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Categories: Jewelry, Watches, Pawn Shops
1851 San Diego AveTue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Individual customer service and competitive prices are a priority! We'll beat any verified price (internet incl). Based on availability.
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There is a reason there are many more positive ratings for this store. Leo Hamel is the best jewelry store in San Diego.
You can go ANYWHERE and have a bad experience. Should that happen to you at Leo Hamel, contact Teri or Lisa and they will make it up to you.
I go to the store about once a month, just to see what's new. I buy about once a year, but they always make me feel like a big spender, even when I'm only looking. And when he's there, Leo will come out from behind the glass to say HI.
On my birthday, anniversary, and Christmas I get a hand written card from Teri, and it often includes a gift card for "my someone special" to spend on me.
I love it. You owe it to yourself to check it out first.
Beautiful jewelry.
Crappy customer service.
Yikes, with so many jewelers in SD I'd take my business elsewhere.
About 15 years ago these guys sold my mom a watch to give to my husband as a gift... they told her this was the highest rated watch next to Rolex. She paid a lot for it at the time ($2200) and was so pleased to give it to him.
Now here we are 15 years later... he has never really worn it -- it looks brand new... we have all the paperwork, the certificate etc. He went in to see what they'd give him for it... Now all of a sudden the watch is a piece of @#!!% and they offer him about $300. They actually laughed when he brought it out of the box. All the employees were snickering. The gal that gives estimates wouldn't even come around the counter to look at it -- she just yelled out "$300 is all!" and that was it.
Nice Leo Hamel -- how trustworthy of you. Everyone BEWARE!
These guys are ok. They definitely make you feel more secure than a regular pawn shop. However, they were going to give me $50 for a garnet set of earrings/necklace and a wedding band with engagement ring. Now I know that these items won't bring in that much money, but in the same conversation he told me that I could get $200 for the garnet set from a consumer. I don't know much about selling jewelry, but it seems that I wasn't being offered what I should have been.
This would have been fine and good if he hadn't tried to compare jewelry value decline with a car value decline. That is ridiculous, it is common knowledge that a car loses value when you drive it off the lot. Jewelry, however, is supposed to retain it's value...at least at 50% or something similar.
I left feeling let down and defeated. Along with the sense that EVERYTHING I buy isn't worth anything in the long run. I am not saying to avoid this business, but be careful and approach many others to get a good sense of what your items really cost.
Questionable quality and origin of products, terrible customer service, but five stars for knowing how to get negative reviews removed.
Add me to the list of fans of Leo Hamel--it's nice when Yelp reviews really match up with a business experience. The store is friendly, welcoming, and professional. It feels classy right when you walk in, but still warm and inviting without being too freaky-Robbins Bros.
I'm 4 months from my wedding day and we still haven't bought our rings or picked out an official engagement ring, as I really wanted to pick out something vintage (meaning "used").
Leo Hamel had a great selection of Estate pieces, probably the largest we had found in SD. We were helped by Teri, who was so great. Helpful, friendly, and very low pressure. We told her our budget, but didn't feel like she was trying to push us towards the top end of it just because we gave her that number. In fact, the engagement ring we ended up buying was less than half of what we had budgeted--jackpot!
I was so pleased with our experience. Plus, after about 45 minutes of trying on a bunch of stuff, I finally walked out with the first bling (man I hate that word) I've ever owned in my life--without spending an arm and a leg.
Our only regret is that we were there so early in the morning, it didn't seem right to crack into the COMPLIMENTARY BEER they have in the showroom's fridge. Next time...
My husband wanted to get me a necklace for my birthday, but was afraid to pick out something I wouldn't like. So, picky me, had to drag the poor guy to 4-5 other jewelers. Then I discovered Leo Hamel served beer AND had estate jewelry. Nice.
When we got there we were buzzed in, greeted by a receptionist-type person, asked to write down all of our information (name, address, e-mail, etc...) and wait for a sales rep to help us. That threw me & made me immediately feel uncomfortable. I like to browse around, take my time and not have to deal with a sales person breath down my neck telling me how beautiful everything is.
But Teri came over to help us and asked some very good questions about what we were looking for, budget, etc. I gave in & decided to let her help. Thank GOD! After showing me a few items I was able to articulate what I did & didn't like about each piece.
I don't typically wear "fine" jewelry, but was looking for something really simple that I could wear every day and essentially never take off. After a few minutes she was able to give me a highly edited sampling from across the floor ranging from hearts on fire to estate jewelry. I picked out the prettiest diamond pendant necklace.
My husband and I walked out of there feeling like a million bucks - without having spent that much. We both think the service industry has gone to hell, but we couldn't stop talking about how great Teri was.
I plan to go back and pick out a few of the estate items I fell in love with, too!
I had some old gold rings and chains just sitting in my drawer collecting dust, so I decided to make them useful again by selling them. I went to a couple of places and Leo Hamel's was by far the best. The girl who helped me was very friendly and it was obvious she knew her stuff. Her name was Cynthia - I mention it because I was impressed enough to remember. I already had some idea of how much I wanted to get for the gold so we talked about it and settled on a price (which was actually a little higher than I originally hoped to get) and she cut me a check on the spot. I had planned to shop it around a bit more but they gave me a fair price and I'm glad they saved me the trouble of trolling through another pawn shop.
Also I was excited when she told me they do trade-ins, so I'm thinking about turning some of my old grandpa jewelry into a new watch.
Great place!
I've been to waaaaay too many jewelers lately in my quest for the perfect diamond for my favorite gal pal. Leo Hamel definitely came through. Staff is very helpful (maggie), friendly and definitely looking out for my best interest. I could've spent a ton of money on some bling bling, but instead was pointed towards something more my flavor. I walked out with the bling and even better, money left over.. Whaaat?
Great place for men to buy their special someone a beautiful gift. I believe in giving. However, I also do not mind to take when it comes to Leo Hamel's Fine Jewelry.
Wow! What an event. My girlfriend invited me to a Leo Hamel's Jewelery event called "Girls Night Out". It was amazing! Reps from top designers were on hand to show off these fine gems. Fresh hors d'oeuvres of shrimp, assorted cheese and crackers, chocolate covered strawberry's, wine, champagne and so much more. I had never been to Leo Hamel and even with the crowds of people everyone was so friendly and nice to assist each person. I received a gift bag with lotions, jewelry cleaner, polishing cloth and a coupon for a free Pandora bracelet with the purchase of $40.00. What an incredible deal. I bought 3 charms that averaged $30.00 and received my sterling silver bracelet. The jewelry is well made and beautiful. I am glad I got to experience Leo Hamel's Jewelry and I definitely plan on going back.
Click on the above website to take a look around.
I am not big on jewelry shopping. My husband and Ihad to shop around for our wedding rings and unfortunately even went to Robbins Bros. Ugh, I'll do that review later. But, fortunately we had the luck to end up at Leo Hamel's. I was looking for a unique wedding ring and had even considered an estate piece but really had no clue as to what I wanted. I felt so comfortable and welcome in this store and they don't have slimy salespeople there either. I didn't feel pressured to but something out of my price range. They helped me find a one-of-a-kind estate ring that went beautifully with my engagement ring. I have never seen a ring quite like it and I get so many compliments on it, even though it is not particularly flashy nor does it have huge diamonds. It is just a beautiful, unique ring. We saved so much money getting this ring that my husband surpirsed me and went back later and got me a pair of earrings to give me as my wedding gift. We will definitely come back to Leo Hamel's for any other jewelry or watch purchases!
Just visited Leo's again and traded a watch I was not wearling much for one that I will wear! A nice Ball divers model with an "inside" rotaing bezel. Very cool! Very tough looking and I am sure I will use it a lot! Thanks Lisa.!
I just bought four estate pieces at Leo's and they will be a huge hit for Christmas. He has so many… Read more »
Really nice shop, super helpful people..If they don't have what you want they will work hard to find it and make sure you are happy!!
I met Leo in 1997 when he had a store in a different SD location. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of watching his business grow and through it all, it is the same first class merchandise and amazing customer service. The old town store is lovely - beautifully designed and filled with gorgeous merchandise. The staff here are professional, friendly and helpful, and have the best follow-up I have ever seen (they remember my anniversary before I do...) I have always received the most lovely thank you notes from them after visiting their store and Leo and Lisa are the monst honest and helpful people around. I would not hesitate to buy, sell or just stop in for a visit here! Leo Hamel is a true gem in San Diego!.
I decided to check this place out while on a visit to SD, because of the previous review.
We came in, no one acknowledged me, but my fiance who was a few steps behind me was immediately greeted. The person in front asked him what he was looking for and asked for his name. He said it then they asked for his last name. He said it and he was told to wait at the end of the store so someone could help him with wedding bands.
We waited there and looked at the displays. The selection was quite meager for a store that size. So we kept looking and looking since no one had come out to help us. We ended up looking at everything then the same girl in front came up to him and asked if she could show him anything. He says no, he hasn't seen anything he particularly liked. Then she leaves and comes back right away with a form to fill out with his information. SO I said um, we were just leaving....
Obviously, I do NOT recommend going to this store. I felt the car sales vibe pretty soon after stepping into the store. I was not impressed with their jewelry - the small selection and the common settings. And the interaction, although very little, with the staff, had me leave the store in disgust.
I am so grateful that the SF Giftcenter and Jewelrymart exists!!!
Wow! The difference between this place and Robbin's Bros. is like night and day. For one, the sales people will spend all day with you trying to pick the perfect wedding and/or engagement ring. And when I mean forever, I mean, I was there from a little after lunch time to almost dinner time trying to figure out what I wanted. That is a hella long time for one little shop!
For one, they explain everything without sounding like they're trying to pitch you a sale. You either take it or leave it. But, the staff is very creative in finding you options for the right ring. I like that I didn't feel pressured, they explained everything, the staff didn't seem like they were slimy sales people like RB, and oh I didn't feel pressured!!
Quality jewelry, good service, no pressure, no gimmicks, no slimy people.
We stopped in to sell some jewelry and although they didn't buy it, the lady was very helpful. She told us all about the item, carat weight, clarity, value, and suggested that we would get the best deal selling them on Craigslist. Awesome! Very much a fan.
A phenomenal place to go jewelry shopping. They really know there stuff here. And if you're undecided, they can really help you sort out what you're really looking for. There is some room for negotiation on some of the items. And where there's not, they will give you added service for your purchase. For example, I purchased a piece that they couldn't move on with price, but my salesperson (sorry I forgot her name) resized my ring - not purchased there - without charge. They have some interesting and really beautiful pieces.
I guess this review is for those who are just getting ready to settle down and is looking for WEDDING RINGS!
I was dragged along with my cousin and his wife to shop for their wedding rings...i totally didn't mind, who doesn't like seeing $10K and up diamonds.
So we arrive at Leo Hamel & Co. and it was around the Old Town area in SD. I t is located more south to Old Town. The place had a good atmosphere. Right when we walked in we were immediately greeted by the receptionist i guess and she said that she would have someone help us right away and if we wanted to take a look around the store. As I was walking around, I notice they had some snack for their shoppers. I didn't have any for myself but I think its a plus to have a few munchies for your shoppers while they shop a really important thing in their lives.
So we saw a few diamonds, probably spent about an hour, the lday that helped us was great...her name is Liz...so yeah if your gonna shop for rings, definitely consider going to Leo Hamel & Co.
They have 2hr. street parking.
I have had jewelry repaired as well as my watch serviced and the service has always been topnotch. It's great to take a favorite piece that's scratched up and dull, and get it back looking shiny and new! Prices seem reasonable too. It's good to have a place that I trust to take care of my valuables.
The best thing about this place are the people who work there. Lisa has been there it seems like… Read more »
I bought my Husband an Omega watch (they have lots of watches) and it was a great experience. They have a cooler w/ drinks every day and snacks on Saturdays. Loved dealing with Lisa and Leo is a real person! He is a little "out there" in his humor, but a cool store overall.
Nice staff. I sold them a diamond ring and the girl that helped me was really helpful. She gave me more money when I decided to buy a watch in the store. I bought a watch and walked out with $500.
They gave me a great deal on my first watch purchase. The service was really great as well. I had… Read more »
Great store with a wide selection of jewelry styles and prices. The salespeople are VERY knowledgeable and helpful. If you want to get a piece for yourself or for someone else, this is a good place to find something that will impress for a decent price!
I have been doing business With Leo Hamel for more than 23 years in the four different locations that he has had in this time. I have watched his store grow from just him and one other employee to what it is now. How has Leo been in business all this time through many economic cycles? Because of a consistent way of doing the "right" thing in the jewelry and high end watch business.
I have purchased enough watches and jewelry through these years from him that if I added it all up I could pay off my house. I know of many others that are long term customers also.
I am not a big fan of this type of blogging due to some people acting like assassins with their reviews. It is easy to hide behind a keyboard with an alias and hammer a business for no good reason. The prevoius comments about Lisa Hamel make me feel this way since I have known her and watched her serve customers for over 20 years, and there is no way she would ever warrant a hit like below even if a customer was a total A-Hole. I have whitnessed this many times since us jewelry customers can be a pain at times.
Keep up the good work Leo Hamel Co!
I have hands down got to say that Leo Hamel Jewelers in Old Town is the place to take your fine lady for jewelery. My wife was so happy with the selection and the knowledgable sales people. I was satisfied with the great deals available but more over for the fact that I could sit and drink an ice cold beer on a comfortable couch while my wife took her time to find the right piece...
My husband was clueless when it came to picking out an engagement ring. He knew I liked Vintage and Antique style but did not know the first thing about jewelry. He went to Leo Hamel and Yoli held his hand through the whole entire thing. He now knows more about diamonds than me. After he popped the question he excitedly gave me the whole run down on the 4c's and the origin of my ring. I could not believe this the same man who would begrudgingly stop while window shopping at jewelry stores as I subtly hinted at the rings I liked. I could not be happier with my one-of-a-kind piece and am even happier that my husband has a fond memory of picking it out. When I went in to get it sized I too was blown away by the customer service I received and I also realized that I like modern jewelry too Marco Bicego stuff is soooo beautiful I had to get some earrings next time I'll get the matching necklace!
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