engagement - Leo Hamel

Choose Yellow Diamonds for a Unique Engagement Ring

2023-07-212024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Thinking of an engagement ring might evoke an image of a colorless diamond solitaire. Although that is certainly a classic choice, there are many other options when it comes to getting engaged. Engagement rings are highly personal items of jewelry and can be set with colored stones as well as colored diamonds rather than colorless ones. The 2017 trends saw a marked increase of interest in non-solitaire rings. Similarly, fancy yellow diamonds have grown in popularity over the past few decades. These gorgeous gemstones can be set in antique style settings as well as modern ones. If making the decision between a fancy yellow diamond versus a colorless diamond is a tough one for you, we’re here to help.

Diamonds are a mineral that is composed of 99.95% carbon. The remaining percentage is trace elements, some of which can affect a diamond’s color. One of the trace elements that can be found in diamonds is nitrogen, which is the source of a yellow diamond’s color.

Colorless diamonds are graded for their color on a scale D-Z, with D being the most transparent, like a drop of pure water. A vast majority of diamonds are graded somewhere between D and Z, which is to say that most diamonds have varying degrees of trace nitrogen. Diamonds which have no nitrogen at all are extremely rare. However, intensely colored or “fancy” yellow diamonds are even rarer than colorless diamonds.

Fancy colored diamonds are not graded on the D-Z scale. For instance, yellow diamonds are graded on a special scale: fancy light yellow – fancy yellow – fancy intense yellow – fancy deep yellow – fancy vivid yellow.

Jewelry connoisseurs associate Tiffany & Co. with fancy yellow diamonds nearly as much as their trademark blue color. In fact, for quite some time Tiffany had exclusive access to yellow diamonds mined in Ellendale, Australia – the largest yellow diamond mine until it closed in 2015. The world-famous Tiffany Diamond was mined in 1877 in South Africa. Once cut and faceted, this impressive fancy yellow diamond weighed a whopping 128.54 carats. It was once set in an enchanting necklace by jean Schlumberger for Audrey Hepburn to wear while promoting the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Remarkably, this famous yellow diamond was never sold, and remains on display in Tiffany’s flagship Fifth Avenue store.

Today, yellow diamond rings are rising in popularity. Many celebrities flaunt their sparklers of the rising sun wearing fancy yellow diamond engagement rings, yellow diamond wedding bands, and yellow diamond right-hand rings. Some of them include Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Hillary Clinton, Heidi Klum, and Rebecca Romjin.

Our culture already attaches certain symbolism to diamond rings. The striking color of fancy yellow diamonds only adds to the meanings of strength and eternity. Yellow diamond engagement rings evoke joy, happiness, and prosperity. Therefore, yellow diamonds make a fantastic choice for an engagement ring.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers has been the largest independent and family-owned jewelry store in San Diego for over 44 years. Visit our vast and luxurious showroom on San Diego Avenue, just east of the 5 across from the airport. We carry an extensive collection of fancy yellow diamonds of a variety of cuts and carat weights. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we will go to work to find it for you!

Tips for Designing the Perfect Engagement Ring

2023-06-302024-05-31 by Rylee Kahan

The many different options for engagement rings can be a little overwhelming. And sometimes, it is too hard to decide on just one. You’ll find a diamond you love, but the setting is not the right style. Or vice versa. Maybe you like the band on this ring, the setting on that ring, and the style or color of yet another ring!

If you find yourself being drawn to certain elements of engagement rings, but not the ring itself, you might want to consider designing a custom engagement ring. Custom engagement rings are an excellent way to be sure your significant other truly loves the ring and will cherish it for a lifetime.

Whether you will be shopping around with your significant other or are planning a surprise engagement, we’re sure you will find these six custom engagement ring design tips very helpful.

Choose a Reputable Jeweler

Aside from your relationship with your future spouse, this is one of the most important relationships you can form! You are entrusting this person to create one of the largest and most important purchases of your entire life. You’ll also be working very closely with the jeweler you choose on something very intimate – be sure you trust their work and value their opinion.

Look for the best custom engagement ring designers in your area. Ask friends and family for referrals. Do a quick search online to see which stores rank the highest, have the best reviews, and have work similar to your vision. This ring will be worn for a lifetime; you want to be sure you choose someone who has the skill and knowledge to make your dream engagement ring a reality.

Draw Inspiration

Know the specifics of what you like and dislike. Not into the glitz and glam of halo designs? Maybe a classic solitaire is a better style for you. It’s very helpful to have these ideas written down somewhere to share with the jeweler you choose. If you’re a list person, try making a pros and cons list. If visuals are more your thing, print out photos or make sketches of certain ideas you have.

In today’s time, social media is extremely useful for this step. Pinterest is a great source to use. Ladies, are you trying to drop hints to your man for what styles you like? Create a public Pinterest board so he can see them! Gents, this just made your job a whole lot easier, and you know you’ll be designing a ring she’ll truly adore. When designing your very own engagement ring, you can borrow ideas from anywhere.

Try on Different Styles

Have some fun trying on different styles before you decide on anything. A ring can look different on your (or her) hand. You might think you like a certain cut or style, but you won’t truly know until you have actually seen it on a finger. Visit different jewelry stores to test out different cuts, sizes, colors, and styles.

Do Your Research

This step will help you narrow down the specifics of the custom ring you will design. What size diamond does your special someone desire? Has she mentioned anything about the specific clarity she wants? What about the kind of metal for the band and setting? Should you opt for a solid color or mixed metal style? Answering these questions beforehand will also help you figure out what fits your budget and what doesn’t. Obviously, the bigger the center stone and the less included it is, the more expensive it will be.

Similarly, the type of metal chosen will impact the total price. Platinum is a common choice for engagement rings because it is durable and hypoallergenic. But it’s also one of the most expensive precious metals. If you appreciate the shine of platinum but must stick to a budget, a good alternative is white gold. Don’t forget about the wide array of other options too: silver, yellow gold, rose gold, palladium, and titanium.

There are many different factors that go into designing a custom engagement ring. Each one directly affects the final cost. Plan accordingly so you don’t go over budget. You’ll want to get a quote from the jeweler, so you won’t be surprised by the cost of custom engagement rings.

Collaborate

After you have some idea of what you want, schedule a meeting with your chosen jeweler. Make sure to bring all your visual inspiration; the more ideas you can show them, the easier the process will be. A jeweler is an artist, and because of this, there should be a little bit of creative freedom allowed to them. After all, they are the experts. List then to their advice.

For example, if you’re designing an engagement ring for an active woman with a hands-on job and you’ve selected a cathedral setting, your jeweler might suggest otherwise. Are they trying to sabotage your ring? No! They just want to make sure the ring can be worn as often as possible, and the center stone is protected from potential damage. Your jeweler is here to help, and your collaboration will make the whole process smoother.

Give Yourself Enough Time

One of the most asked questions when it comes to custom design is, “How long does it take a jeweler to make a custom ring?” But there is really no straightforward answer! Custom ring design is an entire process – you’re not walking into a jewelry store, selecting a ring that is on display, and leaving with the ring the same day. The custom engagement ring timeline is much more involved than that.

Once you’ve had an in-depth conversation with your jeweler about your desires, seen a wax or computer-aided design (CAD) model, made any revisions, and approved the final design, only then can the real magic happen. The time it takes for your ring to be finished depends on the number and types of stones being set, the intricacy of the design, and the type(s) of precious metals used.

Your jeweler is creating a lifelong symbol of your love and commitment, and you can’t rush perfection! Typically, custom engagement rings take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Give yourself enough time for the ring to be completed before you pop the big question.

Buy a Custom Engagement Ring in San Diego

Looking for the best custom jewelers in San Diego? At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, our in-house Master Jewelers, have the skill and dedication to help create custom engagement rings beyond your wildest dreams. We’ll even help you customize both wedding bands for an even more personalized wedding set! Give us a call at 619-299-1500, shoot us an email, or simply stop by our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue, just east of the 5 across from the airport!

Best San Diego Spots for a Summer Proposal

2023-04-272024-05-31 by Rylee Kahan

Ready to make it official? As summer approaches, so does a popular season for engagements. San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and cityscapes. There are endless locations to stage your magical moment. Here a few San Diego locations that you should consider when popping the big question.

Balboa Park

A well-known jewel in the crown of San Diego, Balboa Park hosts an abundance of areas to propose. While it does attract many visitors, the park is large enough to find an intimate spot. The historic landmark has breathtaking architecture, scenic backgrounds, and lush greenery. The Japanese Friendship Garden or Lily Pond are both tranquil settings. Its rich history and beautiful grounds make it a memorable place to profess your love.

Glider Port

Part of Torrey-Pines Park, Glider Port boasts a beautiful view of the ocean and sky. Glider Port is a popular hand gliding location, so your proposal backdrop includes a colorful array of hang gliders floating through the sky. This area is free of charge to enter, and crowds are not typically an issue. The green cliffside, leading to clear ocean, sets the mood.

Bayview Park

If you are looking for a view of the city, look no further than Bayview Park. This park is surrounded by well-kept foliage, which leads to an expansive view of the bay and city. It is a quiet park renowned for its breathtaking view. It is especially spectacular with the sunset glowing on the skyscrapers of downtown.

Windansea Beach

The beaches around San Diego usually are packed with people, but La Jolla’s Windansea Beach is a secluded place to propose and take engagement photos. It is built upon sandstone outlooks which can create dazzling photos as the waves lap up against the rocks. It is also worth taking photographs under the famous surf shack located on the beach.

Scripps Pier

A mystical and majestic area to get down on one knee is Scripps Pier. While the public cannot walk on the pier, the underside creates a tunnel vision view of the sky and your proposal. This location would be ideal to capture the beauty of a sunrise or sunset bordered by the looming Scripps Pier. It does require some walking to get to the pier, but the reward is a private spot.

Engagement Rings at Leo Hamel's

The first step to planning the perfect proposal is finding an engagement ring she’ll love. And what better place to find exceptional engagement rings than Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers? For over 40 years, Leo Hamel’s has helped countless happy couples seal the deal with engagement rings in every price range. Shop for new, antique, and vintage engagement rings to find the right ring to complement your sweetheart’s style. Or custom create an engagement ring that’s entirely unique. No matter your vision, the friendly folks at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers can help turn your idea into a reality. What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!

15 Interesting Engagement Ring Facts

2023-02-222024-05-31 by Rylee Kahan

For centuries partners have been gifting one another engagement rings with their marriage proposals as a sign of their love and commitment. While certain details of the practice have changed over time, tradition largely remains. When asking for a hand in marriage it is custom to present a ring, usually set with a diamond, to be worn on the third finger of the left hand. Read more to learn about interesting engagement customs and engagement ring history!

Engagement Ring Facts

It’s believed that engagement rings originated in Ancient Egypt, where their shape symbolized eternity. They believed that only the third finger of the left hand had a vein that connected straight to the heart, so that’s where the engagement ring was worn. However, scientifically, all fingers have veins that ultimately connect to the heart, not just the third left.
In Ancient Rome, women often wore two rings – a gold one to be worn outside and seen by everyone, and an iron one to wear at home.
Archduke Maximilian I of Austria was the first person to give a diamond engagement ring. In 1477, he proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring adorned with an M-shaped diamond.
Different countries have different engagement ring customs. In the U.S., engagement rings are typically worn on the left hand while in Russia and India, they are worn on the right.
Only about 35 percent of engagement rings are bought without the fiancée’s knowledge.
The most popular engagement ring shape is a round brilliant cut diamond. Second place currently goes to princess cut diamonds.
Platinum was once the popular choice for wedding rings due in part to its durability. Then yellow gold took over for many years as the more affordable choice. More recently, white gold gained the upper hand in popularity, and platinum once again became more affordable. However, yellow gold has recently been making a strong comeback for engagement and wedding rings, and other diamond jewelry.

Until recently, engagement rings were chosen by men to be worn by women. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for the men to involve their partners in the selection process, or even wear “management” rings themselves!
“Diamond” originates from the Greek word “adamas,” which means “hardest substance” or “hardest steel.”
A staggering 2,000 couples get engaged at Disney World every year. The Statue of Liberty is another popular choice with about 100 couples taking the ferry there to get engaged.
Grace Kelly’s diamond engagement ring is among the most expensive rings. Created by Cartier, the 10.48 carat emerald cut diamond ring was purchased in 1956 for $4 million and is now valued at $44.3 million.
Colorless diamonds are by far the most popular engagement ring stones, although colored diamonds have recently risen in popularity, most notably the fancy yellow.
Diamonds are the most durable gemstone, ranking 10 on the Mohs Scale, making them the most long-lasting choice of gemstone for engagement rings.
Even though diamonds are extremely tough, the rings in which they are set still require a bit of maintenance, so periodic professional exams are recommended to check prongs for wear.
14% of couples choose a gemstone other than diamond for their engagement ring, such as sapphire, ruby, or emerald.

Engagement Rings in San Diego

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we boast an incredible selection of wedding and engagement rings of all shapes and sizes. What’s more, you can also share your design ideas with us and get a custom-made engagement ring that fits your personality perfectly. We are located on San Diego Avenue just off the 5 freeway, so don’t hesitate to stop by. We’d love to help you find the perfect engagement ring to create the perfect memory.

Tips for Engagement Ring Care

2022-11-182024-05-31 by Rylee Kahan

Diamonds are the hardest mineral; however, it’s important to remember that they’re not indestructible. Following these tips for the care and protection of your engagement ring will ensure that your diamond lasts a lifetime.

Schedule Regular Cleanings

Leo Hamel’s offers free jewelry cleaning services for rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and watches as well as free ring polishing. Your engagement ring will be put in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to remove dirt or oil. (Rings that include softer gemstones that may be damaged by ultrasonic vibrations and heat are cleaned by hand). After the ultrasonic, the ring will be steam-cleaned and polished by hand by the jeweler.

Prior to all cleaning services, our certified graduate jewelers will inspect your ring under a microscope to inform you of any issues with the prongs as well as any chipped or loose diamonds. You should plan to bring in your engagement ring (and other jewelry you own) twice a year for a professional cleaning and inspection.

Gentle Home Ring Cleaning (only if you must clean at home)

While we always recommend bringing your jewelry into our jewelers for cleanings, we understand that sometimes that doesn’t always work out. If you must clean your engagement ring at home, make sure to use only warm water, dish soap, and a soft bristle brush.

Insure Your Valuables

Most people think of insurance when it comes to their life, car, or health, but what about your engagement ring? It can cost as much as a car and symbolizes one of the most important bonds in your life. There’s always an emotional toll when losing an engagement ring, but when it’s insured, you don’t have to worry about the financial hardship of replacing it. Leo Hamel’s works with the independent gemologist appraiser at San Diego Gemological Laboratory to supply appraisals for insurance purposes.

Consider an Alternate

Having a “backup” ring is an increasingly popular choice for many people. The alternate ring is less expensive and has less emotional ties to it. It’s worn regularly without many worries about it getting lost or damaged since it’s just acting as a placeholder. This alternate ring is worn during activities that may expose the ring to dirt, grease, or damage. Like while out partying at a club, or while traveling to less secure locations, and your main engagement ring is kept locked in a safe at home.

Avoid Chemicals

Chemicals in perfumes, lotions, and sunscreens may cause damage and add residue to your jewelry. Remove your engagement ring and other jewelry before using these substances or any other chemical. Chlorine can also damage jewelry so keep that in mind before getting into a treated pool or jacuzzi.

Weather Matters

Fingers can swell in the heat and shrink in the cold. It’s important to take note of any extreme weather so that you don’t have to worry about your engagement ring slipping off in the cold or being uncomfortable in the heat. Some gemstones are also affected by extreme weather so keep that in mind when deciding what to wear for the day.

Safe Keeping

Make sure you have a designated place to keep your engagement ring when you’re not wearing it. By keeping it in one place whenever you’re not wearing it, you lessen the risk of leaving it somewhere that you won’t remember later. You should also keep ring holders around the house in places where you might need to take it off for just a short amount of time.

Places like in the kitchen (away from the sink) for when you do dishes, in the bathroom for when you need to use any cleaning products, at your makeup table for when you are applying lotions and perfumes, etc. For longer term storage, or whenever your ring is at home but you are not, a home security safe is relatively inexpensive to install.

Restore White Gold

Over time, the shine on white gold rings will start to dull and display a yellow hue; this happens over time from normal wear, even with perfect care. Re-plating the white gold with rhodium will bring back the original shine to your engagement ring. Leo Hamel’s jewelry repair department can restore your white gold jewelry with expertly applied rhodium plating. Just stop by our San Diego Avenue showroom today to check your jewelry in!

Engagement Rings

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means engagement season is upon us! Believe it or not, more than 40% of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day each year. Perhaps it’s the cooler weather that ignites feelings of warmth and devotion, or maybe it’s the comfort of home and being together with family.

Regardless of reason, if you’re planning to propose to your sweetheart this holiday season, it’s a good time to do some homework. With so many engagement ring styles to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your options. Doing your own research before you shop can save you time and most importantly—money! Visit our engagement ring page to find out how you can save money on your next big purchase today.

https://www.jewelrystoresd.com/engagement/rings/san-diego/

Watch Repair

Time is a force that dictates much of our day to day lives. Hence, it is important that your favorite watch is working properly, so that you never miss a beat! Most fine watches are designed with durability in mind, meaning that with regular care and maintenance, your watch will last a lifetime and then some. But even the most luxurious timepiece will wear down with everyday use. Finding a trusted jeweler to repair your watch doesn’t have to be a hassle. Visit our watch repair page to learn more about how we can have your watch working like new in no time!

https://www.jewelrystoresd.com/repair/watches/

Jewelry Repair

Fine jewelry is as delicate as it is beautiful, a combination of precious gemstones and intricate metalwork melded together to make truly exquisite works of art. Such treasures are meant to endure for centuries, and many of them have. Did you know that several of the French Crown Jewels still exist today? Of course, this isn’t simply by chance. Fine jewelry will only maintain its grandeur when it is well cared for.

Just like a luxury car, or an expensive item of clothing, jewelry can sometimes require a little TLC. Which is why it’s necessary to find someone you trust to handle cleaning and repairing your fine jewelry. After all, you didn’t spend all that money just for your jewelry to sit in a drawer. Visit our jewelry repair page today to see how we can assist you with all of your jewelry repair needs, and more!

(more…)