wedding bands - Leo Hamel

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.

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!

Trendy Men’s Bands Your Groom Will Love

2023-04-052024-05-25 by Rylee Kahan

There are lots of fun and creative options for men’s wedding bands. While men’s white gold wedding bands may be the most popular, it’s always fun to stray from the norm and choose a unique wedding ring for him. Here’s an introduction to a few of the different styles of men’s wedding bands.

These options are trendy because they allow for a lot of customization through metal and gemstone combinations. They also allow the groom to control the level of flashiness or understatement he wants. So, here’s a curated selection of possibilities for men’s wedding bands.

Beveled Edge

This is a small variation of plain metal men’s wedding bands. These rings have a satin or brushed finish on the central part of the ring, and the finish is polished towards the sloped edges. This two-finish appearance gives the ring a nice contrast without having two different colors of metals. This is a great option if you’re looking for a subtle update from just a plain band.

Rose Gold

Classic and distinctive, rose gold complements most skin tones and gives off an especially warm aura. It’s also a great choice for a groom who likes an alternative men’s wedding band. Rose gold changes shades based on the percentage of copper in the alloy. This allows you to find just the right hue you like!

Mixed Metal

A small detail goes a long way. Mixed metals allow for some personalization. You can even find rings that combine two different finishes in addition to the different metal colors. Whoever said men don’t have options to show off their style?

Texture and Facets

One metal or two, adding some texture to your wedding band can give a great feel to your ring. There are many finishes available. A satin finish is smooth to the touch, but matte in appearance.

Brushed finish is grainier than a satin finish, while hammered is the most rugged and textured one. Hammered finish men’s wedding bands are a good option for grooms that aren’t particularly gentle to their rings.

A faceted ring also provides interesting texture and relief. Facets draw attention and make the ring shine differently as you move your hand.

Low-Dome vs. Flat Bands

Low-Dome bands are curved in a subtle way on the outside of the band. The inner surface is still flat, which provides a comfortable fit and is great for long-term wear. Flat bands are the opposite of low-domed rings, they are polished and completely flat on the outer and inner surfaces. They make a great band for showing off any gemstones that are set on the ring.

Diamonds & Gemstones

Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, and therefore a excellent choice for wedding bands. Sapphires and rubies are also great options as far as hardness and durability are concerned. On top of their functionality and sturdiness, the beauty and strength of these gemstones symbolize the eternal love and commitment that builds your marriage.

Men's Bands in San Diego

Stop by our showroom on San Diego Avenue to find the perfect men’s wedding band. Leo Hamel’s has all kinds of options for men’s wedding bands. If we don’t have it, we’ll find it for you. Or we can design a custom men’s wedding band per your vision and preferences. Get in touch with us today or drop by – we’d love to help you find one-of-a-kind wedding bands!