About

Leona is created by a jewelry designer, Akiyo Matsuoka who resides in New York City.  Akiyo graduated from Parsons School of Design and began designing jewelry since 1997.  Her fine jewelry collections were sold in numerous stores worldwide including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Takashimaya New York, Lane Crawford Hong Kong, and Wako Japan.  Akiyo discovered Rhino, a 3D modeling program and branched out into digital design.  She enjoys creating generative jewelry designs(an iterative design process in computer) which are inspired by the limitless beauty found in the continuous fluid forms and structures in nature. Then, applies these techniques to unique, fun, and alluring wearable designs. 

Akiyo is a faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute in New York City teaches jewelry design and 3D modeling. She also conducts 3D modeling training to a range of international, professional designers across the industry.  Link  

The brand name Leona is inspired by her two loving teenagers.