Who We Are

A Journey Through Adversity and Triumph

At Leonardo Legacy Jewels, we have been crafting exquisite jewelry for over sixty years. Our story began with Bernardo Llanos, a master jeweler from Cali, Colombia, whose passion for the craft ignited a legacy that would transcend generations.

Bernardo’s love for his art was matched only by his love for his young son, Leonardo. When Leonardo was just thirteen, his father welcomed him into the workshop after school, eager to share the world of jewelry-making.

From an early age, Leonardo exhibited extraordinary creativity. Under Bernardo’s watchful eye, he learned the fundamentals: melting silver, creating bars, rolling fine wire to craft delicate necklaces, and mastering the art of soldering.

He also learned to create "chinesca" necklaces, popular in Colombia at the time. Each lesson was a thread woven into the fabric of his future.

Life took a tragic turn when Bernardo passed away in a motorcycle accident. Leonardo was only fourteen. Suddenly, he was thrust into the role of provider for his family.

With unwavering determination, he became the strong pillar his mother and sisters needed. Every day was a battle, yet he persevered, acquiring skills and taking on custom jobs for local jewelry stores.

Leonardo held a vision close to his heart: he would go to the United States. This dream became his lifeline.

By the age of twenty, after years of saving and with the generous support of his beloved aunt Marta—affectionately known as Tía Martica—he took a leap of faith.

In 1987, with just $500 in his pocket, he arrived in New York City’s diamond district, filled with ambition and dreams that felt both distant and tangible.

The city was a concrete jungle, rife with challenges. Leonardo quickly realized that working for someone else’s dreams was not his destiny.

Fueled by a relentless spirit, he opened his first jewelry store, Diamantico Inc., in Queens. It became a testament to his journey—a place where creativity and craftsmanship came alive.

Today, Leonardo’s legacy continues alongside his wife, Liliana Sanchez, with whom he has shared 24 years of happiness, and their two children, Matthew and Leonardo Jr.

Matthew, inspired by his father’s dedication, graduated from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) as a graduate gemologist in 2024. He is eager to combine his gemological expertise with his father’s master craftsmanship, ensuring the family tradition remains strong and innovative.

Today, we have a small workshop in Jacksonville, Florida, where our family continues to bring unique designs to life.

Each creation carries a piece of our story—a legacy of resilience and creativity that began in a small workshop in Colombia and now flourishes here in the United States.

At Leonardo Legacy Jewels, we don’t just make jewelry. We celebrate a heritage forged through love, loss, and an indomitable spirit.