Month: May 2023

Citrines Will Brighten Up Your Summer!

by Rylee Kahan
Two pairs of citrine stud earrings, one citrine ring, and one citrine pendant necklace on a white cloth background.

Believed to carry the power of the sun, citrine is a warm and energizing gemstone. Named for the citron fruit, citrine is a quartz variety that appears in rich shades of yellow and orange.

This gorgeous gemstone is said to inspire imagination and creativity. It encourages its wearer to embark on new endeavors and enjoy unfamiliar experiences. The November birthstone is known as “The Merchant’s Stone,” as it is thought to help attract wealth and abundance.

When it comes to relationships, citrine can help resolve problems by increasing understanding and protecting against jealousy, resentment, and other unfavorable emotions. Citrine is colored yellow and orange by a trace of iron. Citrine crystals can form together with amethyst or smoky quartz to form a bi-colored quartz called ametrine.

Natural citrine can be found in Brazil, Russia, France, and Madagascar. The finest color gems come from Madeira, Brazil. The most desirable citrines display a reddish-orange color free of any brown tones. When not heat-treated to enhance their color, natural citrines are often deep, honey gold. Treated stones can be a dark orange-brown to reddish-brown.

Citrine is said to bring wealth into the house and alleviate nightmares if placed under the pillow. The sunny yellow stone can be worn to instantly lift a mood. It is the most popular yellow gemstone on the market today because of its availability in almost any size and shape. It was extremely popular in the Retro jewelry period of the 30’s and 40’s, where large stones were often set in rose gold and accented with small rubies.

Want to brighten up your jewelry collection with citrine? Visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue today to find bright and beautiful citrine jewelry. Our expert sales team is available to help you find the perfect summer gift for a loved one or a gift to treat yourself!

Celebrate May Birthdays with Emerald

by Rylee Kahan
Yellow and white gold emerald and diamond necklace, ring, and tennis bracelet.

Those April showers have finally brought us May flowers! Springtime offers endless beauty and bounty, with flowers and lush greenery everywhere you look. What better gemstone to symbolize the splendor of spring than vibrant green emerald, the captivating May birthstone?

History of Emerald

Emerald belongs to a group that industry insiders often refer to as the “Big Three.” These are the three most expensive and alluring precious colored gemstones that have been sought after for centuries: emerald, ruby, and sapphire. In fact, this captivating May birthstone has been worn in jewelry for more than four thousand years.

Ancient civilizations from the Inca to the Egyptians revered emerald for its many powerful properties. Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher who lived in the first century A.D., wrote that emerald was the only gem that delighted the eye without fatiguing it. Early gem cutters kept emeralds on their work bench to gaze upon from time to time to rest their tired eyes.

Modern science confirms Pliny’s claim with findings that prove green is the most restful color for the human eye, as it relieves stress and strain. Besides being easy on the eyes, green emerald was believed to give its wearer the power to see into the future and to recognize the false promises of others. It’s no wonder emerald was a favorite of ancient leaders like Cleopatra, who famously wore them in many of her royal adornments.

Emerald's Meaning

Besides their obvious beauty, emeralds are treasured for their meaning. In ancient Roman mythology, the emerald was the gemstone of the goddess of love, Venus. Though rubies are generally considered the gemstone of romance and passion, emeralds were once held in the same regard. Emeralds are said to stir feelings of passion, euphoria, and intense love.

They are thought to bring love that is deep and unconditional, making them the perfect romantic gift. The vibrant green hue of emeralds represents vitality, renewal, and starting anew. It’s only fitting that emerald marks the dawn of springtime, a time of rebirth and regeneration.

May Birthstone Colors

The ideal shade for spring, emeralds range in color from yellowish to bluish and can vary from pale mint to deep forest hues. Vivid, deep green emeralds are most prized, while those with too much yellow or blue are less valuable. An ideal emerald will have color that is evenly distributed with just the right touch of transparency.

Most emeralds contain eye-visible clarity characteristics called “inclusions” that result from their formation deep within the earth. These inclusions give each gemstone its own personality and character, an everlasting testament to the natural history of the emerald. When a single stone contains a wide variety of inclusions, gemologists call is the “jardín” effect, which is French for “garden,” because they resemble flowers and foliage.

Because of their inclusions, emeralds are delicate despite their relative hardness. Never put emeralds into an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner and avoid steam cleaning. Ring re-sizing or re-tipping of prongs should only be performed by an accomplished jeweler.

Where to Find Emerald

Columbia has been the most fruitful source for fine emeralds for over 500 years, with the Muzo mine producing the most stunning jewels in terms of both color and clarity. Brazil also produces stones from the abundant Belmont mine that are typically a little darker in color. Emeralds of very fine color can be found in parts of Africa, though they typically only occur in small carat sizes. Pakistan and Afghanistan are also important producers, though on a much smaller scale.

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you will always find a wide variety of luscious green emeralds to fit every style and budget. Whether you’re celebrating a May birthday, anniversary, or engagement, Leo Hamel’s has a wealth of exquisite emerald jewelry that is sure to bring joy to your loved one. Choose from new designs or opt for something truly unique like an antique emerald ring or bracelet.

Do you have a beloved piece of emerald jewelry in need of repair? Our full-service jewelry store boasts master jewelers to help ensure that your precious jewelry last a lifetime and beyond! What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!

How to Pick Meaningful Jewelry

by Rylee Kahan
Various dainty yellow gold jewelry pieces on a pink background.

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we have lots of treasures that could be “the perfect gift” for your loved one. Every woman loves to receive a precious gift that was picked out especially for her – whether it’s glittering opal earrings for her birthday, a diamond heart necklace to say Happy Valentine’s Day, a floral diamond ring to celebrate an anniversary, or a pair of designer earrings “just because.”

When buying a gift as personal as jewelry, the hardest part can be picking out something that you can be sure the recipient will love. You won’t find a more complete collection of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings to choose from than at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, and our experienced salespeople are experts at helping you to select a gift that will thrill her. But what if it doesn’t? You can bring it back and let her choose something else or get a full refund.

Why does jewelry make such a great gift? What is it about these embellishments that make them worth giving, time and time again? Let us explore the top reasons to gift jewelry.

Some People Don't Buy Jewelry for Themselves on a Regular Basis

Most people renew the basics such as shoes, clothing, bags, and coats as needed. However, there are some things that may not be on everyone’s radar as a regular purchase, because they are considered a luxury and come at a cost.

Yes, some of us buy jewelry for ourselves on a regular basis, to celebrate an achievement, or just because. But some of us do not. Those who do not treat themselves to jewelry purchases tend to get jewelry only when it’s gifted to them from time to time. For any occasion, just the fact that jewelry is not usually an everyday kind of gift makes it exciting and unique.

Jewelry is a Wearable Gift that also Has Sentimental Value

Practically anything can be given as a gift. Nevertheless, there is no denying that some gifts are more sentimental than others. Wearable items such as clothing, shoes, hats, and coats make great gifts, but they are not very meaningful. There is simply something about jewelry that makes it sentimental.

Perhaps it is because some jewelry pieces represent very monumental periods in people’s lives such as engagements, weddings, births, and graduations. It could also be that due to generally higher prices, jewelry takes some time and effort to buy to ensure that the recipient is happy with this important purchase. Regardless, one thing is for certain: jewelry is a wearable gift that’s not only beautiful but holds sentimental value as well.

Jewelry Can Be Timeless

If you think about gifts you have received over the years, try to think about which ones are still in use. Even those that are still being used may be on their last legs. Clothing fades, rips, gets stained, and goes out of style. Electronics get replaced by something newer and better before you even fully get to enjoy it. Even cars are on a timer from the day they are bought till the day they start showing signs of growing old.

However, fine jewelry can be cared for and enjoyed for generations. There are endless classic jewelry styles that ensure your piece will never become irrelevant, and if the style loses its appeal, settings can be changed and upgraded.

Jewelry is a Gift Now, and an Heirloom Later

There’s nothing better than knowing that a gift is yours and all yours when you first receive it. Jewelry, as we mentioned, can be worn for decades, but even when not in use can be easily stored due to its small size and passed down to the next generation as a useful and meaningful heirloom. Not to mention, depending on the piece it can retain or even increase in value.

Jewelry Can Hold Some Value Over Time and May Even Appreciate

Most gifts are not bought with the thought that it will appreciate over time. Gifts are generally about the “now,” and that’s perfectly all right. However, there is most certainly an advantage if a gift can be used and enjoyed and has the bonus of always retaining some value and possibly even being worth more the longer you hold on to it.

Now, not every piece of jewelry you purchase will increase in value. However, there are some diamonds whose value will appreciate over time. And gold prices can fluctuate but have steadily increased for many years. If the time comes to sell some of your jewelry, it’s nice to know that there is potential to make money on the investment.

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for someone special visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! We have a wide variety of new, vintage, and designer jewelry, as well as an excellent sales team ready to help you find the perfect gift.

Find the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

by Rylee Kahan
Opal ring, pearl and diamond bangle, and chocolate and white diamond earrings laid on green beads.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th. To help you shop easier here’s a few examples of beautiful pieces so you can visualize the best gifts this year. All the jewelry listed below is currently available in our showroom* and our sales team is eager to help you find the perfect gift! Stand out, no matter your budget, with unique and beautiful gifts that are as thoughtful as you are. This guide is just a small taste of what we have in our showroom and curated collections, so call us at 619-299-1500 or visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue today!

White gold Ethiopian opal solitaire bezel set ring.

New 2.42 CTW Opal
Ring

This stunning Ethiopian opal ring is the perfect gift for the Mom who loves statement pieces. Set with a 2.42 carat oval cut Ethiopian opal, this 18k white gold ring is sure to make a lasting impression.

White pearl and diamond bangle.

Vintage 0.50 CTW Diamond & Pearl Bracelet

Pearls are a classic that’re making a comeback! Gift the Mom in your life this trendy 14k yellow & white gold bangle set with 3mm-5.2mm white pearls & 0.50 carats of single cut diamonds.

White gold open heart station necklace set with a round diamond.

Vintage 0.18 CTW Diamond
Necklace

Show Mom her heart is as beautiful to you as diamonds are to her with this stunning necklace. An adorable 14k white gold heart centered with a 0.18 carat round brilliant cut diamond is the perfect necklace for any Mom.

Yellow gold floral stud earrings set with chocolate diamonds surrounded by white diamonds.

Vintage 0.34 CTW Diamond
Earrings

These classic vintage earrings are a soft and subtle way of giving back to her this year. Set with 0.34 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds in beautiful yellow & white gold, they’ll definitely make a statement for every Mom wearing them.

Yellow gold stud earrings set with oval blue topaz surrounded by diamond haloes.

New Denny Wong 9.72 CTW Blue Topaz Earrings

These exquisite 18k rose gold and platinum Denny Wong earrings boast 9.48 carats of oval cut blue topaz surrounded by a halo of 0.24 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. With intricate details, this stunning pair of earrings is sure to surprise any Mom.

Vintage yellow gold Tiffany & Co. pendant necklace.

Vintage Tiffany & Co.
Necklace

Tiffany & Co. has long been seen as a symbol of luxury, high-end quality, and stunningly beautiful jewelry. Show the Mom you love in your life that she has your whole heart with this gorgeous “T” necklace from Tiffany & Co.

No matter who the Mom is in your life, celebrate her this Mother’s Day. Our skilled team here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is more than excited to help you find the perfect gift for her. Hopefully this gets your ideas flowing, then visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue! We’d love to help you make her whole day magical.

*Availability may vary. Many of our items are vintage and pre-owned and we have limited stock. Call or visit us to view our collections.

Make the Most of Your Outfit with Accessories

by Rylee Kahan
Vintage Chanel sunglasses, Louis Vuitton scarf, and jewelry clutch on pink velvet background.

Accessories provide interest to your outfit. Without them, you run the risk of getting bored with your wardrobe, and your outfits looking bland since they’re always the same. They extend the life of your clothes and familiar ensembles. With a change of accessories, an outfit you were so familiar with can have a new lease on life and a new place in your wardrobe.

They create interesting details where clothes are simple or plain. They add personality to your look and give you an opportunity to express your unique personal style. Accessories also add versatility. With a change in accessories, you can wear the same ensemble over and over, but it looks and feels different with different accessories.

5 Types of Accessories

Shoes: Unlike other accessories, you’ll most likely need to wear shoes every day. Although it’s important to have a few neutral footwear options in your capsule collection, statement footwear can elevate your look. Look for shoes that are fun and comfortable – or else you’ll never wear them. However, splurging on designer stiletto heels that you can wear for a couple of hours to a cocktail party is never wrong.

Jewelry: Whether your jewelry box currently contains one fine watch or a host of bangles, statement necklaces, chandelier earrings, and chokers, you probably turn to jewelry when you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your look. If you’re new to jewelry, you might start with a subtle piece of jewelry like diamond studs, hoop earrings, or a pendant necklace – classic pieces that will work with almost anything.

Hair Accessories: Hair accessories offer an easy way to show off your personal style. Look at your current hair accessories and see if there’s room for an upgrade. Can you swap a plain hair tie for a silk scrunchie? A plain clip for a colorful one?

Handbags: Different bags – from totes to clutches – are appropriate for different occasions. If you have handbags in varied styles and colors, you’ll always have a unique accessory. Designer handbags from Gucci, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel upgrade any outfit’s style quotient. And buying vintage mint condition bags can make high-end more affordable.

Belts: Belts aren’t just for function; they’re for fashion, too. Whether you choose a narrow or wide belt, a simple belt or one with embellishments, defining your waistline with a belt is one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look more polished.

5 Tips for Choosing Accessories

Choose a signature accessory. If you feel overwhelmed by accessory options, choose just one statement piece that makes you feel great and that you can wear with multiple outfits. When you’re ready to add more accessories, create balance by choosing one piece to dominate your look in terms of size or color, then layer on more subtle accessories.

Think about colors and patterns. Accessories are a great way to add a pop of color to a simple outfit. Bright colors and animal prints can be difficult to work into your wardrobe, but vibrant, fun accessories like shoes, a belt, or a scarf can elevate your look.

Use accessories to transform an outfit. Accessories are an easy way to take an outfit from the office to dinner with friends. A classic little black dress looks work-appropriate when paired with a blazer and flats. Ditch the blazer, swap the flats for stilettos, and add a pair of diamond earrings or a bright gemstone cocktail ring, and you’re ready for a night out. Have a few go-to accessories in mind for those moments when you’re not able to make a full outfit change.

Look for accessories that express your personality. Love bees? Gucci bee earrings will be an attention-grabbing addition. Is your dog everything to you? Look for a cute diamond dog bone pendant by Tiffany & Co. Serious about the sea? Seashell earrings or a starfish ring from Denny Wong is a must.

You can’t go wrong with jewelry by famous designers. Explore different designers to find one that vibes with your style and collect a few of their pieces, such as Tiffany & Co. or David Yurman. Or diversify and get pieces from several designers whose jewelry you admire, from the likes of Cartier, Chanel, John Hardy, and Chopard.

How to Successfully Accessorize

Add More: Consider adding some additional accessory pizazz to your everyday outfit, or step up the accessories you do wear a couple notches. Sure, some warn of over-accessorizing, but there’s far more of the opposite – not enough accessorizing. It’s very easy to fall into a pattern of bland outfits. Stacking gold bangles or gemstone rings, and layering necklaces of different lengths and patterns can step up your game.

Habitually Accessorize: Adding accessories isn’t something to be done just for special occasions – accessorizing is for every day. When you get the hang of it, adding an accessory or two will feel like a natural way to complete an outfit. And that’s exactly it – no outfit is truly complete without accessories. No matter what your day holds, consider wearing at least one accessory item, even if you think you’ll just be sitting at home. Accessories add flavor and zest to a casual ensemble, and you often don’t need more than one to upstyle an outfit.

The Key to Accessorizing: The key to successful accessorizing, other than making it a habit, is to find and wear accessories in your style. And there is a style for everyone. Successful accessorizing is wearing only those accessories in the style you love and works for you.

There’s no better place to find one-of-a-kind accessories than Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! Shop an extraordinary collection of vintage designer handbags and wallets as well as our new, vintage, and designer jewelry, all at a price you’ll love. You deserve to have your own unique style, and you’ll find the perfect accessories here at Leo’s!