Leo Hamel
Whether you’re searching for a luxury vintage treasure, a brand-new engagement ring, or a Rolex watch that looks brand new but costs less, San Diego residents know there’s only one place to go: Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers & Jewelry Buyers. Leo Hamel has been selling certified, high-quality jewelry, watches, and handbags for 45 years, creating not only a San Diego institution that’s consistently named the top jeweler in the city, but a family-oriented business San Diegans have trusted for generations.
Leo Hamel specializes in selling pre-owed watches and vintage jewelry. Every time you come in, you’ll find different, unique pieces from luxury brands like Tiffany’s and Rolex. Hamel was, in fact, the first person in San Diego to offer pre-owned Rolex and Patek Philippe watches, which led to him selling pre-owned watches from other coveted Swiss brands. Hamel understands that quality watches and jewelry are meant to last for decades, or even a lifetime. That’s why he and his team love restoring and refurbishing these older pieces for new owners—whether that means removing scratches, restoring the factory finish, or whatever else is needed. No matter the process, once the team is finished, the items look like new but are sold to customers at a much lower cost.
In addition to vintage jewelry, Leo Hamel sells vintage designer handbags, as well as new jewelry made from both Earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds and colored gemstones. The store also offers appraisals provided by a master gemologist and repairs completed by highly trained professionals, including a Swiss-trained watch repairman who works in-house. Plus, it buys, trades, and creates custom pieces. In other words, Leo Hamel provides a full-service jewelry store in every meaning of the word.
Hamel and his team never try to push sales on customers—or push customers outside of their intended budgets. The store offers a variety of products and services so that people can find the right purchase at the right price for them. Customer service is paramount to Hamel and his team members, many of whom have worked with him for decades. This gives them a level of expertise and experience that’s increasingly uncommon in retail stores today and is totally nonexistent when purchasing these sorts of items online. Hamel ensures his team uses that expertise and experience to benefit customers in every possible way.
Outside of his work at the store, Hamel takes great pride in giving back to the San Diego community where he was born and raised. He donates to several orphanages and hospitals each year, and is a strong supporter of the city’s law enforcement agencies, schools, and animal rescue organizations, among many other causes.
Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers & Jewelry Buyers
1851 San Diego Avenue, Suite 130, San Diego, California 92110 | 619-299-1500
Oceanside Jewelry & Gold Buyers
2530 Vista Way, Suite H, Oceanside, California 92054 | 760-757-2000
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