5 Characteristics of a Good Jeweler

Whether you are shopping for a wedding or engagement ring, necklace or a unique piece for yourself or a loved one, you want something that is genuine, high quality and dazzling. Unfortunately, most people can’t tell heads or tails about real stones and gems so they rely completely on the advice of a jeweler. Considering high quality jewelry costs a small fortune and the world is full of crooks, how do you know the jeweler you are dealing with is good and legitimate? Here are 5 characteristics to look for in Del Mar jewelers.


1. Well Established Jeweler

The best jeweler is one who has a good reputation and standing in the business and has been in the industry for a long time. You might even have gotten a referral from people who have used their services before, or read stellar reviews online. A business that has withstood the test of time must have provided good customer service over the years, and is more likely to continue being in business in the future.


2. Knowledge of Jewelry Features

A good jeweler should have a vast knowledge of different kinds of gemstones in terms of features, color, hardness, cuts and carat weights. They must be able to explain to you the 4Cs of diamonds (cut, clarity, color and carat weight), and be able to advise you on the pros and cons of every stone you choose clearly. It goes without saying that they must have the proper professional equipment such as a loupe to examine diamonds, and a properly calibrated scale to weigh them.


3. Variety

It’s a major red flag if you walk into a Del Mar jewelry store and find that they have only a few rings for you to see. A good jeweler must have a wide array of choices on display for you to choose from. When you walk into a store with lots of pieces for sale, the right jeweler will narrow down your search by guiding you to what you want.

Besides having a vast array of rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry, it’s a plus to have an in-house gemologist who can explain the properties of each stone and piece to you, a bench jeweler to repair and resize your jewelry and also a designer who can custom-make a dazzling piece specific to your needs. You can find all of these services and more at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers.


4. Policies, Returns and Warranties

Jewelry can be very expensive, not to mention delicate. It is not unheard for someone to buy a piece that has a crack or even turns out to be fake. A good jeweler stands behind their products and designs by offering a warranty and return policy in case there’s a problem. Their policies should protect the consumer as well as the store so that everyone is happy. The best jeweler should also provide you with after-sales services such as sizing, polishing and customizing the jewelry to your liking.


5. Relationship with the Customer

On top of being knowledgeable and having great prices, the best jeweler must cultivate a good relationship with the customer, because jewelry is very close to people’s hearts. A good jeweler focuses on what the customer wants by keenly listening to their dreams, desires, tastes and style while answering any question asked. They should then select a couple of options fitting that description and advise the customer on size, design, weight, strength and all the features required while keeping in mind the budget price. In other words, your preferred jeweler, whether in Del Mar or the surrounding San Diego County, should be your best friend, knowing everything you want and trying to get it for you. The Personal Shopper Service at Leo Hamel’s does just that.

Over and above all the characteristics indicated, it’s advisable to follow your gut and shop where you feel comfortable. It’s not always easy to spot a con game from a superficially honest facade but trust your instincts, or try to get a second opinion. Do your research and ask for referrals.