fine jewelry - Leo Hamel

Solitaire Settings – A Timeless Classic

2024-05-152024-05-27 by Rylee Kahan

When it comes to engagement rings, few styles can rival the timeless elegance of a classic solitaire. A solitaire consists of a single center gemstone, typically secured with prongs, resting atop a solid gold or platinum band. Thanks to Charles Lewis Tiffany, the six-prong, round solitaire may be the perfect choice. But, if she prefers a ring with a little something extra, she can still enjoy the subtlety of a classic diamond solitaire with her own personal twist.

Pick a Colorful Center Stone

One easy way to spice up a solitaire engagement ring is to opt for a colorful center gemstone rather than a traditional colorless diamond. Choose from a selection of vivid colored lab-grown diamonds or precious gemstones to find the one that best fits your future bride.

Both rubies and sapphires are ideal for engagement rings because they’re nearly as hard as diamonds, with a Moh’s Hardness rating of 9 out of 10. This means they’re durable and able to withstand everyday wear and tear without scratching or chipping.

Get Creative with Your Setting

When you envision a solitaire engagement ring, you probably imagine the Tiffany setting we previously mentioned – a six-prong, round diamond ring. Though this style is most popular, there are plenty of other settings known to beautifully enhance a center diamond or colored gemstone.

A bezel setting, for example, frames a center diamond with a thin gold rim. This ensures that the gemstone is safe and secure from the hazards of daily wear. On the other hand, a cathedral setting elevates the center gemstone with thin arches, giving the ring just the right amount of height. When set in this way, a diamond can appear larger than it actually is.

Select a Unique Shape

Who said a solitaire diamond must be round? There are a variety of glittering diamond shapes to choose from that can add a touch of distinctiveness to her ring. Princess and cushion cuts are popular alternatives to the tradition round brilliant diamond. If she prefers something contemporary, pear and oval cuts are two favorites that have been spotted on the hands of fashion-forward celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively. Fancy diamond shapes are one of the hottest engagement ring trends of the moment, and one you can expect to see much more of in the coming months.

Choose a Diamond Band

If she loves the look of a solitaire, but you still want to add some extra glam to her ring, you can do so by adding diamond accents to the ring’s band. Diamond accents can help to amplify the sparkle of a center stone without costing you a fortune. Because diamonds are priced by carat, adding small carat diamond accents is often more cost effective than opting for a larger center stone.

Stunning Solitaires in San Diego

If you’re planning the details of a romantic proposal for your sweetheart, visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Our spacious jewelry store offers a sizable selection of new and vintage engagement rings, from gorgeous solitaires to dazzling cluster rings and everything in between. Searching for an engagement ring with a special touch of character? Our collection of antique and vintage engagement rings is vast and varied, spanning decades of different trends.

Do you have a style in mind, but haven’t quite come across the perfect ring? Let one of our highly skilled jewelers bring your vision to life with a custom-made design that can be tailored to your taste. At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we’re committed to helping you find a ring that she’ll cherish for a lifetime!

The Popularity of Platinum

2024-02-232024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Platinum is a popular metal among wedding ring designers because of its many fascinating qualities. It is a symbol of prestige and endurance, and its durability makes it a perfect setting for a brilliant diamond or a vivid gemstone. While it once was a more expensive option than gold, with gold’s rising prices, platinum now costs about half as much per ounce as gold does, making it a real bargain for wedding rings.

Purity

Platinum is a rare and valuable material, mined at about one-tenth the rate of gold, and ranks as the 72^nd most abundant element in our planet’s crust. It is one of the purest types of metal and if a jewelry piece is stamped with PLT, PLAT, or PLATINUM, then it is 95% pure platinum. In comparison, 18k gold rings consist of 75% pure gold and 15% alloy. Gold needs other metals added to increase durability, whereas platinum does not.

Durability

Platinum is much more durable than gold, will not bend easily, and is denser than its gold counterpart. Although they can be scratched, platinum rings are easily polished to their original state without losing any weight in platinum due to their density. It’s common for platinum engagement rings to last a lifetime without substantial wear on the ring shank.

Color

As we previously mentioned, the natural white color of platinum is a perfect backdrop for diamonds and other gemstones, since it has reflective properties. The best part is that its color will stay pristine for a long time without any maintenance. People often choose white gold as a more affordable but equally attractive alternative. But what most don’t immediately realize is that the rhodium coating used to give a white gold ring its chromatic shine must be applied again every so often, or the metal will reveal its less reflective undertones. In turn, platinum requires less maintenance for its reflective white color.

Timeless

The feature that makes platinum most valuable is its timelessness. Imagine a ring that can be passed down for many generations without losing any of its original appeal. Platinum rings are exactly that! Platinum is considered a high-quality metal and if crafted by a skilled designer, this ring will turn heads for decades to come.

Furthermore, unlike white gold, the ring will not lose any of its color and its shine can easily be restored by a jeweler. Some people even choose to leave the material dull as the contrast adds to the gemstone’s brightness. This style of platinum is known as patina. Finally, platinum rings are perfect for people suffering from allergies as they are hypoallergenic and contain no nickel.

Consider all the features we touched on and you may realize that platinum is a really good choice for engagement and wedding rings. A wedding ring represents a symbol of your eternal bond. Therefore, the ring should last as long as your love for that special someone! Leo Hamel’s offers a wide variety of platinum ring designs for you to choose from. Be sure to visit our luxurious showroom and find the most unique and wonderful wedding rings in San Diego.

What’s the Difference Between Vintage & Estate Jewelry?

2024-02-202024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

You may be intrigued by jewelry that’s not new. Buying vintage jewelry is a great idea, but it’s worth sorting out the confusion – what is antique jewelry as opposed to vintage, retro or estate? You will notice that these terms may be used very loosely and sometimes interchangeably on the internet.

This might be because the author doesn’t really know the difference or is trying to make a jewelry piece more appealing. Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is your reliable source for the distinctions in these categories. We are San Diego’s largest independent jewelry store for 45 years, with a vast collection of new and like-new jewelry in excellent condition – including antique, vintage, retro, and estate jewelry.

Antique Jewelry

For a piece of jewelry to be labeled antique, it must be a minimum of 100 years old. Right now, it means that jewelry that was made prior to 1924 is antique. However, in the real world, you can find that jewelry close to the age of 100 years is also included in this category. This is often the case with Art Deco jewelry. The Art Deco era lasted from 1920 to 1930, but it started to emerge around 1915. Still, antique jewelry remains jewelry that is at least 100 years old.

Retro Jewelry

Retro jewelry describes jewelry with distinctive characteristics that was made in the Retro era that lasted through the 1940s and 1950s. Saying that an item is Retro determines not just the age of the piece, but also some salient stylistic features. These include lavish amounts of diamonds, symmetry and asymmetry, fluid lines, feminine designs, and a “larger than life” feel. Retro jewelry was greatly influenced by Hollywood glamour.

Estate & Vintage Jewelry

Finally, we come to the estate or vintage category. Saying that a piece of jewelry is estate or vintage tells you that it was previously owned. It might have been originally purchased yesterday, two years ago, or 20 years ago, and may even look brand new. Some pieces from designer brands may be “discontinued” in production and therefore considered collectible.

Estate jewelry may have been part of an estate liquidation. Reasons for liquidations are many: the owner may be deceased, may have become divorced or insolvent, or just decided to sell part of their jewelry collection. Vintage jewelry was probably sold by the previous owner for various reasons. Perhaps it was no longer worn or was inherited, and the style doesn’t suit the new owner. Or maybe the owner was simply in need of cash.

So, browsing estate jewelry returns many results – pieces that could be antique, vintage, retro, or modern (but always pre-owned). Estate or vintage jewelry may or may not be fine jewelry, which is characterized by the use of precious metals and gemstones in its construction, and should be priced accordingly.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is your go-to destination for the largest selection of new and expertly refurbished like-new jewelry in San Diego. Visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue, where our friendly staff can show you a handpicked selection of estate, vintage, Retro, Art Deco, and antique jewelry. Subscribe to our email list today to get notified of the hottest arrivals!

Where Do Pink Sapphires Come From?

2024-02-092024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Did you know that the gemstone sapphire comes in every color of the rainbow except red? (A red sapphire is called a ruby!) Everyone knows and loves serene blue sapphires, but pink sapphires are in a class of their own. Ranging from a soft rose to a vivid fuchsia, pink sapphires are eye-catching gems. Being in the mineral corundum family, the gem rates a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Because pink sapphire is tough and durable, it makes a great choice even for an engagement ring!

The best source for mining the finest pink sapphire is Myanmar, although it can be found as close to home as Montana. Other sources include Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Australia.

Pink sapphire is said to bring love and allow one to surrender for the greater good. Since all colors of sapphire are accepted as September birthstones, not just the blue ones, pink sapphire makes a unique gift for your September-born loved one.

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.

The Rich Amethyst Birthstone for February

2024-02-022024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Those born in the month of February are fortunate enough to have the gemstone amethyst as their birthstone. The gemstone amethyst is popular for its vibrant color, rich history, and variety of mystical properties. It is also the gemstone associated with 6^th wedding anniversaries. A type of the mineral quartz, amethysts come in shades ranging from deep purple to pale, pastel lavender. If you’re a February baby, or are shopping for one, read on to find out what makes amethyst jewelry so alluring.

Amethyst History

Amethysts have been treasured since the time of the ancient Greeks. In fact, the origin of this purple gemstone’s name is quite intriguing. The name amethyst is derived from the Greek word, “amethystos,” which translated means “remedy against drunkenness.” The Greeks associated this gorgeous purple gemstone with the wine god, Bacchus, because of its grape-like color. They believed that wearing an amethyst could protect you from drunkenness, keeping the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Wine goblets were made from or decorated with amethyst to ward off the effects of their indulgence. But the Greeks weren’t the only ones to cherish this glittering gem.

Purple has always been considered a regal color, and because of this, amethysts have been seen in religious and royal jewelry. Buddhists believed amethyst powers helped to enhance meditation and used them to make prayer beads. Throughout the ages, powerful and rich monarchs used amethyst as a symbol of royalty. Amethyst was a personal favorite of Queen Catherine the Great of Russia.

Today, some amethysts even decorate the British Crown Jewels. Until the 19^th century, amethyst was considered a precious gemstone alongside diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. However, a large deposit of amethyst was found in Brazil, lowering the gemstone’s financial value because of increased supply. Although amethyst is now considered a semi-precious gemstone, the discovery of Brazilian gems has allowed for large amethysts to be used more frequently in jewelry.

Mythical Properties

Admirers of amethyst prize the gemstone for its symbolism as well as its beauty. The February birthstone is associated with several different properties including peace, courage, balance, and inner strength. They are also thought to bring wisdom and protection to the wearer. Leonardo da Vinci once wrote that amethysts enhance intelligence and protect against evil thoughts. Due to its history, amethyst is often regarded as the “sobriety stone,” believed to help treat alcoholism and other addictions. Besides being worn as jewelry, amethyst geodes are also popular household and workplace decorations, promoting positive energy and calmness.

Caring for Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst is relatively easy to care for. It is ranked 7 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning it is a durable gemstone. This makes amethyst jewelry great for everyday wear. Just be careful to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and chemicals as this has the potential to cause the color of your amethyst to fade. Amethyst jewelry can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner or steamer; however, the safest cleaning method is to use a soft brush with warm, soapy water.

Birthstone Jewelry in San Diego

Whether you need the perfect gift for a February-born loved one or a stunning surprise for your 6^th wedding anniversary, you’ll find it at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Our radiant collection of amethyst jewelry ranges from delicate stud earrings to mesmerizing amethyst and diamond halo rings, and everything in between! This gorgeous gemstone is sure to make an awe-inspiring gift for anyone in your life, February-born or not!

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!

How Can You Personalize Your Wedding Bands?

2024-01-262024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Love of your life? Check. Engagement ring? Check. What’s next? Wedding Bands! Picking out your wedding bands offers the perfect opportunity to personalize the one ring you’ll wear for the rest of your life. One very popular way to do so is with an engraving. Engravings are an easy yet impactful way to personalize your wedding bands with a special message that is symbolic to you and your other half.

There are so many ways to engrave a ring. If you need engraving inspiration, check out some of our favorite wedding band engraving ideas below.

Fingerprints – your partner’s fingerprint can be engraved on the inside or outside of your wedding band, so you always carry a little piece of them with you.

Initials – engraving your initials is a sweet and simple representation of your commitment to each other.

Special Dates – any dates that have a special meaning to the two of you. The day you met, the day you got engaged, your wedding date, etc.

GPS Coordinates – if you first locked eyes in San Diego, you could have 7157 ° N, 117.1611 ° W engraved on your custom wedding band.

Meaningful Quote – whether it’s a line from your favorite poem, a romantic song lyric, or a symbolic bible verse, a quote is a beautiful and unique detail to add to your rings. If it’s too long, try using abbreviations or splitting it between both of your bands.

Infinity Symbol – pay tribute to your everlasting love by engraving a simple infinity symbol on your bands.

Nicknames – every couple has adorable, if slightly embarrassing pet names for each other. Engraving them on the inside of your wedding band is the perfect place to hide them.

Tips to Keep In Mind

Having your wedding bands engraved may seem like a simple task when it comes to wedding planning. But that doesn’t mean it should be put on the backburner! There are some things to keep in mind to ensure the engraving is everything you hoped for and more.

Since customization is involved, engraved wedding bands may take longer until they are ready to be picked up or delivered. Make sure you give your jeweler enough time to complete the engraving before your big day. The number of characters permitted is dependent on the ring size. Smaller rings allow fewer characters, whereas larger rings offer more space for an engraving.

Not every ring can be engraved. Some are too thin or high contoured, eliminating the possibility of engraving. If you know you want to engrave, opt for a style that will be easier to work with, like a thicker band with a smooth surface. If you’re not sure ask your jeweler for advice. Always, always double check the spelling of your engraving! The engraver won’t know exactly what you meant to say, so ensuring every character is correct is up to you.

Want to have your wedding band engraved in San Diego? Whether you already have your wedding bands or you’re looking to purchase them, contact Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Our expert jewelers are here to help make all your engraving dreams come true. Your one-of-a-kind love will be perfectly captured in your one-of-a-kind wedding bands!

What Makes a Black Diamond?

2024-01-122024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Be spooked by the intensity of a black diamond this year and enchant your jewelry collection with a gemstone rarity. Similar to white diamonds, black diamonds are crystallized carbon and are evaluated by the 4Cs: color, carat, cut, and clarity. Along with the appearance of a glossy surface, a black diamond is higher in density than a white diamond. This means that stones of the same carat weight have different relative measurements.

The mesmerizing dark color occurs from exposure to extremely high temperatures or dominating dark inclusions. Although shiny on the surface, black diamonds absorb light rather than refract it. They don’t exhibit the multi-colored sparkle for which white diamonds are known. Industry standard treatments ensure a uniformity of color in most black diamonds. Natural, untreated black diamonds are extremely rare and carry a remarkably hefty price tag. Looking for a truly rare gift to give in the new year?

Consider wrapping up this unique gemstone that is quickly rising in popularity. With artful conceptions from designers such as John Hardy, Sydney Evan and treasured vintage jewelry, the beauty of a black diamond can be found in a variety of pieces currently for sale in our San Diego showroom. Stop by our Old Town location soon and see what timeless pieces we have in store!

Garnet Jewelry for January

2024-01-092024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Start 2024 off with a symbol of commitment, friendship, and positive energy with the garnet gemstone.

The six families of garnets are silicate materials of different chemical composition, although they retain a similar physical appearance. Garnets range in hardness from a 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale (1 being softest and 10 being hardest). This makes them suitable for daily wear in rings and other jewelry pieces.

Traditionally associated with a deep red hue, garnets occur in almost every color including orange, purple, brown, and black, with the rarest being a brilliant green. These enchanting pigments are left untreated, and a garnet’s color is always natural.

Particularly favored back in the Roman Empire and used in Victorian jewelry, garnets were believed to stimulate business success and symbolize trust and friendship. The name derives from the Greek word “granatum,” meaning pomegranate seeds, because of its reflective shape and color.

Popularly identified as January’s birthstone, garnets are also gifted for the 2^nd and 19^th wedding anniversary. Show your January baby a commitment that will last the whole year ahead with a breathtaking piece of vintage garnet jewelry in our San Diego showroom!