Naples entrepreneur opens Sakaris Jewelers online store for custom luxury creations
Sakaris Jewelers serves as the new jewel in Naples, a dream brought to life by Peter Sakaris, an entrepreneur with a deep-rooted love for both hockey and the art of fine jewelry.
Once gliding across the ice as a professional hockey player, Sakaris seamlessly transitioned into a world of luxury where diamonds replace pucks. His childhood in the bustling jewelry landscape of Montreal shaped his destiny. “I grew up surrounded by jewelry stores. It was my family’s heartbeat,” he shares, reflecting on how this familiarity drives his passion.
His father, with almost five decades of crafting beauty through gemstones, and his mother, an expert gemologist, laid the foundation for a legacy he couldn’t ignore. Sacrificing time on the ice, Sakaris committed himself to the family business, not out of obligation, but because he understood the profound joy in creating personalized treasures.
Hailing from Canada, his journey through the ECHL with teams like the Wichita Thunder and Evansville Icemen revealed an underlying truth: passion can pivot and adapt. “When I decided to step away from the sport at 26, my phone rang off the hook. Friends and former teammates sought my expertise for engagement rings and custom pieces,” he recounts with a hint of nostalgia. Each call was a reminder that connections forged on the ice now led him toward a different kind of artistry.
Setting up shop in Naples, Sakaris harnessed the power of word-of-mouth to get his venture off the ground. “It felt surreal, transitioning from team jerseys to the apron of a jeweler. But I embraced it—I found purpose,” he says.
By forgoing a physical storefront, Sakaris crafted an online business capable of reaching clients globally. This innovative approach cuts overhead costs and allows for larger savings to be passed onto his clients. “It’s a game-changer. Instead of just targeting a local market, I can thrive everywhere,” he reflects, his eyes sparkling with ambition.
Sakaris Jewelers distinguishes itself as a hub for bespoke luxury, available solely online at SakarisJewelers.com. “It’s about crafting individual narratives through custom jewelry,” he explains, highlighting how each piece can be a personalized story, rather than a product simply pulled from a shelf.
The pandemic presented challenges, yet it also birthed unique opportunities. “Watching everyone adapt to remote work inspired me to think outside the traditional jewelry box,” Sakaris shares. He learned to communicate effectively through screens, turning a challenge into a creative outlet, nurturing connections with clients no matter where they were in the world.
Crafting each piece starts with personal consultation, understanding client desires, and translating those visions into unique designs. With a range that caters to various budgets—from $5,000 to over $100,000—Sakaris is committed to open conversations about craftsmanship and quality, ensuring that no financial boundary holds back creativity.
“Just the other day, I was designing a complete jewelry set for a couple. It involved a necklace, bracelets, and custom pendants,” he says, the excitement palpable. The world of engagement rings occupies a special place in his heart, as he crafts rings that will serve as lasting symbols of love.
His fiancée, Daria Abbaei, infuses the business with fresh insight, despite her demanding role at locally renowned venture capital firm. “Daria’s business acumen complements my artistic vision perfectly. We often brainstorm together, finding solutions that serve both our creative spirits and business needs,” he states appreciatively.
This inspiring narrative about Sakaris Jewelers reflects personal growth, love for craftsmanship, and a commitment to creating lasting memories through brilliantly designed custom jewelry—pieces that sparkle not just for their physical beauty, but for the stories they tell.
