Craftsmanship, Greek heritage, and family: These are the three pillars on which Stavros Eleftheriou built Kabana, his U.S. jewelry brand that celebrates 50 years in business in 2025.
Eleftheriou started making jewelry in his garage in Albuquerque, N.M., but he soon had to move the growing business into an old adobe mission church in town. The church’s bell tower inspired brand’s name—Kabana is Greek for bell.
Founded in 1975, Kabana has become known for Eleftheriou’s expertise with inlay jewelry—though Eleftheriou emphasizes that he has worked with a team, and he credits his family and his employees for making the company a success.
“Looking back, the years have flown by, but the days seemed endless at times. In the beginning especially, the days were so long, but then the decades passed in what feels like a blink of the eye,” Eleftheriou says. “Even now, after 50 years, my energy and love for creating are as strong as ever. I feel there is still more to design, more to give, and more to share. As long as I have my health and my family is happy, I want to keep going.”
Kabana’s sterling silver Octopus bracelet ($1,917)
Eleftheriou says his wife, Heidi, is a huge influence on his life. So are employees such as Scott Jordan, who has worked at Kabana for 42 years as a master jeweler, and Jeannette Gomez, the brand’s production coordinator for 41 years.
“My employees became my extended family. They watched my kids grow up. You don’t walk away from your people. You stay, you build, and you do what’s right, even when it requires sacrifice,” says Eleftheriou. “That is why I kept my business here. It wasn’t just about survival; it was about belonging. Albuquerque gave me a home, and I’ve spent my life building something lasting here in return.”
He calls his business philosophy philotimo, a Greek word that he says is difficult to translate but refers to a love of honor, pride in oneself and community, and a deep-seated commitment to doing good.
One example is Kabana’s longtime home base. While a lot of U.S. companies’ jewelry production moved overseas, Kabana’s has supported American craftsmanship and kept its skilled artisans under one roof in Albuquerque—a testament to quality, integrity, and loyalty.
The Kabana flamingo pendant ($12,200) in 14k yellow gold with pink coral carved inlay, 0.47 cts. t.w. diamonds, and a black diamond eye
“To be honest, I never really thought of leaving. Some might say I was too stubborn, or maybe I was too lazy, to go anywhere else, but in truth Albuquerque gave me something I had never had before: a home,” Eleftheriou says. “I probably could have made more money and jewelry had we moved somewhere overseas, but that was not my priority.
“Making beautiful things that are one of a kind and cherished and taking care of my people—that was my priority. I love my family and community. Albuquerque gave me that gift; it would be unfair to turn my back on that. For what, money?”
Every piece by Eleftheriou begins as a sketch, then is handcrafted using an old-world casting technique along with meticulous inlay work that has become Kabana’s signature.
To celebrate its golden anniversary, Kabana debuted two collections that stem from Eleftheriou’s favorite inspiration: Mother Nature. The one named Mother Nature includes butterflies, bees, and floral motifs. The second, Celestial, highlights the beauty of the moon and stars.
14k yellow gold Bee cuff bangle ($4,745) with mother-of-pearl, black onyx inlay, and diamonds
“The love for Mother Nature has been a part of who I am from a young age. But it was in Albuquerque where that love truly flourished. Surrounded by mountains, endless skies, butterflies, and hummingbirds, I felt called to pay homage to her timeless beauty through jewelry,” Eleftheriou says.
“That’s why this collection celebrates creatures like butterflies and bees—they remind us of fragility, resilience, and the importance of balance in our world,” he adds. “To me, nature is not something we try to own, but it is something we must honor and cherish, especially in times when it’s easy to forget our connection to it. This anniversary collection is a continuation of that philosophy, a reminder to celebrate and protect the beauty around us.”
Nature. Family. Peace. Those are the words Eleftheriou says define his life and work.
“In Albuquerque, I discovered a profound love for color, being outdoors, gardening, and so much more that Mother Nature had to offer. I met a woman, and I knew I was home. I learned from Heidi to love gardens and work with my hands outside to cultivate a more beautiful environment,” Eleftheriou says.
“My main inspirations have been the natural beauty of gems, preserving their wondrous presence, Mother Nature, and love for friends and family. What good is creating if you are not surrounded by loving people to share your work with?”
Top: Stavros Eleftheriou has been making jewelry for his brand Kabana for the past five decades. (Photos courtesy of Kabana)
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