Holidays - Leo Hamel

Valentine’s Day Fun Facts

2024-02-062024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Does your Valentine have a distinctive style and deserve the gift of a one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry piece? Whether she prefers exceptional necklaces, brooches, or Art Deco earrings, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is the perfect place to shop! Our jewelry selection changes every day, and we constantly get in new pieces that are not only stunning, but unique.

Shopping can be stressful, but we are here to help you pick out that perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Take advantage of our free gift wrap service and select one of our Valentine’s Day cards to complete your purchase! Later you can amuse your Valentine over dinner with these fun facts.

Valentine's Day Fun Facts

Each year an estimated one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent out, second in number only to Christmas cards.
Women purchase approximately 85% of all Valentine’s Day cards.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the U.S., England, Mexico, Australia, Canada, and France.
If you have a furry friend, you may be a part of the 3% of the population that gives his or her pet a Valentine card or gift.
Eight billion candy “conversation hearts” will be produced each year.
Men spend almost twice as much on Valentine’s Day gifts than women do.

Celebrate Your Love at Leo’s!

2024-01-302024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to cheer up your better half with a special gift. Whether their style is simple and elegant or bold and bright, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers has the perfect jewelry to make your significant other swoon. Follow along with our gift guide to find inspiration!

Birthstone Jewelry

If your Valentine’s Day date happens to be born in February, what better way to celebrate both holidays than by gifting them with jewelry set with their birthstone? The February birthstone, amethyst, is a stunning gemstone with a rich violet hue. Since ancient times, amethyst has signified a clear and sound mind. From rings to earrings, you can find a wide selection of jewelry that features this mesmerizing gemstone at Leo Hamel’s. You will find birthstone jewelry for every month of the year at Leo’s, and chances are that he or she will love receiving gemstone jewelry that is a celebration of their birth month.

Heart Jewelry

Nothing is quite as symbolic to Valentine’s Day as is the heart. We offer a plethora of options so you can find heart jewelry that fits your partner’s style. You can adorn her neck with a dainty heart pendant made up of diamonds or sterling silver. A heart charm bracelet is a great option if you are looking for a simple style with an elegant touch of diamonds.

Watches

Timeless and classic, a watch is a perfect way to show your person how much they mean to you. At Leo Hamel, we offer a large selection of new and pre-owned watches, from Rolex to Patek Philippe. Show your loved one how well you know them by selecting a watch that fits their needs.

A pre-owned watch like the Rolex Day-Date is sleek, high quality, and full of interesting details. It would be the ideal gift to give anyone looking for a bold timepiece.

Looking for a timepiece that won’t break the bank but also won’t sacrifice quality? Consider surprising your Valentine with a new Tissot or Hamilton. The Tissot PRX and Hamilton Khaki Field are both functional yet stylish. For your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife who is always on the go, this would make a great gift. They will feel appreciated, and you will get to shop great prices on top-tier brands when purchasing from Leo’s.

Diamond Jewelry

You can never go wrong with diamonds. The glimmer and shine of a diamond is fashionable on every kind of jewelry. Give them a pair of dazzling stud earrings or a sparkling necklace, and you are sure to steal the show. And what better time than Valentine’s Day to surprise them with the most stunning diamond of all – an engagement ring! Pop the questions on February 14^th with flowers and a beautiful vintage, new, or custom ring found at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers!

Find the Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts at Leo's!

Don’t wait until the last minute to find a Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone! Visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue and let one of our helpful salespeople steer you in the right direction. We’ll help you find a great gift that’ll fit your loved one’s style, and even better, that’ll fit your budget! What are you waiting for? Visit us today!

Christmas Gifting on a Budget? We’ve Got You Covered!

2023-12-122024-05-28 by Rylee Kahan

The holiday season is all about being joyful and spreading cheer. But holiday shopping can be so stressful that you start to feel like the Grinch! Trying to find the perfect gifts while staying on budget can be quite challenging. Your loved ones deserve nothing but the best, but what if your spectacular gift ideas become too pricey to afford? At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we completely understand the desire to buy your loved one’s luxurious gifts at a reasonable price. We’ve compiled a list of some of our most exquisite and affordable Christmas gift ideas. All of the gift ideas featured below are under $500 and are sure to spread Christmas cheer.

New Madison L Jewelry

Madison L Designs has an array of lavish fine jewelry. Each piece is created and designed with the greatest attention to detail and utmost care. Combining elegance with a modern inspiration and unchallenged craftsmanship, Madison L makes an excellent and affordable Christmas gift for any lady with a classic style.

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

Tiffany & Co. is one of the most universally recognized fine jewelry brands. A gorgeous piece of Tiffany jewelry always makes an exquisite gift. When it comes to affordable Christmas gifts, vintage Tiffany & Co. is the way to go. You’ll receive a better deal on beautiful designer jewelry that appears brand new. Our vast collection of vintage Tiffany includes something for everyone – like cufflinks and loving heart rings. Watch your loved one’s face light up when they see a Leo Hamel gold gift bag under their tree!

New Wolf Watch Winders & Jewelry Storage

Everyone needs a safe place to store their jewelry and watches. Wolf designs elegant and durable jewelry boxed and watch winders that are perfect storing solutions for home and travel. This stackable jewelry box tray set features different sections that are ideal for holding rings, bracelets, earrings, and more – and it’s less than $60! For automatic watches lovers, Wolf watch winders are an excellent and affordable Christmas gift. Take away all the hassle of manually winding and resetting your automatic watch – for less than $250!

New Tissot Watches

With their signature “Innovators by Tradition,” Tissot develops high-tech, advanced functionality timepieces. With a broader, more versatile range of high-quality timepieces at a more attractive price than any other Swiss watch brand, a Tissot watch makes a remarkable holiday gift. Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is committed to carrying a large selection of brand new in-the-box Tissot watches for men and women, making excellence accessible to everyone. Each timepiece is fit for everyday wear and will be treasured for a lifetime.

New & Vintage Gemstone Earrings

Gemstone earrings are always an exceptional gift. Every lady needs a gorgeous pair of studs – what better gift to give them than a pair of earrings set with thei favorite gemstone? Of course, some gemstones cost more than others, like diamonds, but you can get a great deal on a smaller carat stone. Whatever your loved one’s favorite gemstone is, we’re sure to have a great deal on a pair of radiant earring studs.

These are just a few affordable Christmas gift ideas for this holiday season. Find exquisite gifts to make your loved ones happy at our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue. We completely understand the holidays can be hard on your wallet, so don’t forget about our flexible payment plan options. Or if you truly can’t decide, you can never go wrong with a Leo Hamel gift card. Happy Holidays!

5 Gifts for the Special Man in Your Life

2023-12-012024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! It’s time to share the joy of the season with loved ones and take part in your favorite holiday traditions. With only a few weeks left to find the best gifts, you may be feeling slightly stressed out. In addition to shopping for family and friends, you’re probably feeling the pressure to find something perfect for your special someone. But no need to sweat it, we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 Christmas gifts for him that he’d be thrilled to find under the tree!

New Men's Tissot Watch

Searching for a sleek gift to surprise your man? A Tissot watch like this one is the epitome of style with a black dial, stainless steel case, brown leather strap, and sleek silver markers, you can be sure that he’ll always be on time!

Vintage Louis Vuitton Laptop Bag

Before traveling home for the holidays, surprise your sweetheart with a Louis Vuitton laptop bag! The must-have travel accessory is lightweight and luxurious, so he can travel with style and ease. Constructed of brown leather, this piece of luggage has an ultra-masculine look and feel.

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks

If your man enjoys luxurious accessories, these Tiffany & Co. cufflinks are a great add-on to any outfit. Cufflinks make the perfect gift that he can wear for a lifetime, and even pass on to his own children. Each time he wears them, he’ll be reminded of your thoughtful gift giving.

Vintage Gucci Wallet

Is your stylish stud a sucker for designer gifts? Then he’ll love to unwrap this vintage Gucci wallet for Christmas! Boasting Gucci’s iconic red and greens stitched stripes, a gold stitched bee, and “GG” monogram pattern, this wallet oozes style and sophistication. Whether he’s rocking his best business suit, or sweatpants and a tee, this is one accessory he can carry with confidence!

Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner "Hulk"

Looking to splurge on your man this holiday season? Spoil him with a gift he’ll never expect like this pre-owned Rolex Submariner with a unique green bezel and dial. This pricey timepiece is well worth the money, and the watch of choice for many world travelers. With a durable stainless steel construction, Oyster bracelet, and green bezel and dial, this watch has earned its superhero inspired name, the “Hulk.”

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Find these Christmas gifts and many more for the special someone in your life today at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! We have a vast selection including vintage designer jewelry & handbags, new watches, pre-owned watches, engagement rings, vintage jewelry, lab-grown diamond jewelry, Hearts On Fire, and more.

Should You Propose on a Holiday?

2023-11-242024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

‘Tis the season for proposals – engagement season is officially upon us! In the US, the most popular time to get engaged is from November to February. Last year, about 40% of all engagements occurred during the holidays. Historically, we’ve seen spikes in engagement ring purchases as soon as the holiday season rolls around. The reason behind this is quite simple – engagements during the holiday season are very sentimental and idyllic!

First of all, winter is an especially romantic season. The cooler weather, the changing colors of the leaves, the falling snow (if you live where it snows – sorry, San Diego), and all of the bright and beautiful holiday decorations make the perfect backdrop. And of course, we can’t forget about the joy and cheer that comes along with this time of year! Additionally, the holidays are all about spending time with family. And since most couples spend time with their friends and family during the holidays, there seems like no better time to propose than when surrounded by all of your loved ones.

Holiday proposals are very romantic and cause for a grand celebration. Although, before you make this important decision, you have to consider how your significant other feels about a holiday proposal. If they aren’t as enthusiastic about the holidays, maybe it’s best to pick another day that is meaningful to the two of you. But if your special someone is all about spreading the holiday cheer and love, a holiday engagement would be a great way to seal your forever love.

Top 5 Most Popular Proposal Dates

Planning a holiday proposal? We’re looking at the 5 most popular days to get engaged during the holidays. We’ll also touch on the perks and possible downfalls of each day, so you can decide if a holiday proposal is right for you and your special love.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is popular for proposals because it’s one of the few times a year most of your family gathers to be thankful for their lives and those they love. If you and your special someone are super family-oriented, proposing during Thanksgiving is a great idea. It’s very sentimental, and you can even involve members of both families to make it an even bigger surprise.

If you decide to propose on Thanksgiving, make sure your timing is right. Popping the question right after everyone has eaten is probably not the best idea. Everyone will be in a food coma and probably won’t be paying much attention. You’ll also have to watch out for those that have been drinking most of the day.

Thanksgiving is a big day for drinking – you certainly don’t want Cousin Joe ruining your proposal because he had one too many beers. Try to opt for earlier in the evening, maybe when everyone is sharing what they’re thankful for. Mention how grateful you are for your partner and then get down on one knee. There won’t be a dry eye in the entire room.

Christmas Eve

Many families celebrate on Christmas Eve, which makes this day another popular day for proposals. Christmas Eve dinners are a special time for family and loved ones to gather and enjoy the holiday spirit. If this is a time you and your sweetheart cherish every year, proposing is a fantastic idea. If the ring is burning a hole in your pocket, why wait one more day?

Just don’t forget to think about both sides of the family. If you propose on Christmas Eve with your partners’ family present, your family might be slightly offended. Or vice versa. If you’re not able to get everyone together under one roof, pop the question with her family on Christmas Eve. Then, share the celebration with your family on Christmas Day. Just make sure you have plenty of pictures and videos!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is actually the most popular day to get engaged. Maybe it’s all the love in the air. Maybe it’s because everyone is already in the spirit of giving. Or maybe it’s all the egg nog. Regardless of the reason, Christmas engagements can be very special. Wrap the ring in a larger box so no one will have any idea what’s about to happen. Yours will be the best gift tucked beneath the tree.

It’s important to keep in mind that Christmas isn’t just about the two of you. Your engagement certainly is, but it’s best to be respectful and check with the family to make sure they’re okay with sharing this special holiday with your big moment. You also want to be at least 95% sure your partner is going to say yes. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but it would be incredibly embarrassing to be rejected in front of all your loved ones.

New Year's Eve

Picture this: As soon as the clock strikes midnight, you kiss your beloved and then drop to one knee. In the midst of all the excitement and the bursting fireworks, it feels like you two are the only ones in the room. They say yes and you enjoy the rest of the evening celebrating with friends and basking in your love. How romantic!

If your significant other isn’t much for crowds, this may not be the best idea. If they would rather your engagement be just the two of you, you may want to consider choosing a different evening. Or if you’re dead set on a New Year’s Eve engagement, escape the crowds and chaos a few minutes before the clock starts counting down. Whisk her away to a private setting and make the special moment just about the two of you.

Valentine's Day

This one really depends on the person. A Valentine’s Day proposal can either be incredibly romantic or incredibly cliché. If you and your significant other traditionally celebrate Valentine’s Day, then by all means, let Cupid shoot you with his arrow and get down on one knee! You can keep it fairly simple or go all out with flowers, balloons, champagne, and chocolates. This will make your Valentine’s Day even more special in the years to come.

But say your other half isn’t really into all the mushy gushy love stuff that comes along with V day. It’s probably best to choose another day. Proposing on a holiday that your significant other isn’t very fond of just doesn’t make sense. It may seem like you don’t really know them at all.

The moral of the story? If you’re going to propose during the holidays, make sure it’s a holiday that is special to the both of you.

If you have a holiday proposal planned and you’re looking for the perfect ring to completely awe your special someone, stop by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue. From new engagement rings to vintage engagement rings, to designer engagement rings, and even custom design engagement rings, you are sure to find the perfect ring for an unforgettable holiday proposal.

Father’s Day Gifts at Leo Hamel’s

2023-06-102024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Father’s Day is right around the corner! If you’ve slacked on getting your Dad the best gift to show your love and appreciation, hurry to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! Whether you’re shopping for your Dad, Grandpa, brother, or anyone else, you’re sure to find something special for all the important men in your life. Below are our top choices for 2023 Father’s Day gift ideas but be sure to stop by our San Diego jewelry store to see the wide assortment of other items we have to offer!

Every man deserves a classy watch, especially the man that raised you. After all the love and support he’s given you, it’s only right to show how much you appreciate him with such a grand gesture. And if your Dad doesn’t already own a luxury watch, it will make this Father’s Day gift much more special.

So, what’s your father’s style like? If he’s more modern, opt for a contemporary watch with a classic appeal. If he’s more old school, aim for something vintage and timeless.

Does your Dad already have a nice collection of watches? Then why not get him a Father’s Day gift that will always come in handy? Maybe you’ve never even thought about where your Dad stores all of his watches, but we’re betting it’s not the safest place. This Father’s Day, get Dad a Wolf watch case so he never has to worry about damaging his watches when they aren’t being worn.

Is your Dad an automatic watch lover? Go one step further and get him a Wolf watch winder that will keep all of his watches running while they’re not being worn! He’ll totally appreciate not having to reset the date and time on his watches every time he wants to wear one, trust us.

Cufflinks always make an exceptional Father’s Day gift. Whether your Dad wears suits often or not, he’ll always think of you whenever he puts them on. And cufflinks are just so classy! Depending on his style and favorite hobbies, we have a wide variety of unique and designer cufflinks.

You’d be surprised how many big-name designer brands have entire lines of designs tailored to men. Big names like John Hardy, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more all have unisex and men’s lines of interesting and unique designs. A vintage designer bracelet, ring or accessory can be a highly personal gift and show that you pay attention to his individual style more than he might realize.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18^th, and although we are CLOSED on Father’s Day, we are OPEN on Saturday June 17^th from 11am to 5pm for your shopping needs. Free gift wrap included with every purchase! Please visit our showroom sooner rather than later to get your shopping done before time runs out! If you know what you want, or even more so if you don’t, give us a call at 619-299-1500, or visit us so our skilled team can help you find the perfect gift for any Dad this year!

Find the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

2023-05-122024-05-30 by Rylee Kahan

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14^th. 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!

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.

2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

2023-01-312024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Valentine’s Day is a day to share your love with each other and show your special man or woman just how much you adore and admire them. Even if you try to demonstrate your love every day, Valentine’s Day is the day to make an extra effort. What better way to do that than with a thoughtfully chosen piece of jewelry or a watch that shows how much you pay attention to what he or she likes?

Since everyone’s personal taste is extremely important for their style, be sure to keep your loved one’s personal style, lifestyle, and the frequency in which they wear jewelry and accessories in mind.

Our team is eager to help you find the perfect gift for your Valentine! Leo Hamel’s has a wide variety including intricate rings and bold necklaces, new and pre-owned watches, designer jewelry, accessories, and handbags. Here’s a peek into our Valentine’s Day collection.

For Her

Valentine’s Day is a day to pay extra attention to the special woman in your life, and these gifts are great options that will show her how much you care.

For Him

While Valentine’s Day leans heavily towards gifts for women, it’s the perfect opportunity to show the man in your life how meaningful he is to you.

Vintage Freeform Ring Slide

Vintage Freeform Ring

Vintage 14k white gold high polish freeform ring set with 0.22 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. Retails for $675, Our Price: $475

Valentine's Day Fun Facts

Birthstone Jewelry

Heart Jewelry

Watches

Diamond Jewelry

Find the Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts at Leo's!

New Men's Tissot Watch

Vintage Louis Vuitton Laptop Bag

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks

Vintage Gucci Wallet

Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner "Hulk"

Top 5 Most Popular Proposal Dates

Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

New Year's Eve

Valentine's Day

New 2.42 CTW OpalRing

Vintage 0.50 CTW Diamond & Pearl Bracelet

Vintage 0.18 CTW DiamondNecklace

Vintage 0.34 CTW DiamondEarrings

New Denny Wong 9.72 CTW Blue Topaz Earrings

Vintage Tiffany & Co.Necklace

*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.

For Her

For Him

Christmas Gifts For Her

Lab-Grown Diamond Gifts

Christmas Gifts For Him

Engagement Rings

Extraordinary Christmas Gifts

New 2.42 CTW Opal
Ring

Vintage 0.18 CTW Diamond
Necklace

Vintage 0.34 CTW Diamond
Earrings

Vintage Tiffany & Co.
Necklace