gift - Leo Hamel

Valentine’s Day Fun Facts

2024-02-062024-02-07 by Rylee Kahan

Does your Valentine have a distinctive style and deserve the gift of a one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry piece? Whether she prefers exceptional necklaces, brooches, or Art Deco earrings, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is the perfect place to shop! Our jewelry selection changes every day, and we constantly get in new pieces that are not only stunning, but unique.

Shopping can be stressful, but we are here to help you pick out that perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Take advantage of our free gift wrap service and select one of our Valentine’s Day cards to complete your purchase! Later you can amuse your Valentine over dinner with these fun facts.

Valentine's Day Fun Facts

Each year an estimated one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent out, second in number only to Christmas cards.
Women purchase approximately 85% of all Valentine’s Day cards.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the U.S., England, Mexico, Australia, Canada, and France.
If you have a furry friend, you may be a part of the 3% of the population that gives his or her pet a Valentine card or gift.
Eight billion candy “conversation hearts” will be produced each year.
Men spend almost twice as much on Valentine’s Day gifts than women do.

How to Pick Meaningful Jewelry

2023-05-172023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we have lots of treasures that could be “the perfect gift” for your loved one. Every woman loves to receive a precious gift that was picked out especially for her – whether it’s glittering opal earrings for her birthday, a diamond heart necklace to say Happy Valentine’s Day, a floral diamond ring to celebrate an anniversary, or a pair of designer earrings “just because.”

When buying a gift as personal as jewelry, the hardest part can be picking out something that you can be sure the recipient will love. You won’t find a more complete collection of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings to choose from than at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, and our experienced salespeople are experts at helping you to select a gift that will thrill her. But what if it doesn’t? You can bring it back and let her choose something else or get a full refund.

Why does jewelry make such a great gift? What is it about these embellishments that make them worth giving, time and time again? Let us explore the top reasons to gift jewelry.

Some People Don't Buy Jewelry for Themselves on a Regular Basis

Most people renew the basics such as shoes, clothing, bags, and coats as needed. However, there are some things that may not be on everyone’s radar as a regular purchase, because they are considered a luxury and come at a cost.

Yes, some of us buy jewelry for ourselves on a regular basis, to celebrate an achievement, or just because. But some of us do not. Those who do not treat themselves to jewelry purchases tend to get jewelry only when it’s gifted to them from time to time. For any occasion, just the fact that jewelry is not usually an everyday kind of gift makes it exciting and unique.

Jewelry is a Wearable Gift that also Has Sentimental Value

Practically anything can be given as a gift. Nevertheless, there is no denying that some gifts are more sentimental than others. Wearable items such as clothing, shoes, hats, and coats make great gifts, but they are not very meaningful. There is simply something about jewelry that makes it sentimental.

Perhaps it is because some jewelry pieces represent very monumental periods in people’s lives such as engagements, weddings, births, and graduations. It could also be that due to generally higher prices, jewelry takes some time and effort to buy to ensure that the recipient is happy with this important purchase. Regardless, one thing is for certain: jewelry is a wearable gift that’s not only beautiful but holds sentimental value as well.

Jewelry Can Be Timeless

If you think about gifts you have received over the years, try to think about which ones are still in use. Even those that are still being used may be on their last legs. Clothing fades, rips, gets stained, and goes out of style. Electronics get replaced by something newer and better before you even fully get to enjoy it. Even cars are on a timer from the day they are bought till the day they start showing signs of growing old.

However, fine jewelry can be cared for and enjoyed for generations. There are endless classic jewelry styles that ensure your piece will never become irrelevant, and if the style loses its appeal, settings can be changed and upgraded.

Jewelry is a Gift Now, and an Heirloom Later

There’s nothing better than knowing that a gift is yours and all yours when you first receive it. Jewelry, as we mentioned, can be worn for decades, but even when not in use can be easily stored due to its small size and passed down to the next generation as a useful and meaningful heirloom. Not to mention, depending on the piece it can retain or even increase in value.

Jewelry Can Hold Some Value Over Time and May Even Appreciate

Most gifts are not bought with the thought that it will appreciate over time. Gifts are generally about the “now,” and that’s perfectly all right. However, there is most certainly an advantage if a gift can be used and enjoyed and has the bonus of always retaining some value and possibly even being worth more the longer you hold on to it.

Now, not every piece of jewelry you purchase will increase in value. However, there are some diamonds whose value will appreciate over time. And gold prices can fluctuate but have steadily increased for many years. If the time comes to sell some of your jewelry, it’s nice to know that there is potential to make money on the investment.

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for someone special visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! We have a wide variety of new, vintage, and designer jewelry, as well as an excellent sales team ready to help you find the perfect gift.

2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

2023-01-312023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

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

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

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

For Her

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

Vintage Freeform Ring

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

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Vintage Heart Pendant

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

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New Heart Earrings

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

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Vintage "LOVE" Necklace

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

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For Him

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

New Men's 38MM Hamilton Khaki Field

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

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Vintage Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks

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

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Vintage David Yurman Ring

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

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New Men's 45.5MM Tissot Supersport Chrono

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

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

2022 Christmas Gift Guide from Leo Hamel’s

2022-12-172023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

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

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

Christmas Gifts For Her

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

New 0.42 CTW Diamond & Emerald Earrings. Retails for: $1,450, Our Price: $1,350.

New Women’s 28MM Tissot Classic Dream Lady. Price: $275

New Women’s 22MM Tissot Heritage Porto. Price: $425.

Pre-Owned Women’s 34MM Baume & Mercier Diamant. Retails for: $1,790, Our Price: $895.

Vintage Burberry Nova Check Golf Shoe Backpack. Retails for: $1,350, Our Price: $625.

Lab-Grown Diamond Gifts

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

New 3.00 CTW Lab-Grown Diamond Necklace. Mined Price: $8,500, Lab-Grown Price: $3,000.

New 5.00 CTW Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet. Mined Price: $14,000, Lab-Grown Price: $4,500.

New 4.07 CTW Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings. Mined Price: $40,000, Our Price: $9,400.

Christmas Gifts For Him

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

Pre-Owned Men’s 41MM Rolex Datejust II. Our Price: $14,500.

Vintage Rope Chain. Retails for: $2,650, Our Price: $2,350.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife in Black. Our Price: $20.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife in White. Our Price: $20.

Pre-Owned Men’s 40MM Rolex Milgauss. Our Price: $14,000.

Pre-Owned Men’s 40MM Rolex Submariner. Retails for: $14,700, Our Price: $14,200.

Engagement Rings

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

Vintage 0.42 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring. Retails for: $1,175, Our Price: $1,075.

Vintage 0.50 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring. Retails for: $1,175, Our Price: $995.

Vintage 0.40 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring. Retails for: $1,325, Our Price: $1,225.

Vintage 0.87 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring. Retails for: $4,125, Our Price: $3,350.

Vintage 0.26 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring. Retails for: $675, Our Price: $600.

New Venetti 0.78 CTW Diamond Engagement Ring. Retails for: $3,600, Our Price: $1,800.

Extraordinary Christmas Gifts

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

New 4.63 CTW Diamond Bracelet. Retails for: $19,750, Our Price: $17,750.

New 2.26 CTW Diamond Interlocking Rings. Retails for: $8,695, Our Price: $7,695.

The Leo Hamel team is here to help you find the perfect gifts this holiday season. We have an extensive collection, if you would like to see any of the above pieces, please visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue or contact us here. Our knowledgeable team is excited to help you make this Christmas the one that special someone in your life will remember.