Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Jewelry Store in San Diego for Fine Jewelry & Luxury Watches
For over four decades, Leo Hamel has been dedicated to helping customers celebrate life's milestones with exceptional fine jewelry and luxury watches. Founded in 1980, our expertise spans vintage treasures, engagement rings, and custom-designed pieces, all crafted with a blend of traditional artistry and modern technology. Our team of skilled jewelers and designers provides personalized service, ensuring every client finds or creates a piece that reflects their unique story.With a commitment to quality, we offer meticulous repair services, certified appraisals, and a curated selection of pre-owned timepieces from renowned brands like Rolex and Cartier. Our reputation as San Diego's premier jewelry destination is built on trust, transparency, and a passion for excellence that resonates in every interaction.
Services
Engagement Rings
Jewelry Repair
Watch Repair
Custom Design
Appraisals
Pawn Services
Financing
Estate Jewelry
Watch Restoration
Layaway Program
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of expertise in fine jewelry and luxury watches.
- Our team includes Swiss-trained master watchmakers and GIA-certified gemologists.
- We provide free jewelry appraisals and a 1-year warranty on new jewelry.
- Our custom design service combines old-world craftsmanship with modern technology.
- We are San Diego's largest buyer of pre-owned jewelry and watches.
Associations and certifications
- Accredited Gemologists Association
What people say
Seamless experience
Perfect dream ring
Generational expertise
Meticulous restoration
Expert guidance
Services
Engagement Rings
Our curated collection of engagement rings features both lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds. Expert consultants guide clients through selecting or custom-designing rings that reflect personal style and commitment. Every piece comes with certification and warranty options for lasting value.
Jewelry Repair
Our master jewelers provide comprehensive repair services including resizing, prong retipping, and pearl restringing. With over 100 years of combined experience, we restore vintage pieces and modern jewelry to their original brilliance using precision techniques.
Watch Repair
Swiss-trained watchmakers specialize in repairing luxury brands like Rolex and Omega. Services include movement servicing, case refinishing, and water resistance testing. All repairs come with a 1-year warranty on labor and 90-day parts warranty.
Custom Design
Transform ideas into unique creations through our custom design process. Using CAD technology and traditional craftsmanship, we develop one-of-a-kind pieces approved via wax models. Services include remounting heirloom stones and contemporary adaptations.
Appraisals
San Diego Gemological Laboratory provides certified appraisals for insurance, estate, and IRS purposes. Accredited gemologists evaluate jewelry, watches, and precious metals with detailed written reports completed in approximately one hour during scheduled appointments.
People
Leo Hamel
Founder
Established the business in 1980, focusing on vintage jewelry and pre-owned watches. Built a family legacy through customer-centric values and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Lisa Hamel
Vice President
Co-founder with 40 years of expertise in vintage jewelry and Swiss watches. Specializes in personalized shopping experiences and client relationship management.
Teri
Director of Sales
30-year jewelry industry veteran with multiple global sales awards. Certified diamond expert specializing in engagement ring consultations and luxury brand sales.
Bianca
Sales Representative
12-year veteran with cross-departmental expertise in jewelry and watch sales. Focuses on creating personalized customer experiences and relationship-based service.
Logan
Sales Professional
9-year specialist in antique jewelry and timepieces. Builds generational client relationships through expert guidance on investment pieces and modern collections.
Questions
What services does Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers offer?
We provide engagement rings, custom jewelry design, watch and jewelry repairs, appraisals, pawn services, and financing options for jewelry and luxury watches.
Do you offer financing for jewelry purchases?
Yes, we partner with lenders to offer flexible financing options, including a 90-day layaway program with 20% down payment required.
Are your pre-owned watches certified?
All pre-owned luxury watches undergo reconditioning by Swiss-trained watchmakers and include a 2-year warranty on timekeeping and parts.
Can you repair vintage jewelry?
Our master jewelers specialize in restoring antique pieces, including resizing, stone replacement, and structural reinforcement while preserving original craftsmanship.
How do appraisals work?
San Diego Gemological Laboratory provides certified appraisals by appointment. The process takes about an hour and includes detailed documentation for insurance or estate purposes.
What is your return policy?
Unworn items may be returned within 10 days for full refund or exchange. Items returned after this period may receive store credit at our discretion.
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