one, or treating themselves to something special.”
Ivette continued, “We enjoy becoming a part of our clients’ lives and their happy occasions, and we strive to have a lifetime relationship with each one.”
She also noted that their staff is like family. “Everyone who works with us is caring, compassionate and committed to helping our customer’s find what they are looking for.” Staff members include Colleen Grieco, Julia Peller, John Leonard and Rose Rivera.
Ivette added that they consider their clients to be part of their family, and some drop by often just to visit. “We welcome clients like good friends or relatives visiting our home.”
She pointed out that clients always collaborate directly with an owner because the three siblings are onsite. Her nieces Kaitlyn Zeik and Annie Leonard work at the Red Bank store and sometimes in Metuchen. Her nephew John Leonard works in Metuchen.
Ivette’s sister Lourdes and brother Michael have retired in the last couple of years.
Leonardo was a kind and generous man who helped newly arrived Cuban immigrants despite not having a great deal of money himself. His children continue his altruistic legacy by assisting local organizations.
Ivette serves on the board of Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth. They also donate to Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center, which is located near their Red Bank store.
During COVID they have contributed funds to hospitals, high schools and other establishments. Their website invites everyone to visit their store. “Come see for yourself why we believe quality, value and service are the true gems of life.”
Click HERE for more information.