By Sara Orlos Fernandes
The monthly topic “Berlin tackles” is all about crafts: BZ visiting goldsmith Leon Lazar (60) in Schöneberg.
Gold, precious stones and diamonds as far as the eye can see – it sparkles and glitters in Leon Lazar’s (60) showcases.
In the workshop behind the sales room, on the other hand, the man from Schöneberg sits at an unadorned wooden work table and works on a ring. Tools, order slips and fine pieces of jewelery pile up on the table. There’s plenty to do.
Goldsmith and watchmaker Leon Lazar (60) in his shop on Goltzstraße in Schöneberg Photo: Charles Yunck
Lazar has been in Schöneberg’s Goltzstrasse since 2005, enchanting his customers with large and small gems. In his production facility he always creates unique items. The most expensive example he ever forged was a ring with diamonds worth 50,000 euros! Working on a ring can take up to three weeks.
A stern look at a gold ring before the goldsmith sets a tourmaline gemstone into the metal. Photo: Charles Yunck
However, it is by no means only precious stones that are set in metal here. Lazar is also currently working on a necklace and a ring with a meteorite set into it. Nothing seems impossible in his workshop. What he loves most about his job: “The freedom to turn ideas into metal.”
His grandfather was a master goldsmith. Lazar grew up in his production facility in northern Greece. In 1989 he forged his first ring and worked in workshops in Steglitz and Kreuzberg after reunification. “I also did work for all the jewelers on the Kudamm,” he says.
Today he employs three people himself: a Syrian refugee, a pensioner and a temporary worker. “I used to train, but I just don’t have the time for that. You need a lot of time for young people,” Lazar knows.
Setting: The metal is bent in the direction of the gemstone with a setting hammer. Before that, Lazar puts wax in the setting so that the stone doesn’t jump out when you set it. Photo: Charles Yunck
He still wants to encourage young people to get excited about his job. That’s why he always makes internships possible in his company.
The wax is melted and removed with the flame. Then the ring is fine-tuned: cleaned and polished with the sandblaster. Photo: Charles Yunck
BZ is looking for Berlin’s best craftsmen
If THEY promise to come, THEY will come. Reliable tradesmen are worth GOLD. That’s why we’re looking for the best in their field for the new theme month BERLIN PACKT AN. Suggest your colleague to us! Tell us who once got you out of a tight spot with their skill and reliability.
We count on your help. We look forward to your suggestions at: [email protected] (subject: “You can rely on them”) or by post to BZ with the keyword “Berlin packt an”, Axel-Springer-Straße 65, 10888 Berlin.