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

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

New Madison L Jewelry

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

Madison L engagement rings set with yellow diamonds.
Madison L gemstone rings and necklaces.

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

Yellow gold Tiffany & Co. dangle earrings set with pearls.
Platinum Tiffany & Co. solitaire engagement ring centered with a diamond.
Yellow gold Tiffany & Co. station pendant set with a white pearl.

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

Wolf Watch Winder
Wolf jewelry storage box.

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

Men's Tissot PRX in stainless steel with a blue dial.
New men's Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional in stainless steel with a black dial, bezel, & rubber strap.

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

Yellow gold floral dangle earrings set with rubies.
White gold drop earrings set with tanzanite and diamonds.
White gold drop earrings set with emeralds.

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

5 Gifts for the Special Man in Your Life

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

Men's Tissot in stainless steel with a black dial and brown leather strap.

New Men's Tissot Watch

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

Man holding a brown leather briefcase and wearing white sneakers.

Vintage Louis Vuitton Laptop Bag

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

Yellow gold Tiffany & Co. square cufflinks set with ruby centers.

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks

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

Vintage Gucci men's wallet with red and green stripes & "GG" monogram print.

Vintage Gucci Wallet

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

Men's Rolex Submariner "Hulk" in stainless steel with a matching green dial & bezel.

Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner "Hulk"

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

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

How to Maintain Your Swiss-Made Watches

Three pre-owned watches including two Rolex watches and one Tissot in front of brick wall background.

A fine Swiss watch can last for generations and still be running strong 100 years from now. Everyone considers cost, especially in this economy, but in the long run it can be more economical to buy a good Swiss watch. These will last for years rather than buying cheaper watches again and again.

Swiss watches are crafted with exacting care and subjected to rigorous quality control measures before being presented for sale. A fine watch is a wonderful heirloom to pass on to your children.

However, proper care is necessary for a fine timepiece to stay in optimum working condition and hold its value. Just like a car, a Swiss watch needs to get a regular tune up for its best performance. A full service is recommended every 3-5 years for maintenance.

Swiss-Made Watch Maintenance in San Diego

Our master watchmaker performs a full clean and overhaul, dismantling the timepiece to examine the movement and clean all parts. We provide an estimate for any worn parts that need to be replaced.

The movement will be lubricated and pressure tested, and the time-keeping adjusted and regulated. We also include a full exterior refinish, buffing and polishing the watch case and bracelet. This removes tiny scratches and makes it look good as new again.

Once your watch is in tip-top condition, keep your automatic watch on a watch winder whenever you’re not wearing it. A Wolf Design watch winder moves the watch in a circular pattern to approximate the human motions that keep the self-winding mechanism working.

Using a watch winder protects the longevity of your automatic watch. This is because it keeps the mainspring at its optimum tension and disperses the oils used for lubrication evenly while the watch is not on your wrist. It also keeps the watch running while you’re not wearing it. This means you won’t have to reset the time, day, and/or date when you wear it next!

A watch with a quartz or manual-wind movement doesn’t need a watch winder. Though it does need a nice watch holder for storage when you’re not wearing it, to prevent scratches, being dropped, or getting wet.

Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we have a broad selection of heirloom-quality Swiss watches for every taste and budget. Visit our showroom, just east of the 5 across from the airport, and our expert sales team will gladly help you find the perfect timepiece!

Find Perfect Graduation Gifts at Leo Hamel’s!

Yellow sapphire and diamond ring, diamond pendant necklace, blue topaz stud earrings, vintage Tiffany & Co. cufflinks, and pre-owned men's Tissot in front of black and gold ribbon background.

Hats off to the graduating class of 2023! Hours of hard work, dedication, and sleep deprivation have all led to this exciting moment. Graduating is a tremendous accomplishment and should be celebrated as such! Whether your graduate is gearing up for college, or ready to take their advanced degree to the workforce, they deserve to feel special on their big day. Wondering what to give your grad to show your love and praise? Sure, every young adult appreciates a nice card and some cash, but why not choose something a bit more personal? We’ve compiled a list of the best graduation gift ideas that are sure to surprise and delight your loved one!

Send your graduate off in style with a charming Tissot Everytime wristwatch. The simple, yet sophisticated design of this watch easily transitions from day to evening. So, whether he’s heading to the lecture hall or the big Friday night homecoming game, he’ll look polished and put together. One thing’s for sure, with a quality timepiece from Tissot, your grad won’t miss a beat, or his first college class/work assignment!

What better way to show your grad just how proud you are than with a dazzling pair of London blue topaz earrings? Blue topaz earrings are a sleek and timeless staple that every young lady should have in their jewelry box. She’ll look and feel like a true class act conquering her first job interview or crushing a big school presentation. Unlike money or a gift card, an elegant pair of gemstone studs is a gift that will last a lifetime, and a treasure she can share with her own children.

Help your recent grad look sharp at every important event. These designer sterling silver cufflinks from Tiffany & Co. are the perfect accessory for every one of his important meetings, presentations, and company dinners. A part of their signature “Please Return to Tiffany” collection, these cufflinks are sure to be the perfect gift for your grad!

Every new grad needs a reliable and high-quality pen. Whether your aspiring young professional plans to take on college or the corporate world, this Tiffany & Co. pen is an incredible designer writing instrument. And unlike your standard BIC ballpoint, the ink in a Tiffany & Co. pen can continuously be replaced, so you can be sure this gift gets years of use.

Give your grad the gift of peace, courage, and happiness with this charming Jack Kelege diamond and yellow sapphire ring. Yellow sapphire is thought to improve happiness and peace in the wearer’s life. The brilliant sparkle of diamonds is sure to make her light up. This dainty ring has several special details including alternating stones and intricate metalwork. She’ll be eager to wear this meaningful ring everywhere she goes!

Celebrate Your Grad with a Gift from Leo's!

There’s no better place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your graduate than Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! Shop an extraordinary selection of fine jewelry, watches, and luxurious designer gifts, all at a price you’ll love! Your grad deserves to commemorate this momentous occasion with a gift that will last a lifetime, and you’ll find it here at Leo’s!

2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

White gold three-stone diamond engagement ring in a red ring box next to red roses.

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

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

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

For Her

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

For Him

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

Vintage Freeform Ring Slide
White gold freeform diamond ring.
Vintage Freeform Ring

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

New Heart Earrings Slide
Yellow gold tiny heart stud earrings.
New Heart Earrings

New 14k yellow gold tiny heart stud earrings. Retails for: $250, Our Price: $225

Vintage heart pendant slide
White gold heart station necklace set with a round diamond.
Vintage Heart Pendant

Vintage 14k white gold open heart slide pendant set with 0.18 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds on a 16" cable chain. Retails for: $650, Our Price: $395

Vintage "Love" Necklace Slide
Yellow gold station necklace with "LOVE" script.
Vintage "LOVE" Necklace

Vintage 14k yellow gold "LOVE" station necklace on an 18" oval link chain. Retails for: $395, Our Price: $325

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New Men's 38MM Hamilton Khaki Field Slide
Pre-owned men's Hamilton in stainless steel with a green nylon strap and white dial.
New Men's 38MM Hamilton Khaki Field

New men's Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm in stainless steel wtih a white Arabic dial, sapphire crystal, green nato strap, tang buckle, and automatic movement. Price: $495

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks Slide
Vintage sterling silver Tiffany & Co. Please Return to Tiffany cufflinks.
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks

Vintage sterling silver Tiffany & Co. "Please Return to Tiffany" cufflinks. Retails for: $300, Our Price: $210

Vintage David Yurman Ring Slide
Sterling silver cable knit ring.
Vintage David Yurman Ring

Vintage sterling silver David Yurman sculpted five-row cable ring. Retails for $395, Our Price: $235

New Men's 45.5MM Tissot Supersport Chrono Slide
Pre-owned men's Tissot in stainless steel with a blue strap and black dial.
New Men's 45.5MM Tissot Supersport Chrono

New men's Tissot Supersport Chrono 45.5mm in stainless steel with a blue & black dial, sapphire crystal, black tachymeter bezel, blue & black strap, tang buckle, and quartz movement. Price: $425

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These are a handful of pieces that would make this Valentine’s Day very special, and to see more of our collection please visit us at our showroom located at 1851 San Diego Ave, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92110. Our knowledgeable sales team is here to answer all your questions Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm and Saturdays from 11am-5pm. We are OPEN Tuesday February 14th from 11am-6pm!

2022 Christmas Gift Guide from Leo Hamel’s

Are you still looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Christmas shopping later in the season can be extremely stressful, and we’re to help! We have gifts for everyone that are sure to leave a lasting impression this Christmas.

Here’s a peek into our jewelry, watch, and handbag collection. All of the items are available to view at our San Diego showroom at 1851 San Diego Ave., Suite #130.

Christmas Gifts For Her

Need a shiny gift for her this Christmas? We have a huge collection of jewelry, new & pre-owned watches, and handbags for all your gifting needs.

White gold floral stud earrings centered with round cut emeralds surrounded by diamond haloes.
New 0.42 CTW Diamond & Emerald Earrings. Retails for: $1,450, Our Price: $1,350
Vintage Burberry Nova Check Gold Shoe backpack.
Vintage Burberry Nova Check Golf Shoe Backpack
Retails for: $1,350, Our Price: $625
Pre-owned women's Baume & Mercier Diamant in stainless steel with a blue dial.
Pre-Owned Women’s 34MM Baume & Mercier Diamant
Retails for: $1,790, Our Price: $895
New women's Tissot Classic Dream Lady in stainless steel with a white Roman numeral dial.
New Women’s 28MM Tissot Classic Dream Lady
Retails Price: $275
New women's Tissot Heritage Porto in stainless steel with a blue leather strap and blue dial.
New Women’s 22MM Tissot Heritage Porto
Retail Price: $425
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Lab-Grown Diamond Gifts

Looking for an ethical, earth-friendly Christmas gift? Our collection of lab-grown jewelry is sure to wow. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and visually the same, the only difference is the price!

White gold lab-grown diamond station necklace.
New 3.00 CTW Lab-Grown Diamond Necklace
Mined Price: $8,500, Lab-Grown Price: $3,000
White gold lab-grown diamond tennis bracelet.
New 5.00 CTW Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Mined Price: $14,000, Lab-Grown Price: $4,500
Yellow gold lab-grown diamond stud earrings.
New 4.07 CTW Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings.
Mined Price: $40,000, Our Price: $9,400.
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Christmas Gifts For Him

Want to dazzle him with the perfect Christmas gift? You’re sure to find an amazing gift for any man in your life in our large selection of new & pre-owned watched, including Rolex, IWC, Tissot, Hamilton, Omega, and more!

Victorinox Swiss Army pocket knife in black.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife in Black
Our Price: $20
Victorinox Swiss Army pocket knife in white.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife in White
Our Price: $20
Pre-owned men's Rolex Milgauss in stainless steel with a black dial and orange markers.
Pre-Owned Men’s 40MM Rolex Milgauss
Our Price: $14,000
Pre-owned men's Rolex Submariner in stainless steel and yellow gold with a gray dial and black ceramic bezel.
Pre-Owned Men’s 40MM Rolex Submariner.
Retails for: $14,700, Our Price: $14,200.
Pre-owned men's Rolex Datejust in yellow gold and stainless steel with a black Roman numeral dial.
Pre-Owned Men’s 41MM Rolex Datejust II
Our Price: $14,500
Yellow gold men's rope chain.
Vintage Rope Chain
Retails for: $2,650, Our Price: $2,350
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Engagement Rings

Planning a proposal this holiday season? We have a wide variety of engagement rings to make your moment perfect. Our team is happy to assist you in finding the perfect piece for that special woman!

Yellow gold solitair marquise diamond engagement ring.
Vintage 0.40 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring
Retails for: $1,325, Our Price: $1,225
White gold solitaire asscher cut diamond engagement ring.
Vintage 0.87 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring
Retails for: $4,125, Our Price: $3,350
White gold solitaire diamond engagement ring.
Vintage 0.26 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring
Retails for: $675, Our Price: $600
White and yellow gold engagement ring centered with a pear cut diamond surrounded by a diamond halo and diamonds in the band.
New Venetti 0.78 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring
Retails for: $3,600, Our Price: $1,800
Yellow gold solitaire diamond engagement ring.
Vintage 0.42 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring
Retails for: $1,175, Our Price: $1,075
Yellow gold three-stone diamond engagement ring.
Vintage 0.50 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring
Retails for: $1,175, Our Price: $995
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Extraordinary Christmas Gifts

If you’re looking to go big this Christmas season, we have the perfect selection for you! These extravagant pieces are just a peek into our collection.

White gold three-row diamond bangle.
New 4.63 CTW Diamond Bracelet
Retails for: $19,750, Our Price: $17,750
Yellow, rose, and white gold interlocking rings set with diamonds.
New 2.26 CTW Diamond Interlocking Rings
Retails for: $8,695, Our Price: $7,695
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The Leo Hamel team is here to help you find the perfect gifts this holiday season. We have an extensive collection, if you would like to see any of the above pieces, please visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue or contact us here. Our knowledgeable team is excited to help you make this Christmas the one that special someone in your life will remember.