Why do we say "dare to be unique" ? It's because we are unique, our store is unique and we take pride in stocking many unique items as well as the tried and true items.
Manoli Savvenas became an apprentice jeweler when he was 11 on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Over the years he learned and practised the jewelry trade in Australia, New York, Kansas City and eventually landed in Springfield MO in 1979. For a few years he left behind his jewelry life and lived the life of the professional wrestler, using the name of Mike Pappas, traveling to many places, but after he married and started to have children he decided to take up his old jewelry trade again. With his wife they purchased a wholesale shop that did repairs and manufacturing for other retail jewelers from 1979 until 1997. At the shops peak they handled work for about 50 stores so when it comes to experience Manoli has got it.
Valerie Savvenas is from a small town near Paducah, KY and after they bought the jewelry shop serving other stores, she studied with the GIA to become a graduate gemologist and received her diploma in 1985 on the date that they purchased their retail store in Springfield, MO.
Valerie and Manoli take a strong interest in helping charities and have decided to focus on charities helping children in distress. Valerie serves on the board of trustees for Boys & Girls Town of MO. Manoli's Jewelers founded "Diamond Night" six years ago and each year we invite retail jewelers from our area to come together to help raise money for children who have been abused. For more information about Diamond Night go to www.diamondnight.net