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- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers
Review Highlights
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Randy M.
San Diego, CA
I have a Baume Mercier watch called the Avante Garde. It is a super thin timepiece that looks a bit like the Piaget Polo. Getting the battery replaced has always been a challenge in San Diego. I finally found a fine watchmaker who could do it and put the mandatory atmospheric seal on the case after replacement. I paid $85 for the service.
My watchmaker retired and I called Leo Hamel to see if they would do it. Every other place I called told me it had to be sent to Baume Mercier in NY.
Jared told me no problem, bring it in. They put in the new battery and resealed the watch for $20. It was ready the same day. Very professional and courteous treatment. I was very pleased and will bring all my watches here for service. -
Review from Sharon V.
If you live in San Diego, you've all seen the Leo Hamel commercials. Some might call them cheesy, some might actually incent people to get off the couch and go trade/buy/sell jewelry.
Me? Well, my husband bought my engagement ring here back in 2004 so we are very familiar with Leo Hamel. Every time I see those commercials, I look at my ring and my heart melts. My husband did a fabulous job on my wedding ring when he selected Hearts on Fire; the worlds perfectly cut diamond. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an engagement ring. He's since bought a few other pieces here for me over the years that I love just the same and I've been very happy with them.
We used to work primarily with the Solana Beach store that was on Cedros but since they closed, we've had to come all the way out to San Diego whenever we needed assistance. Our main contact was Janna (we LOVED her) but now we just see people at random based on our needs.
Regardless, we have always been VERY pleased with the service each time we've come in. Check it out... -
Review from Angel A.
San Diego, CA
I love jewelry! And "Diamonds are a girls best friend"
I wanted something special for my birthday last year from my boyfriend and Leo Hamel hooked us up. I knew what I wanted but was being super picky and trying not to spend all my mans money. They were super nice and really worked with us. A great deal, so I got two items instead of one and smiles for everyone...
A few moths ago, I had some gold jewelry I just don't wear and needed the money. I took it to Leo Hamel and they were sweet about it. Took all the stones out the setting and wrapped them up for me and gave me a fair price for the jewelry I was giving up.
Thank you for your help and understanding, jewelry can be a very personal thing so a jeweler that cares is nice... -
Review from Alan C.
San Diego, CA
I just noticed another "fine" jewelry store has a negative review on Leo Hamel's store. The person asks to "compare pricing". I don't know about others feelings but I have always been concerned with adequate quality of a purchase and service during and after the sale. And the old adage, "You get what you pay for" too true in purchasing unique custom items not produced on an assembly line. Value based on an honest price from a store with integrity selling high quality merchandise is a good investment. Getting the lowest price may indicate a bad investment on jewelry, especially diamonds and precious stones. The average person (like me) couldn't grade a diamond any better than grade a race horse at the track. Good luck with the "lowest price"! And shame on negative reviews on a competitor's review Yelp site, that kind of behavior is best left to the politicians.
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/28/2010
Still my favorite for jewelry and watches, and I noticed last week they sell custom designer pocket… Read more »
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8/28/2010
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Review from Juan H.
San Diego, CA
Questionable quality and origin of products, terrible customer service, but five stars for knowing how to get negative reviews removed as happened with my first negative review. I see I'm not alone now in assigning one star to this establishment.
I bought a watch from the Hamel Co and felt I was treated pretty well at the time. A couple of years later when I needed to send it to the manufacturer for service, they asked me to prove I was the legal owner of the watch because they had it registered to someone else! It turned out that the watch Hamel sold me as "new" was actually a used watch with zip warranty. The manufacturer cut me a decent deal on the servicing but to this day I bear a simmering anger and hatred for Leo Hamel and all of his Scientologist pals at that store (Google it - it's out there). If you catch them on a good day, you can work a decent but not great deal but just assume everything in the store is used and not new. Don't pay a "new" price for anything there and if you buy a watch, assume there is no warranty and bargain accordingly. -
Review from lisa m.
San Diego, CA
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! -
Review from Mark P.
They may be the best place in town to buy jewelry from (I wouldn't know), but they are certainly one of the worse at buying the stuff.
I had some scrap gold jewelry to sell and was shopping it around town for the best quote based purely on the gold content. I saw their ads on TV and as I was driving past their San Diego Ave. location, dropped in to see what they could do for me.
Right off the bat, before even looking at the gold pieces I had dropped on the counter, the lady there asks me what I was hoping to get for them. I told her that I had no particular amount in mind and that I was just hoping for their best quote. Her reply was that if I gave her an amount she "could work with", she could probably "get me a better deal" than if I didn't. It was around this time that the red warning flags started going up in my mind.
It got worse. She then tested only three of the dozen pieces for their actual purity and guessed (badly in many cases) on the purity of the remainder. I wouldn't have minded so much except that her bad guesses were all to my detriment (14k or less instead of the actual 18k or better). I already knew very well exactly what I was offering them, so they failed this particular test badly.
After all this, I was still hoping for some sort of quote, or at least a ballpark figure on what they were willing to offer for it all, but no such quote was forthcoming. She again asked what we were hoping to get, and I again reiterated that I had no preconceived price in mind and was only looking for a quote. She then asked if I had obtained any other quotes yet, and when I (stupidly in retrospect) said yes, demanded to know what they were. I refused to give a sum and she then refused to provide any sort of quote.
The whole proceedings were very strange. While dealing with the reticent woman rep, I could hear another customer in the next room arguing about the purity of some diamond with a different rep, and that conversation was clearly not going well either. I guess I wasn't the only one being given the Leo Hamel runaround.
Beats me what the deal is with this place when it comes to buying jewerly, but that whole side of their business reeks to high heaven of a giant scam operation. I wouldn't go back to them to try and sell any jewelry in the future, and quite frankly, given the ethical problems on display during my visit, I wouldn't go anywhere near them to buy any jewelry in the future either. Caveat emptor.
For anyone who got this far and is still interested, I ended up selling my scrap gold for a very fair price and with no problems whatsoever to the friendly professional people at Rock-n-Gold Creations on Clairmont Mesa Blvd.Comment from Leo H. of Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers 2/13/2010
Mark, it is a shame that you didn't work with my buyer so we… More » -
Review from Frankie S.
San Diego, CA
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 told them and then they asked for his last name. He told them 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....
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!!! -
Review from Tina C.
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. -
Review from gwendolyn b.
San Diego, CA
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. -
Review from Hey El El E.
San Diego, CA
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. -
Review from Elise A.
San Diego, CA
I stopped by Leo Hamel's again because it is so close to my house and I have such a great experiece any time I go there. I had never actually sold anything there so thought I'd check it out. I had some old gold and silver jewelry that I was no longer interested in keeping. I found Henry to be very informative and fair. There was a piece that I thought was 14k but he told me it was 18k, so I ended up with a little more money than I expected. They also have snacks too.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/8/2009
I am not big on jewelry shopping. My husband and I had to shop around for our wedding rings and… Read more »
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9/8/2009
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Review from Kimberly S.
San Diego, CA
I'm excited because I'll be going back soon to get a pendant made from my previous wedding ring stone. It's been a few months now since I got my new ring and I LOVE it!! Logan was so nice and patient when I was picking it out, even though I took hours to do so. I've had SO MANY compliments on my ring....and every time I tell people that I went to Leo Hamel's to get it!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2010
What a great experience! I just went to Leo Hamel's for the first time to change out my 8 1/2… Read more »
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8/19/2010
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Review from Kristina L.
San Diego, CA
I visited Leo Hamel for the first time a few weeks ago. I sold some of my gold and other pieces of jewelry and it was a very simple process that was confidential and nice.
Then I went next door to look at the settings they had to place some of the diamonds I had left from the gold rings I sold. I was assisted by Logan, and she was very helpful. I ended up looking at so many settings in the catalog and we eventually designed a setting. I haven't made my final decision yet, I'll probably go back to a pre-designed setting. But I had a a great experience and once I make up my mind I'm getting my jewelry made here.Comment from Leo H. of Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers 8/11/2010
Hi Kristina, I am glad you had a good experience selling and… More » -
Review from Kristen B.
San Diego, CA
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! -
Review from Jenny W.
San Diego, CA
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... -
Review from Louis N.
San Diego, CA
Jewelry... The kryptonite for men when it comes to getting their significant others jeweled gifts and/or engagement rings. I had originally heard of Leo Hamel because they are the largest seller of Hearts on Fire diamonds, strongly argued to be the most sparkly diamonds on the market. The first time I visited, I was terrified due to the formal check-in at the front and the one on one service. Then, over time, I realized that this wasn't such a bad thing at all.
Logan was the main person that I worked with at the store when buying jewelry for my girlfriend... She also was the one who made shopping for an engagement ring as relaxed and fun as I could ever imagine. She really worked to show me what ring combinations could be put together on the budget I was aiming for and ultimately gave me an extremely good deal on a Hearts on Fire engagement ring (btw, it's nearly impossible to get a deal on new HoF stones and jewelry). I really enjoy shopping here and enjoy the service and communication. The prices here are the best I have found here in San Diego for Hearts on Fire jewelry as well as vintage jewelry and watches. Several of my friends ended up shopping here as well for jewelry for their girlfriends/fiances after hearing about them through me and had very positive experiences.
My fiancé and I plan to shop here exclusively in the future for all our jewelry needs. If you are a guy looking at engagement rings, no matter what your budget is, this store will hook you up. The same goes if you are just looking at jewelry in general. -
Review from Gene N.
San Diego, CA
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! -
Review from Brandi M.
San Diego, CA
They purchased gold from some old jewelry I had and "accidentally scrapped" all of the stones I was wanting to make into a custom piece. They upheld their end of the deal by giving me store credit for the estimated value of my stuff (which was probably a better deal for me in the end). I'm just really surprised at the carelessness, and I definitely will not be going back.
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Review from Chris S.
San Diego, CA
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. -
Review from Kim L.
San Diego, CA
I think this is one of the best in fine jewelry in San Diego. My siblings and I wanted to get our mom something special for her 50th birthday, so we were recommended here by one of my mom's clients. Our mom had shopped here once before when she had bought her pre-owned Rolex for much less than the original retail price (timeless). The place is a bit hidden, and there is extremely high security like any fine jewelry store. There is a waiting area inside, and everyone was super nice!
Comment from Leo H. of Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers 8/10/2010
I am glad you were able to help you get something special… More » -
Review from doreen e.
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.
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Review from Ace A.
San Diego, CA
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.
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Review from Robin C.
San Diego, CA
I've known Leo for years and have seen his business get bigger and bigger over the years. Along with the expansion, he has managed to not just maintain, but improve the quality of the products and customer service at the store. The staff is friendly and very professional, the environment is posh, and the inventory is second to none in terms of variety, with unique brands and designs. This is not chain store stuff. Shop the competitors, but go to Leo last. You will come away happy.
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Review from William C.
San Diego, CA
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?
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Review from Frank K.
El Cajon, CA
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! -
Review from Trica M.
Chula Vista, CA
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!!
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Review from Allison A.
San Diego, CA
Great Staff- which is so important to me. Very helpful and they educated me on jewelry along with took there time. Great experience.
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Review from Shannon P.
Solana Beach, CA
Not only did my engagement ring come from Leo's, but so did my new earrings! I'm so glad my husband met Bianca.... she picked out the best earrings to go with my awesome ring!
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Review from Mione C.
San Diego, CA
I had a great experience buying my vintage engagement ring at Leo Hamel in Old Town. Bianca was my sales person and she was so nice, so helpful, and really seemed to care that I got a ring and wedding band that I was happy with. I went to Leo Hamel because I was looking for a vintage ring, and man,do they have an awesome selection! At a great variety of prices to fit any budget, too. All the staff that i came into contact with were friendly, respectful and attentive. The atmosphere in the store is warm and welcoming, not intimidating like many other stores we went to. I highly recommend Leo Hamel in Old Town as a great place to buy jewelry. Ask for Bianca and you won't regret it!
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Review from Barrett C.
San Diego, CA
I decided to do my first Yelp review before I went here. Darn I wanted it to be a positive review so bad.. My grandparents used to purchase jewelry here and I had a ring appraised 10 years ago (when they were on El Cajon blvd.) there by their Master Gemologist Thom who gave me excellent customer service. Since then i've recommended this place to soo many people, cause I work and live nearby.
When you arrive there they buzz you in to this beautiful store. But that's not where they buy, it's next door.. definitely not so nice. Cynthia greeted me immediately and could not have been nicer. We went into this teeny office, where she looked through my coins and bills but pushed them back towards me and gave me the name of a coin dealer.. even though their ad says they'll buy "Everything!" Umm..ok. Then the jewelry.. mostly fake lol but a few nice pieces and one nice diamond ring, appraised there before. First I wanted to pawn it. She went to the "Man behind the Curtain" in the next room who won't come out, look you in the eye and meet you, but you can hear everything he's saying, its super creepy! She came back out and said its just under their minuimum $2500. (Appraised by them for triple that.) I asked how much to purchase outright and she wouldn't give me an answer, just "there's a lot of diamonds available now, how much will you take for it?" They did the same thing for my other gold. They won't give you an offer price at all, so seemingly they want you to make an accidental low offer and snap it up. I took it in there to see how much they would offer me for my stuff, which is what all their ads are all about.. Right? But not one penny offered for a big bag of coins, currency, and jewelry. She gave me the address of a Pawn shop out by City Heights! Cynthia told me to be sure they took good care of me.. well, why didn't she and Leo Hamel Jewelers? -
Review from LILY W.
Chula Vista, CA
First off I've tried to sell jewelry and also to browse and possibly buy. The service was meager, not horrific, however, to tell someone they're vintage style over 1 carat diamond engagement ring set would be priced significantly low - meaning they wouldn't pay me anything for it is just crazy!! Oh and they had the nerve to say there's an influx of diamonds right now so the value has depreciated, hmm, don't think I've ever heard of diamonds getting cheaper cause there's so many HA! Now when I went to the store to browse and possibly buy jewelry, they were pretty overpriced and a lot of their items were of lower quality then the piece I was selling and yet expensive so I'm left wondering why is it still pricey, shouldn't those pieces be cheap since there's an influx of diamonds and those were of low quality? Makes me wonder. The only good part of this place is the free refreshments :) haha!
