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BY BRIANNA ROBERTIELLO I n 1964, Leonardo Zeik, founder of Leonardo Jewelers opened "Joyeria Leonardo" in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After fleeing communist Cuba with his wife and children in 1961, Leonardo Zeik embarked on a journey that continues, three generations later. At the start, Leonardo provided jewelry as well as products that other immigrants coming to America would be needing like furniture and appliances. When the Latin population grew substantially in the Union County area, Leonardo began to see a demand for 18 karat gold jewelry, which was not easily available in the US. Jewelry is extremely valued in many cultures and is frequently used as a token to celebrate many occasions such as christenings and weddings. So, he flew to Europe to procure the finest gold in the world—Italian gold. With a passion for quality and customer service, the family-run store grew and expanded into Red Bank in 1989. After 56 years, they closed one door in Elizabeth and ventured into Metuchen. Customer relationships are incredibly important to the team at Leonardo Jewelers who have worked with successive generations from grandparent to grandchild throughout the years. General Manager, Paul Monteiro, and his father originally began coming to the store when Paul was a child searching for Christmas presents for his mother. Monteiro Leonardo Jewelers Welcoming you in like good f riends into their home

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