holidays - Leo Hamel

5 Gifts for the Special Man in Your Life

2023-12-012023-12-13 by Rylee Kahan

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! It’s time to share the joy of the season with loved ones and take part in your favorite holiday traditions. With only a few weeks left to find the best gifts, you may be feeling slightly stressed out. In addition to shopping for family and friends, you’re probably feeling the pressure to find something perfect for your special someone. But no need to sweat it, we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 Christmas gifts for him that he’d be thrilled to find under the tree!

New Men's Tissot Watch

Searching for a sleek gift to surprise your man? A Tissot watch like this one is the epitome of style with a black dial, stainless steel case, brown leather strap, and sleek silver markers, you can be sure that he’ll always be on time!

Vintage Louis Vuitton Laptop Bag

Before traveling home for the holidays, surprise your sweetheart with a Louis Vuitton laptop bag! The must-have travel accessory is lightweight and luxurious, so he can travel with style and ease. Constructed of brown leather, this piece of luggage has an ultra-masculine look and feel.

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Cufflinks

If your man enjoys luxurious accessories, these Tiffany & Co. cufflinks are a great add-on to any outfit. Cufflinks make the perfect gift that he can wear for a lifetime, and even pass on to his own children. Each time he wears them, he’ll be reminded of your thoughtful gift giving.

Vintage Gucci Wallet

Is your stylish stud a sucker for designer gifts? Then he’ll love to unwrap this vintage Gucci wallet for Christmas! Boasting Gucci’s iconic red and greens stitched stripes, a gold stitched bee, and “GG” monogram pattern, this wallet oozes style and sophistication. Whether he’s rocking his best business suit, or sweatpants and a tee, this is one accessory he can carry with confidence!

Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner "Hulk"

Looking to splurge on your man this holiday season? Spoil him with a gift he’ll never expect like this pre-owned Rolex Submariner with a unique green bezel and dial. This pricey timepiece is well worth the money, and the watch of choice for many world travelers. With a durable stainless steel construction, Oyster bracelet, and green bezel and dial, this watch has earned its superhero inspired name, the “Hulk.”

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Find these Christmas gifts and many more for the special someone in your life today at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! We have a vast selection including vintage designer jewelry & handbags, new watches, pre-owned watches, engagement rings, vintage jewelry, lab-grown diamond jewelry, Hearts On Fire, and more.

Should You Propose on a Holiday?

2023-11-242023-12-12 by Rylee Kahan

‘Tis the season for proposals – engagement season is officially upon us! In the US, the most popular time to get engaged is from November to February. Last year, about 40% of all engagements occurred during the holidays. Historically, we’ve seen spikes in engagement ring purchases as soon as the holiday season rolls around. The reason behind this is quite simple – engagements during the holiday season are very sentimental and idyllic!

First of all, winter is an especially romantic season. The cooler weather, the changing colors of the leaves, the falling snow (if you live where it snows – sorry, San Diego), and all of the bright and beautiful holiday decorations make the perfect backdrop. And of course, we can’t forget about the joy and cheer that comes along with this time of year! Additionally, the holidays are all about spending time with family. And since most couples spend time with their friends and family during the holidays, there seems like no better time to propose than when surrounded by all of your loved ones.

Holiday proposals are very romantic and cause for a grand celebration. Although, before you make this important decision, you have to consider how your significant other feels about a holiday proposal. If they aren’t as enthusiastic about the holidays, maybe it’s best to pick another day that is meaningful to the two of you. But if your special someone is all about spreading the holiday cheer and love, a holiday engagement would be a great way to seal your forever love.

Top 5 Most Popular Proposal Dates

Planning a holiday proposal? We’re looking at the 5 most popular days to get engaged during the holidays. We’ll also touch on the perks and possible downfalls of each day, so you can decide if a holiday proposal is right for you and your special love.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is popular for proposals because it’s one of the few times a year most of your family gathers to be thankful for their lives and those they love. If you and your special someone are super family-oriented, proposing during Thanksgiving is a great idea. It’s very sentimental, and you can even involve members of both families to make it an even bigger surprise.

If you decide to propose on Thanksgiving, make sure your timing is right. Popping the question right after everyone has eaten is probably not the best idea. Everyone will be in a food coma and probably won’t be paying much attention. You’ll also have to watch out for those that have been drinking most of the day.

Thanksgiving is a big day for drinking – you certainly don’t want Cousin Joe ruining your proposal because he had one too many beers. Try to opt for earlier in the evening, maybe when everyone is sharing what they’re thankful for. Mention how grateful you are for your partner and then get down on one knee. There won’t be a dry eye in the entire room.

Christmas Eve

Many families celebrate on Christmas Eve, which makes this day another popular day for proposals. Christmas Eve dinners are a special time for family and loved ones to gather and enjoy the holiday spirit. If this is a time you and your sweetheart cherish every year, proposing is a fantastic idea. If the ring is burning a hole in your pocket, why wait one more day?

Just don’t forget to think about both sides of the family. If you propose on Christmas Eve with your partners’ family present, your family might be slightly offended. Or vice versa. If you’re not able to get everyone together under one roof, pop the question with her family on Christmas Eve. Then, share the celebration with your family on Christmas Day. Just make sure you have plenty of pictures and videos!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is actually the most popular day to get engaged. Maybe it’s all the love in the air. Maybe it’s because everyone is already in the spirit of giving. Or maybe it’s all the egg nog. Regardless of the reason, Christmas engagements can be very special. Wrap the ring in a larger box so no one will have any idea what’s about to happen. Yours will be the best gift tucked beneath the tree.

It’s important to keep in mind that Christmas isn’t just about the two of you. Your engagement certainly is, but it’s best to be respectful and check with the family to make sure they’re okay with sharing this special holiday with your big moment. You also want to be at least 95% sure your partner is going to say yes. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but it would be incredibly embarrassing to be rejected in front of all your loved ones.

New Year's Eve

Picture this: As soon as the clock strikes midnight, you kiss your beloved and then drop to one knee. In the midst of all the excitement and the bursting fireworks, it feels like you two are the only ones in the room. They say yes and you enjoy the rest of the evening celebrating with friends and basking in your love. How romantic!

If your significant other isn’t much for crowds, this may not be the best idea. If they would rather your engagement be just the two of you, you may want to consider choosing a different evening. Or if you’re dead set on a New Year’s Eve engagement, escape the crowds and chaos a few minutes before the clock starts counting down. Whisk her away to a private setting and make the special moment just about the two of you.

Valentine's Day

This one really depends on the person. A Valentine’s Day proposal can either be incredibly romantic or incredibly cliché. If you and your significant other traditionally celebrate Valentine’s Day, then by all means, let Cupid shoot you with his arrow and get down on one knee! You can keep it fairly simple or go all out with flowers, balloons, champagne, and chocolates. This will make your Valentine’s Day even more special in the years to come.

But say your other half isn’t really into all the mushy gushy love stuff that comes along with V day. It’s probably best to choose another day. Proposing on a holiday that your significant other isn’t very fond of just doesn’t make sense. It may seem like you don’t really know them at all.

The moral of the story? If you’re going to propose during the holidays, make sure it’s a holiday that is special to the both of you.

If you have a holiday proposal planned and you’re looking for the perfect ring to completely awe your special someone, stop by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue. From new engagement rings to vintage engagement rings, to designer engagement rings, and even custom design engagement rings, you are sure to find the perfect ring for an unforgettable holiday proposal.

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.