gold - Leo Hamel

History of High Value Gold & Silver Coins

2024-06-152024-09-05 by Michael Emery

High Value Coins

Was one of your family members a passionate numismatist, but their priceless coin collection is now locked away to gather dust? Well, maybe it’s time to brush the dust off as one of their coins could literally be worth a fortune. Don’t believe us? Here are some of the most valuable coins you might already own and not even know their worth.

1895-S Morgan Silver Dollar

This coin is often referred to as the King of Morgan Dollars and is a very rare find. In fact, you are more likely to come across a forgery than the real deal, as original coins are very rare. There are only 880 mint versions of this coin in circulation from the original 12,000, and if the mint mark is missing, it is likely a forge or a replica.

1896-O Morgan Silver Dollar

This is one of those coins that can puzzle someone not familiar with numismatics. While a worn-out coin is rather easy to find, there are very few mint versions in circulation. Around 4.9 million of these coins were issued back in 1976. But in its original state, the coin is among the rarest finds. A certified mint issue of this coin today can be worth as much as a sports car.

1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar

The predecessor of the previous entry, the 1895 Morgan silver dollar is much more valuable, even in rough shape. There’s an interesting story behind it as well. Back in 1985, the New Orleans Mint was tasked with producing as many silver dollars as they could within a very short deadline. Therefore, the craftsmanship of this coin is rather terrible. The coins were hence stored and many of them melted until they were finally released into circulation and their value skyrocketed due to high demand.

1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar

Despite the coin being very valuable in certified mint condition or even in worn grades, the 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar was never particularly popular among numismatists. The coin is very common in worn out condition, but a mint specimen is a rare find.

1886-O Morgan Silver Dollar

This 1886 dollar is particularly difficult to put a price tag on, and even the most expert numismatists have a hard time appraising this rare coin. Similarly to the 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar, the craftsmanship of this particular coin seems to be rather sloppy. It is also worth mentioning that a forgery derived from the 1886 Philadelphia Dollar has been in circulation, although it is not that common. To recognize the forgery, look closely at the added “O”.

Do you think you might have one of these priceless coins locked up in the attic? Looking for an expert to determine the price of a coin or make sure it’s not a forgery? If so, stop by Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers. Our expert buyers in our comfortable and secure jewelry buying office will resolve any doubts you might have and pay you the highest possible price for these rare coins. Find our hours and the buying office closest to you here or call at 619-299-1500.

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.

Did You Know Each Anniversary Has a Special Gemstone?

2024-02-162024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

An anniversary is a joyous occasion, a time to honor and celebrate the love that you and your spouse share. Whether you’ve been married for years, or are just beginning your journey as newlyweds, there’s no better way to mark your time together than with breathtaking anniversary jewelry. Jewelry is romantic and everlasting, a gift that can be cherished long into the future.

Best of all, each anniversary is traditionally marked by an alluring colored gemstone or precious metal, so shopping for anniversary jewelry is that much easier! If you’re in need of a little inspiration before you shop, we’ve put together a quick list of anniversary jewelry gift ideas that are certain to make your sweetheart swoon.

First Anniversary

The traditional gift for first anniversaries is gold, while the modern alternative is green peridot. Gold is commonly used for jewelry and watchmaking, meaning your options will be plentiful if you decide to go the traditional route. A gold bangle bracelet or gold hoop earrings is a gift that she can wear every day or give him a gold link chain that he may never take off. Set the gemstone peridot into gold jewelry, and you’ve got both anniversary markers in one. This enchanting green gemstone can be found in all types of anniversary jewelry. Surprise her with an elegant pair of peridot stud earrings for a unique gift that she surely won’t expect.

Fifth Anniversary

To mark the 5th wedding anniversary, you can give the gift of sapphire or pink tourmaline. Both richly colored gemstones make a spectacular surprise for the loved one in your life. A pink tourmaline pendant is a vibrant accessory to compliment her favorite outfit. Maybe he’d love a deep, blue sapphire ring that makes him look and feel like royalty. If blue is not their best color, not to worry! Sapphires come in a spectrum of colors like warm, golden yellows and enchanting, rich purples, so there’s something for every taste!

Tenth Anniversary

10^th anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with every woman’s favorite gemstone – the diamond! There is a wealth of options to choose from when it comes to diamond anniversary jewelry. Dazzle her with a delicate diamond pendant that she can wear with anything. Or perhaps a vintage diamond ring to symbolize your continued love and commitment to her. One or two diamond stud earrings make an elegant gift that any pierced man is sure to love. No matter what you choose, you can never go wrong with sparkling diamond anniversary jewelry.

Fifteenth Anniversary

Romantic red rubies are the traditional gemstone to mark 15^th wedding anniversaries, while alexandrite is the modern alternative. If you’re celebrating 15 years with your sweetheart, these two popular gemstones make a superb gift. She’ll look ravishing in a ruby bracelet, or even a charming ruby brooch. If he’s a sharp dressed man, give him ruby cufflinks. Rubies look great on their own but are exceptionally beautiful when paired with diamonds.

Alexandrite, on the other hand, has unique color changing properties that make it especially attractive in anniversary jewelry. This exotic gemstone is known as the “emerald by day, ruby by night,” appearing to be a greenish blue color in daylight, and a deep red to purple in darker environments. If she loves pieces that are uncommon, she’ll be mesmerized by a piece of alexandrite anniversary jewelry.

Twentieth Anniversary

20 years of marriage is quite an accomplishment, and a wonderful excuse to spoil your loved one. The traditional gemstone for 20^th anniversaries is emerald, and the contemporary alternative is yellow diamond. These vibrant, colorful gemstones look beautiful when they’re set in jewelry, and will surely brighten every day. A vintage emerald cocktail ring is an eye-catching statement piece that she’ll love to accessorize with, and his yellow diamond ring will be the envy of his friends. Or give her a special glow in a pair of brilliant yellow diamond earrings. What better way to show them just how much you’ve cherished the last 20 years than with splendid emerald and yellow diamond anniversary jewelry?

Thirtieth Anniversary

The 30^th year of marriage is celebrated with pearls and is known as the pearl jubilee. Pearls are classic and timeless, a fitting representation of your love that has endured for so long. An elegant strand of pearls makes a charming gift, one that she’ll wear for many years to come. If she prefers something with a bit of sparkle, opt for a pair of pearl earrings with diamond accents.

Pearls may be traditionally worn by women, but famous men in music and film are now wearing pearls, from chokers to earrings. Pearls come in a variety of colors besides the conventional white. Golden pearls, for example, have a warm, champagne colored glow that looks especially glamorous. She’ll be itching to get dressed up and show off her new pearl anniversary jewelry!

Fiftieth Anniversary

Not many couples can boast that they’ve made it 50 years with their better half. Imagine all the tender moments you’ve undoubtedly shared with someone after so many years living as one. 50 years should be celebrated spectacularly, which is why it’s known as the golden jubilee. For your first gold anniversary, you may not have been able to afford anything extravagant. After half a century together, you’re able to splurge on something truly special for your loved one. A luxurious gold watch always makes a wonderful gift for the man of your life, and a gold diamond bracelet is one perfect gift to completely dazzle your woman.

Anniversary Jewelry in San Diego

Shopping for an upcoming anniversary with your loved one? We can help you to make it an event to remember! Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is your go-to San Diego jewelry store for beautiful, one-of-a-kind anniversary jewelry. Our selection of gemstone jewelry is vast, so there’s no shortage of options when choosing the perfect gift!

Gold is Up – Sell Now!

2024-01-162024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

With the uncertain economy, many families are looking to collect some extra money by selling their gold jewelry, coins, or bars. Because of increasing gold values, many new companies offering to buy gold jewelry have popped up in San Diego, and selling your gold has never been riskier. These buyers seem to pop up at every corner, making it difficult to know whom to trust.

However, with so many people eagerly looking to sell gold jewelry in San Diego, scammers began trying to take advantage of the unwary. This is why it is extremely important to do your research before selling your valuable to someone who might give you an unfair price.

You’ve probably seen “We Buy Gold” signs all around town. With the demand to sell gold so high, many such shops seem to have opened overnight. Some of them are completely legitimate gold buyers, but others might have a few stains on their resume.

Some of the less-reputable ones might even give you a quote that is up to 60% less than what you’d get from a legitimate gold dealer. Most of these shops work without a proper license and don’t follow the same legal procedures that other legitimate practices do. They will no doubt try to devalue your gold jewelry using all types of schemes.

For example, using scales for weighing that are not legally licensed by the Department of Weights and Measures can result in shorting the weight of your gold to reduce its value. That is why it’s important not to rush into selling your gold, no matter how anxious you are. Instead, take the time to research a gold buyer online and look for any red flags from customers who already got burned.

Selling Gold to Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers

Your safest bet when selling gold is to turn to a reputable, local gold-buying business like Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers. A legitimate gold buyer has both friendly and knowledgeable staff and all the right equipment to appraise your gold jewelry. A reputable dealer will offer you advice and will not rush you into selling valuables that may have an emotional value.

Leo Hamel’s is a family-owned business serving customers in San Diego since 1980. In these four decades, we have built a reputation for being a safe, secure, and confidential gold, jewelry, and watch buying business. You can sell your gold of any karat, even broken pieces, or single earrings. Or you can trade it for another treasure from our collection of fine jewelry! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or visit us at a location near you.

Tips for Taking Care of Fine Jewelry

2023-12-262024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Did you get a fancy new gold necklace of a shiny engagement ring for Christmas? Congratulations! What makes jewelry so eternal is that it can always look as shiny as when you first got it, provided you take good care of it. Properly storing and caring for your jewelry, combined with an occasional visit to a professional will ensure that you will proudly wear your precious possessions for years and years to come. While some pieces of jewelry are fairly easy to maintain, others like pearls require extra attention and special precautions to be taken. In this guide, we will go through the proper ways of cleaning and taking care of different pieces of jewelry so that they truly last forever.

Jewelry Cleaning Advice

A rule of thumb for most pieces of jewelry in your collection is to follow your common sense. That said, one thing that can irreparably damage your jewelry is exposing it to household chemicals like chlorine bleach. These chemicals can discolor or completely ruin precious metal mountings. Likewise, avoid wearing your jewelry while you are doing rough manual chores or while you are playing sports as a hard blow could chip or jar loose the precious gemstones. When storing your jewelry, make sure that the pieces do not tumble against each other, as this can scratch them. Each piece of jewelry should be stored in a separate soft cloth bag or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box.

Silver Jewelry

You can clean sterling silver with a mild soap and warm water applied to a cotton cloth. To bring back its glow, wipe it with a jewelry polishing cloth specially made for polishing silver. Avoid circular movements and rub the silver in one direction instead.

Platinum & Gold Jewelry

Dilute dish detergent in a small bowl filled with warm water and soak your gold or platinum jewelry for three to five minutes. Rinse the jewelry under warm water using a clean cotton cloth to remove any traces of the dish detergent. Use a soft cloth to pat the jewelry dry. Make sure to dry it completely before wearing it again.

Gemstone Jewelry

Amethyst, citrine, blue topaz, and other crystalline gemstones should be cleaned in a bowl filled with water and a drop of mild dish soap. You can scrub the stones’ surroundings with a soft baby toothbrush. Rinse the soap thoroughly and dry with a cloth. Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies in gold or platinum are best cleaned by using water with a drop of ammonia. However, silver and organic gemstones can be damaged by ammonia, so use this solution only for gold and platinum jewelry.

Pearls

Keep pearls away from cosmetics, perfumes, chlorine, vinegar, ammonia, perspiration, and dirt at all costs. After wearing the pearl jewelry, clean it with a slightly damp cloth. You can wash pearls with mild soap using a soft cloth. Rinse any excess soap in clean water and wrap them in a damp cotton towel until dry. Store them in an environment that’s not too dry, as they require some humidity, so they don’t crack.

Professional Jewelry Cleaning

If you want to make sure your jewelry keeps its sparkle for years to come, have it professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year. If you notice that the stones in your jewelry are chipped, the prongs damaged or clasps malfunctioning, contact Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers immediately. Don’t risk losing your precious gemstones from a broken or bent prong! Our in-house jewelers are available for all your cleaning and jewelry repair needs so visit us on San Diego Avenue today.

How Vintage Engagement Rings Reflect Your Style

2023-12-222024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Similar to Shakespeare’s famous quote “What’s in a name?”, you should know what a vintage engagement ring would say about your choice. But first off, let’s be precise what a vintage engagement ring is. A vintage ring is one that was originally created/purchased and worn anywhere from 1 day ago to 99 years ago. Because it was previously worn, it is no longer considered “new,” and so it is considered “vintage.” Jewelry that was created 100 years ago or more is also considered “antique.” And this is what it says.

You’ve Broken the Mold

Many vintage rings were handcrafted and created through a long and slow process which demanded an enviable amount of skill and patience. These vintage rings are unique in their craftsmanship and in their design. You won’t find another one like it. These rings are excellent matches for brides who are fond of the old and who like to show off their originality.

You Are Bold & Intense

One of the periods that vintage engagement rings come from if the Art Deco period (1915/1920-1935). Art Deco is all about gemological shapes, hosts of diamonds and bold designs. Art Deco jewelry is part of a much broader movement which took place around WWI. After the Great War ended, the belief in progress was what kept society moving forward. A new woman emerged – one who smoked, played tennis, drove, and danced all night to the sound of jazz. Corsets were abandoned and there was palpable freedom in artistic and fashionable expression. It’s truly hard to miss an Art Deco vintage engagement ring when you come across one.

You Are Feminine & Charismatic

The Retro period lasted from 1935-1950. Retro rings vibrate with a “larger than life” energy. These rings were inspired by the glamour of Hollywood and the express femininity of Hollywood actresses such as Marily Monroe. They feature fluid lines, asymmetry, sculptural dimensions, and a multitude of diamonds.

You Like Old Values

The 1950s mark the beginning of the Modern period for rings. The most prominent vintage ring detail of that period is the use of clean lines, platinum & diamonds, and textural features. The 60s, however, were an age of family values and family traditions. It was around the sixties that the diamond solitaire (especially with fancy cut center stones) became the classic engagement ring.

And let’s not forget what we have already said. The jewelry-making process in the past decades was much more about craftsmanship and devotion. Today’s market is flooded with mass-produced pieces of uniform design patterns barely distinguishable from one another. This is in stark contrast with how jewelry was made decades ago.

You Are Caring & Thoughtful

Vintage engagement rings are a beautiful choice, but some will come with advice to exercise caution and care during the everyday wear. In truth, any and every ring requires some level of caution or at least careful consideration of the design with respect to the fiancée’s lifestyle. Still, some vintage engagement rings (like some modern rings as well) could have a design which would require a more frequent care routine. This would include vintage engagement rings with pearls as center stones, for example, or those with a lot of filigree.

If you are in the market for a vintage engagement ring in San Diego, make sure you stop by our San Diego Avenue showroom. Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you will find a vast and carefully curated selection of the finest quality vintage engagement rings. All have been meticulously restored by our master jewelers to appear like new but have a lower price tag than new. Let us help you make a choice that will make you – and your fiancée – happy!

Where Did White Gold Come From?

2023-12-192024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

The 19^th century saw the invention of white gold. At the time, manufacturers alloyed gold with palladium. It wasn’t commercially available until 1912, when it was issued as a patent in Pforzheim, Germany, subsequently gaining popularity as a more affordable alternative to platinum in the mid-1920’s. Essentially, it was gold alloyed with copper, zinc, and nickel. Nowadays, a metal belonging to the platinum family often replaces nickel because it prevents skin allergies and other allergic reactions. Depending on the recipe, the alloy can possess various characteristics when it comes to ductility, malleability, and hardness; in turn, different alloys can be used for different purposes.

1940s & WWII

World War II interfered with jewelry making in the early 1940s. precious metals were either rare or used for warfare purposes. In some cases, there was an explicit ban on selling precious metals for nonmilitary purposes. This especially applied to platinum. At the time, low-carat gold alloys were used, and they had a higher percentage of copper. Asa result, the gold gave off a subtle, yet perceptible reddish tinge. In addition, different alloys results in different colors appearing within one gold piece.

Reintroducing Older Designs

The techniques used for producing gold were weaving, braiding, and coiling. Consequently, certain patterns, such as resilla, cannetile, and lacy filigree, made a comeback. The design was accentuated by juxtaposing different textures, for example, matte and bright finishes. Eventually, gold was in widespread use for jewelry making in the 1940s and 1950s.

Jewelry Remodeling Instead of Buying

Since the stocks of pre-war metals and gemstones were scarcely employed, customers usually had to remodel the jewelry they already owned rather than buy new. Interestingly enough, those who were really keen on having a brand-new piece of jewelry had to provide the precious metals themselves. In France, however, the State confiscated a considerable percentage of these private precious metal stocks to be used for war purposes.

Introducing New Techniques

New techniques arose, such as those for creating thinner gold sheets, while ensuring the undiminished scale with the underlying base metal. Moreover, consumers started placing their trust in precious metals and gemstones rather than currency. Strangely enough, the more austere the fashion became in those struggling war years, the greater was the need for bejeweled feminism.

Some countries were completely shut off from the gemstone supply lines coming from South Africa, India, and Burma, while other received only modest and occasional supplies. As a consequence, synthetic and faux gemstones started featuring in novel jewelry designs. Gemstones like citrine, amethyst, aquamarine, and topaz enabled a wide palette of hues and a range of sizes. Higher-carat gems such as diamonds, rubies, or sapphires were extremely rare. Jewelers used small precious gems in pavé and invisible settings with the aim of creating a massive-looking piece comprised of a number of small ones. It was common to blend gemstones in order to achieve gradual color changes within brooches or bracelets.

Post-WWII Trends

While pre-WWII designs typically paired colored stones with diamonds, the scarcity of gemstones resulted in the combinations of colored stone with no diamonds. Rubies and sapphires were now paired with moonstones, aquamarines, and other chunkier, paler gems. Vivid gems were accentuated (and sometimes even replaced) by enamels. This results in a painterly fashion style that brought inventive highlights to the underlying gold. Transparent enamel was used by Boucheron to create a series of floral necklaces.

White Gold Jewelry in San Diego

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind white gold piece, be sure to stop by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. We offer an exquisite collection of white gold jewelry in San Diego, ranging from antiques and vintage designer pieces to brand new models. Our showroom is open every day through Christmas Eve. Make the best of our extended holiday hours and browse through all of the wonderful pieces that we offer. We are here to help you find something truly special!

Picking the Perfect Men’s Wedding Band

2023-07-252024-05-27 by Rylee Kahan

So, you’ve found the perfect wedding set for your sweetheart and it’s time to select your own wedding band. Men’s wedding bands come in a variety of different styles, not just the classic smooth band. You may feel even more overwhelmed by your ring choices than you were by hers. But there’s no need to fret because we will help you navigate the process!

Consider Your Budget & Lifestyle

Considering how much you want to spend could help when it comes to choosing some of your options, such as higher-end metals or embellishments like precious gemstones. But you don’t have to know your budget before visiting your jeweler to try on a variety of bands. Once you find one that is appealing, then you can decide whether to fit it into your budget. After all, a wedding band is meant to be a lifetime investment, so this splurge for the groom is allowed.

When choosing a wedding band, it is important to examine your lifestyle. Perhaps you work in a profession that requires you to work with your hands or use certain tools that could potentially damage your ring. There are certain metals like platinum and titanium that are known for durability. Are you an exceptionally active person? Maybe you’d prefer a ring that is more understated with no fuss. Remember, this is a piece of jewelry that you’ll likely wear daily and seldom remove. You want to make sure it can stand up to your daily activities.

Choose Your Metal & Fit

There are a variety of metals to choose from when selecting a men’s wedding band. Some of the most popular metals include platinum, titanium, stainless steel, and white, yellow, or rose gold. These metals vary in price and durability. For example, platinum is typically more expensive but is also very tough.

One of men’s biggest concerns when shopping for wedding bands is getting used to wearing a ring every day. If you’re not accustomed to wearing jewelry, this can certainly be an adjustment. This is exactly why making sure your band is the perfect fit is so important! Minor details like whether the edges of your band are flat or rounded can make a difference in the fit and feel of the ring. Trying on as many styles as possible will reveal what feels right for you.

Fitting Your Personality

Last, but certainly not least, you want to make sure that the wedding band you choose expresses your personality. This symbol of love and commitment is meant to be worn for a lifetime, so you want to make sure it accurately represents your unique style and identity. If your style is more reserved, you can opt for a classic wedding band with few embellishments. For a more modern look, you can consider adding extra detail or picking a less traditional metal like rose gold. If you’re a guy who doesn’t mind standing out, add some sparkle to your band. You can do this with round or square cut diamonds set in a channel through the center of the band.

Remember these tips and you’ll find the process to be less overwhelming than it may seem. And don’t forget, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers has an exceptional selection of new and vintage men’s wedding bands in all price ranges! Visit our showroom today, meet with one of our friendly experts, and we’ll help you find the wedding band that is perfect for you!

Update Your Wardrobe with Yellow Gold Jewelry

2023-06-282024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Gold has fascinated humans for about as far back as we can trace civilization. Used historically as a symbol of status, gold’s role in the world changed after 1792. The Mint and Coinage Act was passed by the US Congress, establishing a fixed price of gold so that it could become the standard unit of currency in the US.

Things changed over time, and the government completely abandoned gold as the standard for currency in 1971. Since then, gold prices have fluctuated with supply and demand, just like any other valuable commodity.

But gold has historically held its value, especially as compared to the paper dollar. Before 1971, a $20 gold piece and a $20 paper bill were the same value. Now that $20 gold piece is worth about $1900 paper dollars. Don’t we all wish we’d have purchased $25 dollar gold coins in 1971!

The awesome thing about gold jewelry is that the gold it contains also holds value, but unlike gold coins, you don’t have to keep it stashed away in a safe somewhere. You can wear and enjoy your gold as the decorative status symbol that it’s been since the beginning of time. When you want to change it up, you can use the value it’s held to get cash to buy something else.

The unaltered color of gold as it is mined from the ground is bright golden yellow, so originally, all gold jewelry was yellow gold. Other colors of gold jewelry were created by adding other metals to yellow gold. Rose gold is created by adding copper to yellow gold. White gold is a mixture of nickel and zinc with yellow gold.

These other colors of gold have enjoyed degrees of popularity over time, at times surpassing yellow gold’s allure. However, more than any other type of gold, yellow gold has had the greatest surge of popularity in the last year and a half. From editorial pieces to social media, there is a push in favor of wearing bold yellow gold jewelry. Influencers now wear layered yellow gold chains, bulky rings, 14k yellow gold paperclip earrings, and bracelets with gold charms.

Even engagement rings have been following the trend to reclaim the popularity of yellow gold settings alongside the more recently prevalent platinum and white gold rings. This resurgence of popularity makes sense! The precious metal is known for its rich gold color that is highly reflective and does not tarnish.

There is no better time to start growing your gold jewelry collection! Current gold jewelry styles favor clean lines, open metalwork, and geometric shapes – especially interlocking circles. These gold pieces look great as rings that can add elegance or be a bold statement. Gold nugget jewelry has also made a comeback, as a stellar unisex piece that adds texture and dimension to any outfit.

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you’ll find an ever-changing selection of new and unique vintage gold jewelry. Our selection boasts an assortment of on-trend jewelry that will last beyond any fads.

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.