Month: August 2023

What Affects the Resale Value of Your Watch?

by Rylee Kahan
Watch Box of Luxury Watches

Highly collectible and stylish, mechanical watches are fine pieces of engineering, often made in small or limited editions. And buying one can be a good investment. Keep in mind, though, that the price of pre-owned watches fluctuates with fashion, trends, and market demand. If you’re interested in how to sell pre-owned watches, you should know that the resell price is almost always lower than the current retail price for a new watch.

Brand & Model

The finest luxury watches hold greater value than watches from non-luxury brands. The pre-owned watch market is dominated by Rolex and other fine brands such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Panerai. It’s the prestige as well as the high level of quality and workmanship that add value to a high-end timepiece.

Certain models are in more demand than others, regardless of the original retail price. And it’s sometimes the case that the more complications a pre-owned watch has, the better. A complication is any function that a watch has in addition to telling the time, such as date, moon phase, or 2nd time zone.

Age and materials used affect the price, as well. It doesn’t necessarily hold that the older your watch, the higher the value. Regular maintenance of any watch will help to preserve resale value as much as possible.

High-quality materials can add significantly to the value of a watch. Most fine Swiss and German watches are made of stainless steel, gold, platinum, titanium, or a combination of those metals.

Box & Papers

A high-end watch bought new always comes with a box and papers that confirm its authenticity. Anyone who collects watches should not throw the original packaging away because buyers appreciate having the original box and papers, although plenty of pre-owned watches are purchased without them.

If a watch is a true antique (over 100 years old), then the original papers and box in good condition could add significantly more value to the watch. In modern watches, the added value is much less but still there.

Serial Number

These numbers are one of the first things that an expert looks at when determining the price. Every timepiece has a unique serial number and it can reveal the age of the timepiece. There is also a reference or model number which applies to all watches of that specific model, while the serial number is exclusive to your watch only.

If you have the accompanying documentation of your watch, finding the numbers will be easy. If, however, you no longer have it, a professional can look for the serial number on the watch. Serial numbers can often be found on the side of the watch case underneath where the bracelet/strap attaches.

Condition

Not every watch is worn daily, and some owners are more careful than others. Nevertheless, a watch that is worn will get some tiny and maybe even a few deep scratches over time. The condition and working order of a watch can be a factor in resale value for the end user. Every buyer would like a luxurious timepiece that looks and works as new.

However, it is not necessary to restore a pre-owned watch in order to sell it to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. In fact, you may not recoup the money that you paid for the service, so it’s best to just sell your watch as-is. Our expert watchmaker will restore the watch before we offer it to a new owner. However, if you are not quite ready to sell, and want to restore your watch to its original condition, it’s imperative to take it to a professional watchmaker. This ensures that any worn parts will be replaced with genuine parts appropriate for the brand.

Beware that polishing a watch in the wrong way can devalue it. Only let a professional restoration and repair service restore the original factory finish on your watch. Otherwise, your watch might return from a restoration with a worse finish than when it started.

Service

A regular service and proper maintenance record is important proof that you have taken good care of your timepiece. This particularly matters if you’re looking to sell an older watch. If you’ve had it serviced by a trusted watchmaker every 3-5 years and have proper documentation to back this up, you may get a higher price.

Market Value

There is always a market for those who want to sell and buy pre-owned watches. There are collectors who just love the nostalgia of a vintage watch and its history, and collectible watches are highly appreciated among them. Therefore, if you’re selling a watch that is a rare or limited edition, you can expect to get a much higher price. However, the top brands will always be valued even if not particularly rare. Pre-owned watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Omega are consistently popular and have remained desirable for years.

Safety and Security

You may have had the notion to try and sell your watch on your own. There are some serious issues to consider before embarking on that journey. Trying to sell in an online marketplace leaves you competing with thousands of other sellers and paying sales fees out of your profit. But selling locally is fraught with danger.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of criminals out there today, just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting citizen who has an item of value for sale. There are horror stories of people responding to “for sale” ads turning out to be less than honest. A seller can face fake cashier’s checks, counterfeit money, and in worst case scenarios, actual robbery. Even meeting someone in a bank is no guarantee of your safety after you leave the bank. The only truly safe way to sell your valuable watch is to bring it to a reputable jewelry and watch store and let them sell it for you.

If you’re considering selling your pre-owned watch, bring it to one of our jewelry and watch buying locations, including our flagship buying office on San Diego Avenue. At Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers, we’ve been buying and selling pre-owned watches for over 44 years and are able to offer you top dollar for your treasured timepiece. Our Swiss factory trained watchmaker and polite and experienced buying experts have the skills and knowledge to accurately price your watch. You can even trade in your watch for a new purchase.

We know that selling your valuables can be an emotional experience and we ensure that all our buying offices are safe, secure, and private. Find your nearest Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers and visit us today! No appointment is necessary.

Rolex Submariner vs. Explorer II

by Rylee Kahan
Close-up of a Rolex Submariner in stainless steel with a black dial, white markers, and a black ceramic bezel.

Rugged, long-lasting, reliable, and accurate – all these adjectives describe the two most coveted Rolex sport watches. We’re talking about the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer II. When it comes to deciding which Rolex to purchase, you have some thinking to do. Both are signature Rolex watches but display different Rolex trademarked features.

Read on for a breakdown of differences between the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer II. After reading this, we hope you will be able to make an informed choice about your next Rolex purchase.

Basic Differences

To begin with, the names of the two watches show us the first and most important difference. The Submariner is primarily a dive watch and used for underwater activities in general. By contrast, the Explorer II is used for outdoor activities that don’t involve water, such as climbing. This difference determined the choice of features for one watch compared to the other.

Although both are used for outdoor activities, the Submariner is seen by some as more rugged. This model is typically worn with more casual outfits, whereas the Explorer II has a more classic look. The Submariner doesn’t sit as comfortably under a shirt cuff as the Explorer II does, so the Explorer II is more comfortable when worn with a suit.

The Explorer II is made of 904L steel, which is an extremely durable superalloy. Rolex is one of the few watchmakers who use it for their watches. The Submariner is crafted from a variety of metals, including 904L steel, a combination of steel & yellow gold, solid yellow gold, and solid white gold.

Case

Case size is one reason why some people find that the Rolex Submariner appears more rugged than the Explorer II. The Submariner has a super case of 40mm diameter compared to the Explorer II case with a 39mm diameter.

However, the 1mm difference in diameter alone cannot possibly account for the perceived difference in size. It may be the larger bracelet lugs on the Submariner that make it appear much bigger. Larger lugs create the illusion of greater size without affecting the diameter of the watchcase.

Bezel

Another reason the Submariner appears even larger than it is compared to the Explorer II is its more pronounced bezel. The Submariner’s bezel is one of the key features of this watch. Its one-directional rotating bezel with graduations enables divers to time their dives. It only turns one way so that a mistake can’t be made to accidentally shorten the decompression time. The newest model has an insert made of Cerachrom ceramic, which is virtually un-scratchable. What’s more – the bezel doesn’t change color from exposure to UV-rays.

By contrast, the Explorer II has 24-hour graduations carved into the bezel and a 24-hour hand. Because of this, human explorers can differentiate between night and day in extreme conditions. Although stainless steel isn’t as scratch-resistant as ceramic, it’s malleable, so it would bend rather than crack under pressure.

Bracelet and Clasp

The Submariner and Explorer II have the same 20mm wide Oyster bracelet. The Oyster has a satin finish on the outside links and high polish on the inside links. The Submariner has a Rolex Glidelock clasp, which allows for up to 20mm of extension. This feature comes in very handy when divers can quickly adjust the bracelet to fit their watches over their wetsuits.

The Explorer II has an Easylink comfort extension link that allows for 5mm of extra room for gloves, etc. Both models feature the Rolex Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents the clasp from being pulled open accidentally, potentially resulting in loss of the watch in the ocean or down a mountainside.

Movement

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, both watches are extremely precise, owing to their superlative chronometer movements. The official superlative chronometer certification means that the watches have passed hours of stringent tests to prove they live up to Rolex standards of accuracy and dependability.

On both watches, a solid non-see-through case back (typical of Rolex watches) houses the watch mechanism. The Submariner uses a 3135 movement for the Date model and 3130 for the Non-Date. However, the Explorer II has a 3187 movement.

Other Features

As expected, the Rolex Submariner is water-resistant. Owing to the triple-seal Triplock winding crown, it has water-resistance up to 1,000 feet. With the Rolex Explorer II, however, shock-resistance is more important than water-resistance. Because of this, the Rolex Explorer II has newly improved shock-resistant features consisting of a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers.

As for the dial, the Submariner features luminous hour markers and hands crafted from 18k white gold that glow in the dark. A compound called Chromalight has been used on Rolex dials since 2008, and glows blue.

Prior to 2008, a compound called Super Luminova that glowed green was used on Rolex dials. With glowing markers, hour hand and second hand, the wearer can tell time clearly at night or in low-light capacity, such as underwater while diving. The markers can stay lit for as long as 8 hours! The Explorer II also features luminous hour markers and numerals, hour hand, second hand, and 24-hour hand.

Leo Hamel’s has been buying and selling pre-owned Rolex watches for 43 years! We know them inside and out and can easily spot fakes versus genuine Rolex. We seek out the best pre-owned Rolex watches and thoroughly recondition them to look and run like new and add a 2-year warranty.

You can save hundreds to thousands of dollars by purchasing a certified reconditioned pre-owned Rolex as compared to a new one. No one but you will know that you didn’t buy it new and pay full price. Our stunning collection of pre-owned Rolex watches changes daily! You simply must come to our store to see the current selection and snap up the very best deals. Come see us and choose your next pre-owned Rolex Submariner or Explorer II!

Watches with Historic Ties

by Rylee Kahan

The vintage look is having a moment in the watch world. Many luxury watch brands boast models that were inspired by retro and vintage styles. If you’d like to spruce up your watch collection, there are plenty of models to choose from.

Here are some outstanding examples of retro style timepieces, some of which may still be located. These watches come from powerhouse watch designers like Omega, Patek Philippe, Breitling, and Longines. But there are many more that are readily available from new brands and from pre-owned brands.

Omega Globemaster

The Omega Globemaster is the world’s first Master Chronometer which was certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. The watch set new standards of watchmaking, while boasting the design inspired by the past. Well known for beautiful “Pie Pan” dials, Omega embellishes their watch with this famous dial that echoes the 1952 Constellation.

The fluted bezel of the Globemaster is like the bezel of the Constellation model from 1968. The 39mm case with a brushed finish is available in stainless steel, two-town steel and gold combination, yellow gold, and in Sedna gold, an alloy that Omega introduced in 2013.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524

This impressive timepiece stands out among the traditional watches of the world’s possibly most conservative watch brand. Few Patek Philippe aficionados expected the unconventional 42mm-wide model. Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524 takes on various design characteristics of pilot watches of the past 100 years, traced back to the 1920s and 1930s.

Rather than being based on any specific pilot watch, the aesthetic is vintage-inspired and adjusted to the brand’s unique style. The design of the hands, dial and numerals have the look of the pilot watches of the early 20th century. The navy-blue dial is inspired by the body paint of the U.S. fighter aircraft. The brown leather strap with the contrast topstitching evokes the leather belts worn by pilots in the 1930s.

Oris Divers 65

With several subtle modifications, the Oris Divers 65 pays homage to the brand’s timepiece released in 1965. Half a century later, Oris gives it a makeover, achieving a classic and attractive design. While the Oris Divers 65 has a larger 40-mm case made of stainless steel, the case is only 12.8mm thick. Though the narrow PVD bezel makes it appear larger than it is, the slim profile of the case contributes to the overall simple design.

The case back is engraved with the same Oris emblem found on the 1965 watch. On the other hand, the Oris Divers 65 has a unidirectional bezel. This is safer for diving than the bidirectional rotating bezel of the 1965 model. The dial of the Oris Divers 65 is what makes this timepiece unique and funky without looking overly designed. Oris made some visible changes like moving the date window from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock on the dial. They also put it on a black wheel instead of the original white.

Today’s dive watches have varying degrees of water-resistance from none to 30 meters, to 300 meters or more. With a water resistance of 100 meters, the Oris Divers 65 honors the heritage of its predecessor.

Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915

To celebrate a hundred years from creating the first independent chronograph push piece, Breitling introduced the Transocean Chronograph 1915 in a limited edition of 1,915 pieces. In the early 20th century, chronographs were monopushers, meaning that the controls for starting, stopping, and returning the timer to zero were all placed in the crown. Then the timepiece with a major design innovation was created. The separate pusher placed on the side of the case at 2 o’clock would soon become standard.

Though Transocean waters are usually automatic, the Transocean Chronograph 1915 has a hand-wound movement which runs 33 jewels and has a 70-hour power reserve. The vintage-inspired dial, numerals, and the hands give the watch an antique and refined look. There’s also an engraving “100e anniversaire 1915-2015” displayed on the back of a 43mm stainless steel case.

Longines Pulsometer Chronograph

The brand found its inspiration in the 1920s Longines watch used by medical personnel to calculate a patient’s heart rate. The Longines Pulsometer Chronograph 2015 is indeed an incredible vintage revival. It is a functional tool that is smart and simple, with retro elements like the Breguet-style hour and minute hands.

The eye-catching white dial is surrounded by a red pulsometer scale, the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers have been removed and the sapphire crystal has the anti-reflective coating, so the watch is legible and easy to use. The self-winding movement is contained in a 40mm steel case with a column-wheel monopusher chronograph mechanism and holds a 54-hour power reserve.

Grand Seiko Historical Collection 62GS

Released in 1960, the Grand Seiko has become an iconic watch known for its accuracy and precision. All the timepieces of the Seiko Historical Collection honor the heritage of this Japanese brand. To mark the 55th anniversary of Grand Seiko, the brand introduced a series inspired by the very first Grand Seiko watch with automatic movement.

There are eight models in the collection, and all are limited editions. Four are faithful remakes, while the other four are modern reinterpretations featuring the Grand Seiko’s most advanced movements. The traditional-looking models look like the original but are a bit larger in size. They are available in stainless steel, white gold, and rose gold.

The 62GS released in 1967 had the crown positioned at 4 o’clock, emphasizing the fact that hand winding was no longer required. Though not all models of the Grand Seiko collection for 2015 have the off-centered crown, they do share some design elements with the original 62GS.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is the largest full-service jewelry and watch store in San Diego. Visit our deluxe showroom on San Diego Avenue and browse through the always-changing selection of luxury pre-owned watches, as well as new watches from Hamilton and Tissot.

Whether you’re looking for a new watch or a pre-owned watch in mint condition, our helpful and knowledgeable staff will help you find your ideal match. And our guarantee and warranty keeps you covered. If there’s a particular pre-owned timepiece you admire and we don’t have it on hand, we’ll do our best to find it for you from our global network! With Leo Hamel’s, time is on your side!

3 Vintage Designer Handbags You Have to Have

by Rylee Kahan
Orange and Red Chanel Handbags

Every woman knows the difference a quality handbag can make. From the normal wear and tear of daily use, to treating handbags like our own portable junk drawer. Our bags definitely take quite the beating. Often, handbags are chosen based on their appearance – and that’s totally fine! We all need at least one bag we truly love that easily fits with any outfit or occasion. But have you ever considered the long-term benefits of purchasing designer handbags?

Now you might be thinking that a price of upwards of thousands of dollars is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a purse. Trust me, it’s not an uncommon point of view, however, we’re here to change your mind and help you realize why investing in a luxury handbag is worth your hard-earned money.

As we just mentioned, it’s important to purchase a style of handbag that you truly adore. But you should also consider the quality of the material used, the size of the bag, and the resale value in case you ever find yourself looking to sell or upgrade.

Considered the “holy trinity” of luxury handbags, Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton are the top three brands to purchase for investment purposes.

Chanel Classic Flap Bag

If you’re a fan of luxury handbags then you’ve probably heard of the Chanel 2.55 bag, the brand’s most successful and iconic handbag. Well, if you adore the 2.55, you’re sure to love its more contemporary sister, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag. The Classic Flap is very similar to the 2.55 with just a few modern upgrades. The clasp features interlocking C’s, and the strap includes interwoven chain and leather. The bag is available in four different sizes – small, medium-large, jumbo, and maxi – to allow you to decide what best meets your needs. It’s also available in a variety of different colors, allowing you to choose a subtle black or a pop of color for your arm candy.

Another popular investment-worthy Chanel handbag is the Chanel Boy Bag. Introduced in 2011, the Boy Bag has already become as popular and valuable as the Classic Flaps. The resale value of both bags retains or increases depending on leather, hardware, and demand. These babies have consistently remained in high demand, so you should expect to recoup more than 50% of the retail price.

Hermes Kelly Bag

Investing in a Hermes handbag is a very smart decision because of their rareness. Hermes only produces limited quantities of each handbag, creating an exceptional level of scarcity and exclusivity. So what does this mean for you? Whether you purchase the renowned Birkin bag or the refined Kelly bag, you should expect to see more than 90% of the retail value as resale prices only continue to increase.

Now, let’s talk style. Both the Birkin and the Kelly bag have a very chic look about them. Hermes only uses the best of the best when it comes to leather and hardware – you’ll be able to see and feel the quality of your bag even after you’ve owned it for a few years. They are also the ultimate status symbol. If you’re looking for a bag that shows the world you know fashion and you know it well, Hermes will always come in clutch!

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Tote

Louis Vuitton is one the most popular designer brand names out there. And with the quality of their product, there is no reason to wonder why. They fully test all their handbags for durability before putting them on the market, so you know the Neverfull will last you a lifetime. It’s also one of their most successful handbags, which increases its already-high demand.

The name of this bag truly says it all. With all the room you have to pack in your necessities, it’s almost like it never ends. This is the perfect bag for day-to-day use, and it can easily transition into an overnight bag since there is so much space. Another bonus? This gorgeous tote typically retains 85% of its resale value. And if it’s a limited-edition bag, the resale value can double! The initial expense might make you hesitant, but the payoff in the future is worth the investment.

If you’re in the market for a designer purse, head over to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Not only will you find some of the most popular vintage handbags from Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, but there are so many other options to choose from! All handbags in our showroom are vintage, meaning shopping is more affordable for you and sustainable for the environment. Find authentic brand name vintage handbags for less than full retail price…it’s luxury handbag heaven!

And don’t forget – we’re always looking for new inventory to fill our store. If you’re looking to make some extra cash, consign your designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories to Leo’s and you’ll receive cash or store credit the minute it sells!

Cartier’s Longlasting LOVE Line is Here to Stay

by Rylee Kahan
Man fastening a Cartier LOVE bracelet on a woman’s wrist with the Cartier screwdriver.

The Cartier LOVE bracelet has been as symbol of “inseparable love” for many jewelry-loving romantics ever since it was designed in 1969. This romantic concept is embodied in the bracelet held together by two screws and “locked” onto the wearer’s wrist. Each bracelet comes with a special screwdriver used to fasten the bangle. The whole point is to have your partner fasten the bracelet to your wrist, an act which symbolizes your commitment to one another.

Recently, the famous Cartier LOVE bracelet has become a must-have status symbol among millennials. More and more fashion-forward consumers covet the bracelet not only for its design and symbolism but also for its worldwide reputation. An exquisite item of high-end jewelry, the Cartier LOVE bracelet is the go-to choice for millennials who wish to invest in jewelry of proven quality and captivating symbolism.

Multifaceted Appeal

This much-coveted bracelet can easily be worn by almost anyone, owing to its simplistic design. The locking mechanism is simple, yet belies a powerful romantic concept, the combination of which lends itself to many different applications. What’s more, both men and women can style themselves with a Cartier LOVE bracelet for almost any occasion.

The bracelets are made in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, as well as platinum, and their signature screws can even be replaced with diamonds. It’s the diamond-adorned bracelet that is the preferred choice of the well-off, celebrities, and fashion icons. By contrast, without diamonds or other precious stones, its minimalist design is perfect for adding the distinctive edge to a casual outfit.

Early Days of LOVE

When the Cartier LOVE bracelet was first introduced, it was meant to be bought and worn by couples who agreed to give their screwdrivers to one another. In that way, Cartier seemed to have been selling more than just a jewelry item – the bracelet purchased stood as the tangible testimony of the lovers’ commitment. The “lovers only” agenda was pushed so vigorously that some New York hospitals were reported to have kept a LOVE bracelet screwdriver on the premises in case a patient needed to have the bracelet removed.

Celebrities were hooked and soon famous couples such as Nancy and Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, all displayed their mutual devotion with matching LOVE bracelets.

Vintage Cartier LOVE ring in yellow gold stacked on a vintage Cartier LOVE bracelet in yellow gold.

LOVE in the Age of Consumerism

With the LOVE bracelet, Cartier has promoted the idea of everlasting love, fidelity, and devotion. In the world where the once rare commodities are rapidly being converted into mass-manufactured goods that rarely survive the season, the idea of having a symbol of something long-lasting is very enticing and creates a sense of exclusivity.

And this is exactly why so many millennials are choosing to celebrate their commitment to their partner with a LOVE bracelet – not only does it embody the concept perfectly, it’s also a luxury jewelry item that isn’t a bargain for all budgets. Therefore, the investment in a pricey item of jewelry such as the Cartier LOVE bracelet symbolizes the investment into a long-term romantic relationship.

Inspired by celebrity royalty from the golden age of Hollywood, many contemporary actors, pop stars, and other celebrities have embraced the concept by proudly showing off their trademark bracelets with their partners. The list of celebrities stretches long, with Pippa Middleton, Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek, Kanye West, Scarlet Johansson, Mila Kunis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, and many more!

Beware Fake Bracelets

With the almost unprecedented popularity of the LOVE bracelet, counterfeits were almost bound to appear. As expected, the knockoffs are passed as new bargain-priced originals, which should be a clear sign of warning. Cartier LOVE bracelets shouldn’t be a bargain purchase readily available to anyone – after all, everlasting love is rare and difficult to attain, so its symbolic representation must embody those qualities as well.

However, here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we seek out genuine vintage Cartier jewelry, including the LOVE bracelet, and carefully restore it to like-new condition. What isn’t like new is the price! You can save a substantial amount by purchasing a vintage LOVE bracelet rather than a new one. And it’ll look so new that only you will know you didn’t buy it new and pay the full price! And of course, we guarantee its authenticity for your peace of mind!

With Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you can trust the reputation we have been building for the past 44 years. You can be sure you will only find genuine high-end brands in our showroom, whether vintage or new, and if we don’t happen to have a particular piece, we’ll work to find it for you. Visit us on San Diego Avenue to find your LOVE!

Important Tips About Engagement Ring Financing

by Rylee Kahan
Pear Cut Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is no small investment. In fact, besides your home and vehicle, it’s likely one of the larger purchases you’ll make. Though many people plan for such an expense, saving the exact amount you need is tricky. After all, if you’ve yet to find the ring of her dreams, how can you anticipate how much it’ll cost?

Marketing tells us that to save for an engagement ring, one should put away at least three months’ salary. But as the cost of living continues to rise, this rule has become increasingly outdated. For some, saving can seem downright impossible.

So, how does one go about finding the perfect ring without a huge wad of cash in hand? Luckily there are plenty of options for engagement ring financing. When done wisely, they can make this expense much easier to manage.

Jewelry Store Financing

Nearly every major jewelry store offers financing options. Most programs offer a period of deferred interest, giving you time to pay off the principal balance with no interest. Applying for financing from your jewelry store is generally as simple as filling out an application and waiting for a quick credit check.

Should this be the option you choose, it’s ideal to have a ring in mind before submitting your application, to avoid too many credit inquiries. And if there’s a deferred interest period, be sure to pay off your balance within that window of time to avoid being hit by the accumulating interest.

Credit Cards

Like any large purchase, you have the option to finance an engagement ring with a credit card. Though you run the rise of facing high interest rates, there are some cards that offer up to 18 months with 0% APR. These usually come with a 3%-5% fee. If you break that down, a $5,000 engagement ring could be paid off in 18 months with payments of less than $300 per month.

Making payments each month is often easier for folks to manage, which is why plenty of people opt for financing with a credit card. Not to mention, most credit card companies now offer points rewards programs that make them even more enticing to customers.

Diamond Eternity Wedding Band

Personal Loans

If you’re looking to avoid credit cards and the looming threat of high interest, personal loans are yet another option for financing an engagement ring. Though very similar to credit cards, personal loans tend to have fixed interest rates. You’ll receive the entire sum up front and can pay it back over an agreed upon length of time.

Be sure to know whether you’re applying for a secured or unsecured personal loan. A secured personal loan will require you to provide some sort of collateral, while an unsecured loan will examine your credit and financial history. Also, confirm whether there are any additional costs to you, like an initiation or annual fee.

Should Your Look Into Financing and Engagement Ring?

Still wondering whether you should finance an engagement ring? Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. Only you know the details of your personal finances, and what makes the most sense to you. Do you consider yourself financially savvy, and will remember to pay off your balance before the interest comes due? Then there’s no reason not to take advantage of engagement ring financing! When used wisely, these financing options can work to your advantage, and relieve some of the pressure that accompanies purchasing an engagement ring.

If you’re wondering where you can find engagement rings for all price ranges in San Diego, you’ve come to the perfect place! Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers offers no-interest financing with your approved credit. Applying is easy and quick. You’ll find an astonishing selection of new, antique, and vintage engagement rings for every style and budget! Surprise her with a one-of-a-kind antique or vintage engagement ring that she can wear as her very own piece of history. Or, if she has a trendier style, a glittering Hearts On Fire diamond is sure to take her breath away. No matter what you’re looking for, we can help you find it here at Leo’s!

The Perfect End of Summer Birthstone

by Rylee Kahan
Peridot Jewelry

Peridot, the birthstone for August babies, is sure to make you green with envy. A gem variety of olivine, peridot is composed primarily of two minerals: fayalite and forsterite. The presence of iron, which is rich in fayalite, is what gives peridot its signature green hue. Peridots are one of the few gemstones that occur in one consistent color. However, they can be found in shades ranging from light yellowish green to deep olive. Celebrating the August born in your life? Learn all you need to know about gorgeous green peridots here!

Is Peridot from Outer Space?

Peridot crystals have been discovered in meteorite particles left over from our solar system’s conception! Olivine traces have also been found in stardust, indicating that this gemstone can form even in the cosmos. If you’re looking for a truly otherworldly gemstone, peridot is for you!

Here on Earth, peridot is the only gemstone other than diamond that is found within the earth’s inner mantle rather than originating from the earth’s top layer crust. Peridot is commonly mined in Egypt, China, Myanmar, the Red Sea, and Mexico. In the 1990s, peridots experienced a revival of popularity when new deposits were unearthed in Pakistan.

They are mined within the U.S. as well, specifically in Arizona. The state is home to the San Carlos Reservation – the largest peridot producer in the world. However, its most ancient sources originate from St. John’s Island, also known as Zabargad Island, off the coast of Egypt. This gemstone is particularly revered in Egypt, where it is the country’s National Gem. Also, it was the ancient Egyptians who referred to peridots as “gems of the sun.” In fact, some modern historians believe that Cleopatra’s beloved emeralds may have in fact been peridots.

August Birthstone Meaning

Known to the ancient Hebrews, peridot also has biblical references and was later used by Europeans after the crusades to embellish churches and cathedrals. Ancient lore said the peridot would bring the wearer good luck, relieve anxiety, and inspire confidence. It was worn as a talisman to ward off evil spirits, night terrors, and other dark magic.

It is believed that peridots have the spiritual properties to help heal relationships during times of conflict. This is because it is thought to clear the mind and open the heart. Peridot is also known for relieving stress by helping one balance their emotions. It has often been referred to as the “evening emerald” because ancient miners would search for peridot in the evening when its color would shine as brightly as emeralds under lamplight.

Along with being the birthstone for August, peridot is also traditionally gifted for a 16th wedding anniversary. It is a magnificent gem, not only for its beauty and spiritual properties, but because it is also very affordable. If you’re looking for an alternative to an emerald, peridot might fit the bill! Some of the deeper green variations of peridot do resemble emerald.

Visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers in San Diego today to shop for the perfect peridot jewelry for your August born loved one, or maybe to celebrate 16 years of wedded bliss! Whatever occasion you’re shopping for, you’re sure to find a peridot piece they’ll love here at Leo Hamel’s!

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

by Rylee Kahan
Three Diamonds and Tweezers

There are a lot of questions to consider when it comes to buying diamonds. Amidst the questions of size, cut, or clarity, have you ever considered choosing between a lab-grown or mined diamond?

What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Mined diamonds are formed deep inside the earth’s surface. Through the combination of extreme pressure and heat applied over billions of years, they are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. Until recently, this natural phenomenon was the only way that a diamond could be created. But now technology has advanced. Scientists can duplicate this process in a highly controlled laboratory environment using specialized equipment.

Like what happens 100 miles underneath the Earth, a lab diamond is created as carbon atoms bond together to form a diamond crystal, which is then cut into a sparkly diamond. And just like Earth-made diamonds, they have unique characteristics, including carat weight, color, or clarity. The only difference between the two is their origin (the Earth versus a laboratory) and how long they take to make (billions of years versus 6-10 weeks)!

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia

Not to be confused with gemstones such as the moissanite or cubic zirconia, a lab-grown diamond is a 100% genuine diamond. The cubic zirconia is a colorless synthetic gemstone often used to mimic diamond. They are easily spotted when held underneath a light. Cubic zirconia reflects light at a lower rate, so their sparkle is just not comparable to that of a diamond. They reflect a rainbow of light as opposed to white light (a.k.a. brilliance).

The same goes for Moissanite: a laboratory-created gemstone with an entirely different genetic makeup from that of a diamond. Moissanite is known for its “disco-ball” effect as it emits a rainbow as opposed to a diamond’s white light. These two diamond substitutes have their pros and cons, but they have no connection to a diamond.

This is not the case with lab-grown diamonds. A lab-grown diamond is identical to a mined diamond in every single way. They share the same chemical composition, light refractions, hardness, and density, to name a few elements. The untrained and even trained eye can’t notice a difference – because there isn’t any!

Some rather expensive equipment is being developed to distinguish lab-grown diamonds from mined by tiny internal differences caused by their growth patterns, but most jewelers will not have this to hand. A lab-grown diamond is graded for cut, color, and clarity using the same scales as a mined diamond, and many will come with certificates. Many lab-grown diamonds will also have an inscription on the girdle that identifies them as lab-grown.

Two Diamonds and Tweezers

Purchasing Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

Given the efficiency of technology, these lab-grown diamonds reduce the cost, time, and equipment required to become the dazzling gemstones we love to wear. Mining the earth has a tremendously negative impact on the environment. Mining requires extensive machinery that erodes soil, ruins forests, and overall causes devastating ecological destruction. You can have peace of mind wearing a lab-grown diamond, knowing they don’t cause damage to the earth and are not involved with humanitarian or ethical concerns.

Since it requires less expense to grow diamonds rather than mine them from the Earth, they are more affordable. You can purchase a larger diamond of higher quality for the same price when investing in a lab-grown diamond.

As you narrow down what you are looking for when buying a diamond, consider adding lab-grown to your list. Lab-grown diamonds have the brilliant shine and sparkle that you want for your engagement ring or diamond jewelry. You can own an authentic diamond with less damage to the environment and your wallet.

You can find beautiful lab-grown and mined diamond jewelry here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. We offer a tremendous selection of dazzling diamond jewelry for every taste and budget. Whether you’re preparing to pop the question or simply want to spoil yourself, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for at Leo Hamel’s!

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