Rylee Kahan - Leo Hamel

How Does Gemstone Hardness Vary?

2024-01-232024-01-19 by Rylee Kahan

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different diamond engagement rings, but most are set with diamonds? Our customers often ask us whether they can get a specific gemstone set in their engagement ring. There’s nothing stopping you from using an emerald or an amethyst. However, they are not the most recommended gemstones by jewelers for us in an engagement ring.

If you’ve looked for an answer to this question you’ve likely come across something called the Mohs Scale of Hardness. And among the many specs and diagrams, you may have missed how this scale impacts which gemstones are the most suitable for an engagement ring. Fortunately, our experts are here to provide an answer as to why you’ll see mostly sapphire, ruby, or diamond engagement rings, while others like amethyst and aquamarine are less often used for that purpose.

What is the Mohs Scale?

Gemstones exhibit different degrees of “hardness” that range from the more fragile ones like pearls to the harder ones like diamonds. To compare the level of hardness, jewelers refer to the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The scale was first conceived by a German geologist named Friedrich Mohs back in 1812. He referred to it as the “scratchability scale.” The more resistant a gem is to being scratched, the higher its number on the list.

The highest-ranking gemstone on the list is diamond, ranking at number 10. This means that nothing can scratch it – except another diamond. On the other hand, the lowest entry on the list is talc. As you might have guessed, any other mineral on the list is able to scratch it. Similarly, a topaz ranking at a number 8 can scratch a quartz ranked number 7, but not vice versa.

Now, pay close attention to this part. The Mohs scale is an ordinal one, which means that even though the gemstones are linearly listed according to their hardness, the differences between these levels vary widely. For example, the list-topping diamond at number 10 is four times harder than corundum (rubies, sapphires) ranking at number 9. However, corundum is only two times harder than topaz that is ranked number 8. It’s generally recommended that gemstones used in rings that will be worn daily are at least a 7 on the Mohs scale since our hands are more likely to suffer impacts as we go through our busy days.

Hardness vs. Toughness & Stability

The hardness is only one of the factors that jewelers consider when recommending the gemstone for your unique engagement ring. Every gemstone has different properties and varying tolerances to environmental factors. When choosing which gemstone to use in engagement rings, experts look at three factors: hardness, toughness, and durability. We’ve already covered what hardness means for gemstones used in rings, so let’s talk a bit about toughness.

Toughness is determined by the strength of the atomic bonds of a particular gemstone and the way these bonds are formed. The toughness scale measures how much work is required to separate two surfaces along a specific crystallographic plane. This means that there are certain angles along which the uber-hard diamond is more vulnerable to breaking, and a solid blow along these angles can fracture it.

That’s why diamonds with thin girdles or exposed culets may be vulnerable to chipping or breaking. Therefore, diamond is not rated as the toughest gemstone; actually, jadeite jade is by far the toughest gemstone, extremely difficult to crack or break. Finally, gem stability determines how resistant the mineral is to outside factors such as temperature, chemicals, light, and humidity. So again, even though diamonds top the Mohs scale, they can be vulnerable to sudden or extreme temperature changes.

Gems like iolite, opal, or kunzite are also vulnerable to this “thermal shock,” as jewelers refer to it. Other gemstones are prone to damage due to different levels of humidity. While opals can crack due to low humidity, other gemstones like azurite can be damaged if exposed to water. Similarly, some gems like amethyst or topaz can lose color if exposed to intense light for long periods of time. Finally, some common chemicals can damage other gems: pearls can get damaged if exposed to something as mild as perfume.

How Do You Pick the Perfect Ring?

Knowing all these facts you now realize why it’s recommended to choose a durable gemstone for your engagement ring. It’s generally suggested that gemstones used in rings that will be worn daily are at least a 7 on the Mohs scale, since our hands are more likely to suffer impacts as we go through our busy days. And the higher on the scale, the better the gemstone will hold up over time. Therefore, jewelers don’t recommend using gems like amethyst or emerald in engagement rings, as these minerals can be more vulnerable to damage.

But don’t despair – if you adore a less durable gemstone, you can still have it set in your engagement ring! The expert jewelers at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers can help you choose a setting that will offer your gemstone as much protection as possible. You’ll just want to be more careful when wearing it, take extra care when cleaning and storing it, as well as remove it for swimming or hot tubbing.

What Are Watch Jewels?

2024-01-192024-01-19 by Rylee Kahan

Many famous watch brands will point out that their watch movements are made with a number of “jewels,” anywhere from 17 to 27 (or even more). That sounds impressive, but have you ever wondered why they are there in the first place? Any why you can’t usually see them like you can gemstones that decorate the exterior of the watch?

The short answer is that they are a functional part of the watch movement, rather than a decoration. To delve into a bit more detail, read the following article. To find the best place for watch repair in San Diego, look no further than Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers.

Where Are All These Jewels?

As mentioned before, these jewels aren’t a decoration, so they can’t be seen on the dial of the watch. They are embedded into the mechanism itself. Some high-end watches have a transparent dial or case back so that the mechanism can be observed. In these kinds of watches, the movement’s jewels can be seen. In most cases, the bearings are made of gemstones, but it is quite common that other parts of the watch mechanism are crafted from gems as well.

Why Are They There?

In any mechanism, metal parts interact with each other to create friction. Depending on the material, over time this friction causes wear and eventually, breakage. In order to prevent this from happening, or at least to prolong the durability of the parts, watchmakers needed to design the meeting points of these parts out of something harder than the metal they are made of. Since certain gemstones are very hard, they were selected for the task. Their relative hardness also means that they are more resistant to heat and other external factors, adding to the accuracy of the watches themselves.

Which Gems Are Used?

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness indicates the relative hardness of various minerals/gemstones. Only gemstones with the hardness of 9+ on the scale are acceptable for use in watch mechanisms since they are harder and more durable than the metal parts. The gemstones that fit that bill are diamond and corundum (ruby and sapphire). Initially, in the early 18^th century, natural gemstones were used. Nowadays, though, synthetic gemstones are commonly used, chiefly synthetic sapphire or rubies, and they are mass-produced specifically for the watch industry.

Why Does the Number of Jewels Vary?

Different types of watches require a different number of jewels. Typically, the simplest jeweled watch requires 17 jewels. As more complicated functions and parts are added, more jewels are needed, up to 27. In the early days, it was relatively complicated to shape the gemstones and fit them into the small and intricate watch mechanisms, so as few jewels as necessary were used to prolong the life of the movement.

And as the watches got more complicated, they required more gemstones to cushion the additional moving parts. This gave rise to the commonly held belief that more jewels meant a better watch. In response, some watch companies started adding jewels where no jewels were needed, just to increase the jewel count, and watch movements set with as many as 100 jewels were created.

Apart from high-end watches, many other sensitive measuring devices require jeweled bearings, as their resistance to heat, corrosion, and low friction is invaluable for the accuracy of measurement. Such devices include galvanometers, compasses, and gyroscopes.

San Diego Watch Repair

In our modern society, a jeweled watch can be a status symbol rather than a necessary tool. The right watch can speak louder than words about the style and status of the wearer. And even though jeweled watches are much more durable, they aren’t impervious to breakdowns. Fine automatic watches should be serviced every 3 to 5 years to avoid unnecessary wear and loss of accuracy.

If you are looking for watch repair in the San Diego area, look no further than Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. The Master Watchmaker of Leo Hamel’s repair shop has over 35 years of experience repairing fine watches. You can be sure that your bejeweled timepiece is in safe hands.

Gold is Up – Sell Now!

2024-01-162024-01-18 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.

What Makes a Black Diamond?

2024-01-122024-01-13 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!

Garnet Jewelry for January

2024-01-092024-01-13 by Rylee Kahan

Start 2024 off with a symbol of commitment, friendship, and positive energy with the garnet gemstone.

The six families of garnets are silicate materials of different chemical composition, although they retain a similar physical appearance. Garnets range in hardness from a 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale (1 being softest and 10 being hardest). This makes them suitable for daily wear in rings and other jewelry pieces.

Traditionally associated with a deep red hue, garnets occur in almost every color including orange, purple, brown, and black, with the rarest being a brilliant green. These enchanting pigments are left untreated, and a garnet’s color is always natural.

Particularly favored back in the Roman Empire and used in Victorian jewelry, garnets were believed to stimulate business success and symbolize trust and friendship. The name derives from the Greek word “granatum,” meaning pomegranate seeds, because of its reflective shape and color.

Popularly identified as January’s birthstone, garnets are also gifted for the 2^nd and 19^th wedding anniversary. Show your January baby a commitment that will last the whole year ahead with a breathtaking piece of vintage garnet jewelry in our San Diego showroom!

How Does Vintage Jewelry Differ From New Jewelry?

2024-01-052024-01-05 by Rylee Kahan

The term “vintage” means different things to many people. For Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, it opens up an entirely different realm of choices for our customers. The way we use it, “vintage” simply means a piece of jewelry that was previously owned. Diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals are already millions of years old. Because of this, the distinction between “new” and “used” is more easily blurred in jewelry than other industries.

“Vintage” includes pieces ranging in age from those crafted centuries ago to those just born yesterday. Some pieces are from renowned designers such as Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Cartier, while others are irreplaceable treasures.

Drawing on decades of experience and technical knowledge, our expert jewelers scrutinize each piece. This ensures that it is authentic, made with genuine materials, and of top quality. Any pieces that do not pass their rigorous inspection are passed on to wholesaler. Those pieces that are deemed worthy of our standards and yours are reconditioned to look their absolute best. Our master jewelers skillfully retouch, refinish, and refurbish them so well that you’d swear they were just made yesterday!

There’s no difference in quality between our vintage and new jewelry – one of the best reasons to invest in vintage pieces! In fact, buying vintage gives you a much larger variety to choose from. You’re not limited to what manufacturers have decided to offer this season. Pre-owned jewelry is more distinctive than brand new pieces. And, when you wear something that people find fascinating or exceptional, it draws a lot of attention!

What Kind of Vintage Jewelry is There?

Antique jewelry from specific time periods – such as the Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Retro, Edwardian, and Victorian eras – frequently boasts extraordinary attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that mass-produced items will never have. Whether they are true antiques or more recently minted treasures, a skilled maker uses high-quality materials. They create vintage pieces that will very likely continue to appreciate over time.

When you buy vintage jewelry, you’re not only investing in unsurpassed quality and fantastic originality; you’re getting unbeatable value. Because our jewelers do all reconditioning in-house, we cut out the mark-up, so you get more for less. Our pieces have the same integrity and appearance as brand-new items without the daunting price tag. It’s even easier to afford the designer and luxurious style that you deserve. You get the same prestige at a different price!

Whether you like to splurge frequently on treats for celebratory events or a job well done, or periodically make more considered investments, buying vintage jewelry from Leo’s is a reliable, respected, eco-friendly way to make your dollars work harder. Let our vintage jewelry enrich your life with more style, sophistication, and a piece of history. And as always, we have a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re ever less than completely satisfied!

Top 10 Luxury Watch Brands

2023-12-292024-03-20 by Rylee Kahan

The art of watchmaking is one that dates back centuries, a tangible representation of mankind’s persistent fascination with time. Horologists of the past were praised for their skill and ingenuity. They were awarded at world fairs and exhibitions for their endless innovations. Several pioneers of watchmaking also founded some of the most famous luxury watch brands. Many of which you might recognize. These watch brands are known for manufacturing timepieces of superior quality, featuring several impressive complications to aid with any task.

If you’re in the market for a new high-end watch, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the many options. Each watch brand is known for something different. Whether you prefer Vacheron Constantin or TAG Heuer – find the best watch for your taste and budget without the headache. We’ve compiled a list of the top luxury watch brands in the world. Read more to discover their unique histories and learn about their contributions to the science of timekeeping.

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe was founded in 1851 as a partnership between two watchmakers, Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe. Philippe was known for inventing a keyless winding mechanism, an early prototype of what we recognize as a winding stem. Patek Philippe has crafted timepieces of the highest quality, blending traditional style with sophisticated gears and gadgetry. One example of the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship is the Sky Moon Tourbillon, which features several watch complications. These include a perpetual calendar, retrograde chart, sky chart, moon phases, and an enchanting night sky on the case back.

Such elaborately detailed designs have come to define Patek Philippe, elevating the brand to icon status. Patek Phillipe watches are known to turn record profits at auction houses. In fact, the brand’s Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 model is the most expensive watch ever sold at auction – a record $31.19 million. Patek Philippe is considered the finest watch brand in the world, and with their history, it’s easy to see why.

Audemars Piguet

Lifelong friends Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet got their start in 1875, originally creating precise watch movements for upscale brands like Tiffany & Co. Before long, the duo began designing their own complete timepieces for sale. Considered a champion of the industry, Audemars Piguet designed the world’s first minute repeater wristwatch in 1882. They also produced the first steel luxury sports watch, known as the Royal Oak.

These are just two examples of how the brand has revolutionized watchmaking, but their list of accolades goes on and on. Today, the Royal Oak is still considered one of Audemars Piguet’s most notable watch models, setting the standard for luxury sports watches. Prior to the Royal Oaks’ unveiling in 1972, sports watches were less than luxurious, designed strictly with utility in mind. And would you believe, this iconic watch model was designed in just 24 hours by watch stylist Gérald Genta. Audemars Piguet is so legendary, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari still use their movements in many of their watch models today.

Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest Swiss luxury watch brands in the world, remaining in continuous operation since its founding in 1755. It’s not just their expansive history that sets them apart from other Swiss watchmakers. Their timepieces are known for being remarkably elaborate, featuring details like engraving, enameling, guilloche, and gem-setting. A Vacheron Constantin watch is truly a work of art, both inside and out. They’ve contributed immensely to the advancement of horological science, achieving many firsts over the centuries.

Vacheron Constantin set a record in 2015, creating the most complicated mechanical watch in the world. The Reference 57260 boasts an impressive 57 complications. Their record of designing timepieces with breathtaking beauty and exceptional accuracy falls perfectly in line with their motto – “Do better if possible and that is always possible.” Famous Vacheron Constantin wearers have included Harry S. Truman, Napoleon Bonaparte, and King Farouk of Egypt, to name a few.

Rolex

Rolex is arguably the most recognized luxury watch brand in the world and is certainly the most coveted. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, it didn’t take long for Rolex to become one of the most revered watch manufacturers. Their long list of innovations includes the first waterproof wristwatch (Rolex Oyster), the first watch with an automatically changing date (Rolex Datejust), and the first with and automatically changing day and date (Rolex Day-Date). These exceptional timepieces are the epitome of quality watchmaking, carefully crafted using superior methods and materials.

Rolex watches are as stylish as they are useful, the ideal marriage of form and function for watch enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Made to withstand the perils of deep-sea diving, mountain climbing, and even arctic exploration, a Rolex watch is as much a tool as it is an accessory. In fact, the first wristwatch to ever reach the peak of Mount Everest was an early prototype of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer. With such a longstanding legacy, it’s now wonder Rolex has had its fair share of famous fans including Dwight Eisenhower, James Cameron, Eric Clapton, and many more.

Omega

Originally founded in 1848 as the La Generate Watch Co., OMEGA trails closely behind Rolex as one of the most highly recognized Swiss watch brands in history. OMEGA watches are highly regarded as some of the most precise and efficient in the industry. They’ve played a significant role in history, and in cinema.

OMEGA was named the official watch of Britain’s Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and the United States Army in 1918. In 1932, they became the official timekeepers of the Olympic games, a partnership that remains to this day. OMEGA even had its watches flight qualified for NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, and in 1969, OMEGA made history by becoming the first watch to ever be worn on the moon.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore his OMEGA Speedmaster as he explored the moon’s surface, a fact which would help elevate the brand to a whole new level of success and prestige. In addition to the long list of achievements, OMEGA is probably best known for adorning the wrist of everyone’s favorite secret agent, James Bond.

Cartier

In 1904, Louis Cartier created his first wristwatch, the Cartier Santos. Inspired by his friend, Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont, Cartier designed what would later be recognized as the first pilot’s watch. This was truly cutting-edge, as pilots were previously relying on pocket watches which were cumbersome and dangerous to fidget with while manning an aircraft. This was just an early taste of Cartier’s extraordinary watchmaking history. Other noteworthy achievements include the Cartier Tank and the Ballon Bleu de Cartier. Both of which were best-sellers for the illustrious jeweler and watchmaker.

In fact, the Ballon Bleu was the first watch model to include movements designed by Cartier. Prior to this, Cartier purchased its movements from the best of the best – Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex, among others. While many luxury watch brands may stand out on the wrist, a Cartier watch looks a bit more refined. Most of their watch models feature roman numeral hour makers, giving them an esteemed look that also acknowledges the brand’s Parisian roots. A quick look at a Cartier watch and it’s easy to see why the brand has such celebrity appeal. Not only are they splendid and elegant, but they’re also a hallmark of Cartier’s grand cultural legacy.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Established in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre, a self-taught watchmaker and inventor, Jaeger-LeCoultre is an acclaimed Swiss watch manufacturer. The brand is one of the single greatest contributors to the advancement of watch technology.

They’ve produced more than 1,000 calibers and hold over 400 patents for hundreds of various inventions. One such invention is the Calibre 101, the world’s smallest watch movement, developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1925.

Prior to his invention, women’s watches were too small to function precisely. The Calibre 101 led to the design of the first luxury watch for women that was stylish and reliable, the Duoplan.

Their expertise is so highly regarded, they’ve even supplied movements to watchmakers like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. Jaeger-LeCoultre has long dedicated themselves to the art of watchmaking, a fact which is evident from their highly sophisticated, elegant timepieces.

IWC Schaffhausen

The International Watch Company was founded by an American watchmaker, Florentine Ariosto Jones, in 1868. Jones brought his skills and expertise to Switzerland – the horology capital of the world – and established his headquarters in Schaffhausen. IWC is best known for their dive and pilot watches, precisely engineered in accordance with the highest industry standards. In 1936, as the field of aviation was rapidly expanding, IWC Schaffhausen released their first pilot’s watch, and early mockup of the famed Big Pilot’s watch.

The brand was even commissioned by the British Royal Air Force to develop a service watch for its pilots, the IWC Mark 11. IWC has a unique system of record keeping that they established in 1885. They keep a meticulous catalog of every watch they’ve ever made dating all the way back to 1868. As if that weren’t impressive enough – IWC Schaffhausen has recently dedicated itself to increasing their production standards as a means of addressing growing environmental concerns.

TAG Heuer

Originally established as Heuer Watchmaking Inc. in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, TAG Heuer has made a name for itself as an innovator in sports timing, specifically in race car driving. In 1916, the watchmaker launched the Mikrograph, a mechanical stopwatch that could measure 1/100^th of a second. It was the first of its kind and transformed the business of sports timekeeping. Today, the brand is still heavily associated with the auto racing industry.

Besides its long list of partnerships with racing organizations, some of TAG Heuer’s most well-known watch models are named after famous racing events like the Formula One, Carrera, and Monaco collections. Actor Steve McQueen famously wore a blue TAG Heuer Monaco in the 1971 film Le Mans, cementing the watch’s iconic status. Besides manufacturing wristwatches, TAG Heuer also produces timepieces that can be mounted to the dashboards of automobiles, boats, and aircraft.

Panerai

Panerai is the only watch brand on this list that is based out of Italy rather than Switzerland. Giovanni Panerai founded his company in Florence, Italy in 1860. Shortly after his founding, Panerai began supplying the Royal Italian Navy with watches and other precision dive instruments. The watchmaker had patented a luminous powder called radiomir which could be used to illuminate a watch dial. They paired this radiomir paint with large, Arabic numerals to ensure ideal visibility underwater.

This simple, yet bold design has become a signature style for Panerai. Besides being known for their ultra-sophisticated dive watches, Panerai has made a name for itself as a luxury watchmaker. In the past two decades, the brand has released reimagined versions of famous models like the Luminor and the Mare Nostrom. In 2001, Panerai re-opened its original boutique located in Florence’s historic Piazza San Giovanni. The brand has exclusive, special edition models that are only available for sale at this flagship location, a definite stop for watch enthusiasts traveling to Florence.

Luxury Watches in San Diego

Wondering where you can find fine watches in San Diego? Stop wasting time on the web and come to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers instead! We offer an extraordinary selection of new and pre-owned luxury watches, from these renowned watch brands, and more. A finely crafted timepiece is well worth the price, a treasure to cherish for a lifetime and then some. What’re you waiting for? Visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers today, and discover the luxury watch that’s been calling your name!

Tips for Taking Care of Fine Jewelry

2023-12-262023-12-20 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

2023-12-222023-12-20 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!