John Hardy - Leo Hamel

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!

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!

Make the Most of Your Outfit with Accessories

2023-05-062024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

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

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

5 Types of Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

5 Tips for Choosing Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

How to Successfully Accessorize

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

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

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

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