diamonds - Leo Hamel

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!

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!

Why Do the 4Cs of a Diamond Matter?

2023-11-072023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, knowing and understanding the “4C’s” of a diamond can certainly come in handy. Considered the universal method of evaluating a diamond, the 4C’s can help both consumers and professionals determine qualities and classifications of a diamond that differentiates it from the rest. Standing for cut, clarity, color, and carat, these four characteristics are used to help measure the quality and determine the value of a diamond.

Cut

The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining the beauty and value of a diamond and has the most significant effect on its overall look. When a diamond has an “ideal cut” the light reflected from the diamond is unobstructed and maximizes the brilliance, scintillation, and sparkle of the diamond. Often confused with shape, different types of diamond cuts include round brilliant, princess, pear, old European, marquise and more.

Clarity

Clarity grades are used to describe internal imperfections of a diamond called “inclusions” and external imperfections called “blemishes.” Both blemishes and inclusions can diminish the light as it passes through your diamond and some can even be seen with the naked eye, appearing as dark specks, white feathers, or “cracks” in the stone. The clarity of a diamond is measured on a scale ranging from F (Flawless) to I (Included).

Color

The most valuable white diamonds have no color at all. Most diamonds have some tint of yellow or brown in the body of the stone and generally the more color, the lower the value (fancy-colored diamonds are the exception, such as intense fancy yellow). The color grade of a diamond is based on a scale ranging from colorless (D) to deeply colored diamonds (Z).

Carat

The carat weight of a diamond is often categorized as size, but it’s the weight of the stone. One carat is divided into 100 points (like a dollar is divided into 100 pennies) so a diamond weight half a carat if 50 points, written “0.50ct.” The larger the carat the rarer the diamond, and rarity drives price. An average of 250 tons of ore must be mined to produce a 1 carat gem quality polished diamond.

Certificate

Often referred to as the 5^th C, the diamond certificate is your guarantee that a diamond’s 4C’s have been confirmed by a reputable laboratory. Since anyone can print an invalid certificate and offer their opinion on the grade of a diamond, it’s important that the certificate comes from a well-known independent laboratory. The best independent laboratories are the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and AGS (American Gem Society).

Buying a diamond engagement ring or any diamond jewelry can be a stressful experience. At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, our expert sales associates, will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision and feel confident about your purchase. After 43 years of helping our customers invest in the best quality diamonds, we are experts on the 4C’s!

Classic & Timeless Jewelry That Will Round Out Your Wardrobe

2023-10-242023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

There’s no better way to dress up an outfit than with the right accessories. Whether getting dolled up for a night out, a vacation, or even just the office – there are some classic jewelry staples every woman should have in her closet. Just like your favorite little black dress, the right accessory will make you feel confident and elegant. But how do you know which jewelry pieces are a must-have? Not to fear, we’ve compiled a list for you!

Diamond Studs

A simple diamond stud is one of the most versatile jewelry items a woman can own. For a more understated look, pair studs with a casual outfit such as a V-neck tee and jeans. Or wear them with a blouse and heels for something a little dressier. No matter the outfit, diamond studs make a great addition, providing the perfect touch of sparkle.

Long Chain Necklace

Whether you prefer white metals or gold, a long chain necklace should be a piece in every woman’s wardrobe. Long chains can be layered together or worn alone, depending on the look you wish to achieve. Tops with high necklines can be paired with a long chain for an added touch of sophistication.

Cartier Tank Watch

This watch has been worn by the likes of Fred Astaire, Princess Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy, and many others since its release in 1917. Perfect for transitioning from day to evening, this timepiece can be worn with almost anything. Though there are various models of this watch, that which is most frequently photographed on celebrities is the Tank Française.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. If you’re looking for something to really sparkle, opt for diamond hoops for a perfectly polished ensemble. Whether you enjoy a pair of mini hoops for everyday wear, or you’re looking for a statement piece for a night out – hoops are a great option to have in your jewelry box.

Pearls

Pearls are timeless and have been a symbol of elegance and luxury for decades. Pearl accessories are perfect to wear for job interviews, weddings, anniversaries, or any other occasion that requires you to be a little dressier. Invest in a strand of pearls or a pair of sophisticated pearl earrings. They’re sure to enhance any outfit.

Tennis Bracelet

Set with diamonds that encircle your wrist, tennis bracelets are great for adding a touch of bling to your wardrobe. These bracelets are flexible, making them comfortable and easy to wear every day. Because tennis bracelets fit more loosely than other styles, they can be worn casually or formally, depending on the occasion.

Pendant Necklace

Like diamond studs, a pendant necklace is essential for every woman to have in her classic jewelry collection. Nothing is more beautiful than a delicate pendant resting on a fine chain. Whether it’s a monogram, religious symbol, or even a simple shape – pendants come in a variety of styles that can be personalized to your tastes and interests.

Cocktail Ring

Popularized in the 1920’s, cocktail rings are great for spicing up your wardrobe. They usually feature a large gemstone as their centerpiece, to immediately catch the eye. Though not practical for everyday wear, a cocktail ring will surely compliment your favorite dress and heels – any may even be a conversation piece. One thing to remember when choosing a cocktail ring: the flashier, the better!

Chandelier Earrings

Looking for the ideal accessory to wear with an elegant up-do? Then you’ll love a dazzling pair of chandelier earrings. Usually fashioned with gemstones or intricate metal designs, chandelier earrings are sure to make you stand out. Because of the variety of shapes and styles, the right chandelier earring can enhance the shape of your face. For example, those with round faces should opt for a long, slender pair that will elongate the face and make it appear thinner.

Stacking Rings

Stackable rings are one of the best accessories for personalization. There are no limits to how many rings you can wear at one time, nor are there rules about mixing metals. Depending on your outfit, you can easily adjust your ring stack to match by adding or removing items as necessary. The best part? Designing a ring stack gives you an excuse to shop for more one-of-a-kind items to expand your collection!

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we offer a selection of these jewelry essentials and more! Whether you’re an avid collector, or are just beginning to invest in fine jewelry, there is something for you here at Leo Hamel’s. Find superb treasures such as a vintage pearl necklace, the perfect size diamond studs, or any of these other classic jewelry staples.

A Diamond’s Journey to Fine Jewelry

2023-10-202023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

Have you ever wondered how diamonds are formed and what the mining process looks like? Diamonds have a long way to go, starting with their formation in the Earth, mining, and cutting to reaching diamond wholesale brokers and jewelry stores in San Diego or elsewhere. Read on to find out how diamonds travel from beneath the ground to your jewelry box.

How Diamonds Are Formed

For a diamond to form in the ground, extreme temperatures and pressure are necessary. More specifically, the temperature has to be between 1700 and 2400 degrees Fahrenheit, while the pressure has to be between 650k and 870k pounds per square inch. This critical environment is necessary not only for diamond formation but also diamond stability. According to geologists, commercial diamond deposits contain diamonds that are formed in the Earth’s mantle, 90-120 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. Once formed, these diamonds are believed to be brought to the surface by deep-source volcanic eruptions. Diamond prospectors are on the lookout for kimberlite and lamproite pipes formed during these eruptions.

Main Diamond Miners and Producers

Originally, the majority of the world’s diamonds came from South Africa, India, Brazil, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Congo. Nowadays, the majority of mines are located in Russia and Botswana. The biggest diamond miners of today are De Beers, ALROSA, Rio Tinto Diamonds, Debswana Diamond Company Ltd., and Dominion Diamond Corporation. Around 50% of all diamonds are mined either directly from the ground, the mines or kimberlite and lamproite pipes, while around 48% is mined from riverbanks and other marine environments. Miners have to sift 200-250 tons of Earth on average to mine 1 carat of diamonds.

Sorting the Diamonds

When they are mined, diamonds are far from polished jewelry-grade gemstones; instead, they are still in their crystal form. Before they are sold, they have to be sorted. The majority of diamonds are sorted by DeBeers (around 45%), whereas the rest are sorted in Mumbai, Antwerp, and Johannesburg. There are three categories into which a rough diamond can be sorted.

Gem-Quality Diamonds

Around 20% of mined diamonds are sorted into the gem-quality category. These are composed of at least 99.95% carbon. As the name suggests, they are used for jewelry making. They are valued for their color and clarity, whereas shape is not so relevant at this point.

Industrial-Quality Diamonds

Around 80% of the world’s mined diamonds fall under this category. They are mostly yellow in color as yellow diamonds are the hardest diamonds. Industrial diamonds can be classified either according to their carat weight or the number of points. They are used in the automotive, aviation, and marine industries for making tools for drilling or as abrasives.

Other Diamonds

Diamonds that are not sorted into the gem or industrial categories appear in very small percentages. They are typically crushed and later used as diamond dust for diamonds polishing.

Diamond Cutting and Grading

After they are sorted, gem-quality diamonds are cut into the desired shape. Cut is the most important feature of a diamond, so this process is extremely important. Most diamonds are cut in Belgium, Israel, India, South Africa, Russia, and Canada. The cutting process can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, with some large diamonds event taking years to cut. For example, the Pink Star diamond, the largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid pink diamond ever graded by GIA, took two years of cutting and polishing to be honed into the desired oval shape.

Reaching the Consumer

Once the diamonds are cut and polished, they are ready to be sold to the manufacturers, dealers, retailers, or collectors. At this stage, gem-quality diamonds are ready to be set into jewelry. On average, it takes around 5 months for a diamond to reach the consumer after it has been sorted.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers offers premier-quality diamond jewelry, most notably exquisite new and vintage diamond engagement rings. Stop by our luxurious showroom on San Diego Avenue and check out our collection of dazzling diamond jewelry!

What Makes Colored Diamond Jewelry So Unique?

2023-10-172023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

Diamonds come in as many hues and intensities as nature can possibly create. The most common diamond is the white, or colorless, diamond. However, this “white” color ranges from completely colorless to actually showing a light tint throughout the body of the diamond. The light coloring is most commonly shades or yellow, and sometimes shades of brown.

These color distinctions are very subtle and are often indistinguishable to the untrained eye, but they can make a big difference in diamond quality and price. Diamond color is graded on a scale from D to Z, from absolutely no hint of color to a visible tint of color throughout the body of the stone. Diamonds graded from D to F are considered colorless; G to J is considered near colorless; K to M is faint color; N to R is very light color; and S to Z is light color. The less color in the diamond, the whiter the diamond appears.

The further down the scale (from N to Z), the more yellow or brown the diamond appears. Diamonds actually occur in all shades of the rainbow, not just white. Naturally colored diamonds include brown, red, pink, gray, blue, green, violet, purple, orange, yellow, and black. When yellow and brown diamonds are an intensely saturated color, they are referred to as “fancy” colored diamonds and are most valuable.

Colored diamonds are created in the same fashion as colorless diamonds, but more chemistry is involved. When foreign materials other than carbon are present during a diamond’s crystallization process, it alters the chemical development, thus changing the color of the diamond. The result is a beautiful, naturally colored diamond.

How Do Diamonds Get Their Natural Color?

When different trace minerals and elements are trapped during the crystallization process the result is the creation of different hues.

Brown, Red, and Pink Diamonds

While still buried deep within the Earth’s core, intense pressure and heat causes distortions in the crystal lattice during the diamond’s voyage to the surface. This change in the electron structure absorbs green light, which reflects a pinkish hue and produces brown, red, and pink diamonds.

Gray and Blue Diamonds

When boron is present during the chemical process it bonds to the carbon in the crystal structure. This bonding causes the absorption of red, yellow, and green areas of the color spectrum and reflects a bluish/grayish color.

Green Diamonds

Right before a diamond is about to burst through the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust, it absorbs naturally occurring radiation. This radiation absorbs red and yellow light, which creates a green reflection.

Violet and Purple Diamonds

There are a few different theories about how these diamonds get their color. The cause of color is due to a type of crystal distortion; however, it is also believed the presence of hydrogen is a key factor.

Orange and Yellow Diamonds

Orange and yellow hues are attributed to one specific element – nitrogen. Nitrogen atoms will bond in such a way that blue light is absorbed, producing a yellow reflection. The absorption of both blue and yellow spectrums results in an orange reflection.

Black Diamonds

Contrary to all the above colors, a black diamond’s color is not related to trace elements. Small inclusions of graphite and iron clusters create this color, making the diamond appear opaque.

Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we have a vast array of loose and mounted diamonds to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the traditional “white” diamond or a unique, natural color, stop by our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue to find your favorite diamond. Our expert salespeople will guide you to make the very best decision for your needs.

How Are Diamonds Cut?

2023-07-182023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

Looking at a Hearts On Fire Dream diamond, you may wonder how it is possible to extract such a magnificently cut object from a rough crystal? If the diamond is supposed to be the hardest substance known to man, how do they cut it in the first place?

It generally takes another diamond to cut a diamond, since they are equal in hardness, although in modern times, lasers are used in some stages of shaping finished gemstones out of rough crystals. Diamond cutting is a slow and meticulous process that requires superior skill, mastery, and equipment to get first-class results. Here are some of the steps.

Cleaving or Sawing

A rough crystal is carefully inspected to determine if it’s fit to be cut into gemstones. What is also determined is the number and shape of gemstones it can yield while minimizing waste. The crystal is then separated into smaller parts which can be further processed. This can be achieved with a precise blow of a specialized hammer (cleaving). However, as this technique can result in inaccurate splitting, it has generally been surpassed with other equipment. Rough crystals can now be cut into individual pieces with a laser or a diamond saw. Each piece will become a finished gemstone.

Cutting

To give the cleaved diamond pieces a more concrete shape, a diamond saw is used. The saw is covered in linseed oil and diamond dust. The oil serves as an adhesive for the dust, and it also gathers more dust in the process of cutting. This step gets the diamond closer to the desired measurements.

Bruting/Grinding

This step gives the diamond the desired shape in a crude form. For example, a round, pear, princess, or marquise cut, etc. The diamond is often put into a specialized lathe and cut against another rotating diamond. Lasers and diamond disks are also utilized.

Faceting

It is this, almost final, step that gives the diamonds the look and allure we know. It is the number and symmetry of facets relative to the overall shape of the diamond that dictates how much light the final product will reflect. Facets are created with equipment and methods like the second step – either with a laser or a blade covered in linseed oil and diamond dust. The final stage involves a thorough cleaning of the diamond in acids.

Grading

The quality of a diamond is described using the 4Cs – carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. The relative quality of each diamond establishes its market value as compared to other diamonds, generally based on relative rarity. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established a standard grading scale with which to identify each of the 4Cs of diamonds. Some jewelers send their diamonds to the GIA to get a grading report that lists the 4Cs of a diamond. You should always avoid buying a significant diamond without a grading report from the GIA, as without that objective report, the quality of that diamond could be unintentionally (or intentionally) misrepresented and sold for a higher price than the quality would justify.

Hearts On Fire Dream Diamond

Hearts On Fire already boasts the title of The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond®. The HOF Dream diamond is a fancy-shaped diamond, which simply means it’s not a traditional round cut. It’s sometimes difficult to achieve fancy cuts that have the brilliance and fire of a round brilliant cut. However, the HOF Dream diamond has 70 facets and reflects around 93% of light, which is the highest level of reflection achieved in fancy diamond shapes.

What generally sets all Hearts On Fire diamonds apart are these three facts:

They are uncompromising in their choice of rough diamonds. Only 0.1% of the world’s rough diamonds are selected by HOF to be processed into faceted and polished gemstones.
Their diamonds are cut only by a handful of master diamond cutters around the world, using only cutting-edge anti-vibration technology.
Their diamonds are cut under a 100x magnification, which is ten times higher than industry standard of 10x magnification, thus ensuring a much more precise faceting and maximizing each diamond’s brilliance and fire.

Would you like to browse the largest new and vintage Hearts On Fire jewelry collection in San Diego? Stop by our luxurious showroom on San Diego Avenue and see the difference for yourself. We also offer you exquisite choices in designer jewelry, as well as new, antique, and vintage jewelry!

What’s So Special About Colored Diamonds?

2023-07-142023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

You might wonder why diamonds come in different colors, and what makes them so expensive. The mineral diamond is a pure form of the element carbon. The appearance of color in a diamond is caused by either trace elements or internal distortions that are included in the crystal as it forms. Although most faceted (cut) diamonds appear to be white, many diamonds that are mined are actually a faint shade of yellow.

Diamond color is graded on a scale from D to Z. Diamonds with a color grade of D, E, or F are considered colorless. Grades G-J are near colorless. Diamonds that fall in the K-M color grade range have a faint yellow tint. The N-R range has a very light-yellow tint, and the S-Z range is light yellow.

Diamonds can occur in almost any color of the rainbow, but fancy color diamonds are much rarer than white diamonds. Their color intensity is graded from Faint at the lower end to Fancy Vivid at the high end.

Yellow diamonds are one of the most popular fancy colored diamonds, and their color is caused by the trace element nitrogen. Because of the way diamonds form, it’s rare for a diamond not to contain any nitrogen at all; hence the rarity of truly colorless diamonds. On the flip side, a deep saturation of nitrogen creating a “canary” bright yellow color is also rare.

Brown diamonds are the most commonly occurring fancy-colored diamonds. Brown is caused by internal graining, a distortion in the diamond’s crystal structure. This same kind of distortion is also responsible for creating pink and red diamonds. Red and blue are the rarest colors of diamonds. Less than 20 diamonds have so far been certified as red diamond and only 20-30 have ever been mined. Blue diamonds are colored with the trace element boron.

Fancy white diamonds are caused by the scattering of light by thousands of microscopic pinpoint inclusions and have an opalescent look that sets them apart from typical white diamonds.

Black diamonds are actually so heavily included with black crystal that they appear to be solid in color. Irradiation is often used to make the black color look solid; a natural black diamond will have a salt and pepper look under magnification.

An oddity in the fancy-colored world is called the Chameleon diamond. These are typically olive green and can temporarily change color to greenish-yellow when exposed to heat or kept in darkness then exposed to light.

With the advent of the lab-grown diamond, owning a fancy colored diamond has become much more affordable. Even the treasured red, blue, and pink colors are available in lab-grown diamonds.

Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we have a vast array of loose and mounted diamonds from which to choose. Whether you’re looking for the traditional “white” diamond, a fancy colored mined diamond, or a fancy colored lab-grown diamond, stop by our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue to find your favorite colored diamond. Our expert and friendly sales team will always guide you to make the best choice that fits your needs.

Best San Diego Spots for a Summer Proposal

2023-04-272023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

Ready to make it official? As summer approaches, so does a popular season for engagements. San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and cityscapes. There are endless locations to stage your magical moment. Here a few San Diego locations that you should consider when popping the big question.

Balboa Park

A well-known jewel in the crown of San Diego, Balboa Park hosts an abundance of areas to propose. While it does attract many visitors, the park is large enough to find an intimate spot. The historic landmark has breathtaking architecture, scenic backgrounds, and lush greenery. The Japanese Friendship Garden or Lily Pond are both tranquil settings. Its rich history and beautiful grounds make it a memorable place to profess your love.

Glider Port

Part of Torrey-Pines Park, Glider Port boasts a beautiful view of the ocean and sky. Glider Port is a popular hand gliding location, so your proposal backdrop includes a colorful array of hang gliders floating through the sky. This area is free of charge to enter, and crowds are not typically an issue. The green cliffside, leading to clear ocean, sets the mood.

Bayview Park

If you are looking for a view of the city, look no further than Bayview Park. This park is surrounded by well-kept foliage, which leads to an expansive view of the bay and city. It is a quiet park renowned for its breathtaking view. It is especially spectacular with the sunset glowing on the skyscrapers of downtown.

Windansea Beach

The beaches around San Diego usually are packed with people, but La Jolla’s Windansea Beach is a secluded place to propose and take engagement photos. It is built upon sandstone outlooks which can create dazzling photos as the waves lap up against the rocks. It is also worth taking photographs under the famous surf shack located on the beach.

Scripps Pier

A mystical and majestic area to get down on one knee is Scripps Pier. While the public cannot walk on the pier, the underside creates a tunnel vision view of the sky and your proposal. This location would be ideal to capture the beauty of a sunrise or sunset bordered by the looming Scripps Pier. It does require some walking to get to the pier, but the reward is a private spot.

Engagement Rings at Leo Hamel's

The first step to planning the perfect proposal is finding an engagement ring she’ll love. And what better place to find exceptional engagement rings than Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers? For over 40 years, Leo Hamel’s has helped countless happy couples seal the deal with engagement rings in every price range. Shop for new, antique, and vintage engagement rings to find the right ring to complement your sweetheart’s style. Or custom create an engagement ring that’s entirely unique. No matter your vision, the friendly folks at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers can help turn your idea into a reality. What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!

Gemstones That Are Rarer Than Diamonds

2023-04-202023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

Diamonds are by far the most coveted gemstones in the world. And gem quality diamonds are rare compared to the total quantity of rough diamonds that are mined. Especially rare are gem quality diamonds of over one carat in size. This scarcity contributes to their value.

It might surprise you to know that there are several colorful gemstones that are even rarer than diamonds. Because of their rarity, these gemstones are not frequently found in jewelry. For this reason, they’re less well-known than gems like sapphires and emeralds, but certainly not any less beautiful.

Taaffeite

This extremely unusual gemstone was discovered accidentally in 1945 by Austrian geologist, Count Edward Charles Richard Taaffe. While combing through a box of spinel gems, Taaffe noticed there was one that was different from the rest. Because Taaffe was the first to discover taaffeite, the stone was named after him. Taaffeite can occur in colors ranging from deep purple to red, though red is the most uncommon.

Surprisingly, this stone scores an 8 to 8.5 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making it unusually durable. Very few taaffeite gemstones have been found since their initial discovery. In fact, the only known deposits are in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and China. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these dazzling gems, expect to pay about $1,500 to $2,500 per carat.

Tanzanite

Though tanzanite can be purchased rather easily, it is still considered rare because of scarcity. This gemstone is found exclusively in Tanzania, specifically in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because this is the only known location where tanzanite can be mined, it is predicted that the world’s supply will be depleted within 20-30 years.

Iconic jeweler Tiffany & Co. famously used tanzanite in their designs, further driving up the demand for these beautiful gems. Tanzanite’s deep violet and blue hues make them comparable to sapphires, and they’re often used as an affordable alternative. However, as supply decreases, tanzanite’s value will likely skyrocket. Presently, you can anticipate one of these stones to cost you roughly $600 to $1,000 per carat.

Black Opal

Opals are a rather common gemstone and can be found in many jewelry stores. However, black opals are a unique exception. Black opals mesmerize with their celestial colors swirled against an ink black backdrop. It’s no wonder they’re considered to be so exquisite! Similar to tanzanite, black opals are found solely in one location – along the Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia. To own one of these captivating gemstones will cost you around $2,300 per carat.

Red Beryl

Red beryl derives its bright red pigment from the trace element manganese. This gemstone is a relative of emerald, aquamarine, and morganite. Red beryl is primarily mined in the Wah-Wah Mountains of Utah, though small deposits have been located in Mexico and New Mexico. Most stones that are mined are not large enough for faceting, though if you’re fortunate enough to find one, it could cost you over $20,000 per carat.

Benitoite

Benitoite is found primarily in San Benito County, California, which is why California adopted the stone as their state gem. Other specimens have been found in Arkansas, Montana, Australia, and Japan, as well as other regions within California. However, the only gem quality stones have been produced exclusively by the San Benito mine.

Benitoite is sometimes referred to as the “blue diamond” for its mesmerizing translucent blue color. Because of its rarity, most gem quality benitoite is sized at a carat or less, though the largest ever found was nearly 16 carats. To get your hands on one of these gems will cost you about $6,500 to $8,500 per carat.

Alexandrite

Deemed the “emerald by day, ruby by night,” alexandrite has unique color-changing properties that make it highly desirable. In lighter environments, alexandrite sparkles a rich blueish green color, while darker settings cause the stone to transition to a vivid magenta or purple tone. This one-of-a-kind gemstone was first discovered in the mountains of Russia in the 1830s.

It was highly coveted by the Russian aristocracy, deriving its name from Czar Alexander. New deposits have recently been unearthed in Brazil, East Africa, and Sri Lanka. Perhaps these new locations will yield enough to help ease prices, but in the meantime, alexandrite can cost as much as $15,000 per carat.

Musgravite

Musgravite was first discovered in the Musgrave Range of Southern Australia. It is from this range that it derives its name, though traces have now been found in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and more. Musgravite is found in colors ranging from a greenish gray to purple and scores an 8-8.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness. This score makes musgravite ideal for use in jewelry, but unfortunately quantities are too limited. Despite the discovery of new deposits, availability of musgravite is still scarce, in turn making them quite pricey. The cost for one of these rare beauties? Specimens have sold for as much as $35,000 per carat!

Painite

In 2005, painite took the crown as the world’s rarest gemstone according to the Guinness Book of World Records. At the time, there were only 25 known specimens in existence. Today, that number hasn’t increased by much, with the only known source of painite being in Myanmar. This gem can occur in colors ranging from brown to red, and even pink. Painite is pleochroic, meaning that it can appear to change colors when viewed from different angles. So, what does the world’s rarest gemstone cost? If you’re able to locate painite on the market, it may cost you as much as $50,000 to $60,000 a carat.

Grandidierite

Grandidierite was discovered in Madagascar in 1902 by a French minerologist, Alfred Lacroix. He named his treasure after French explorer and naturalist, Alfred Grandidier. Since his initial finding, small samples of grandidierite have been found in Namibia and Sri Lanka, though very few have been gem quality. Grandidierite commonly occurs in a teal blue color and can transmit light due to it being pleochroic. Specimens that are fully transparent are considered the rarest. Forbes ranked this gemstone the third rarest on earth, with prices as high as $20,000 per carat.

Though these gemstone varieties may be hard to come by, there are an abundance of dazzling colored gems that are available for you to enjoy. Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, some of our new and vintage jewelry features precious gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and everyone’s favorite – diamonds! Stop by our San Diego Avenue jewelry store today to explore our ever-changing array of amazing gemstone jewelry.