Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers - La Mesa — Local services in La Mesa

First of all, I would like to say that if I could give less than one star, I would. My first experience with Leo Hamel was at this store with Ms. Kelsey. You see the commercials and read on the web site about how this establishment cares about you and your old jewelry, how they are a family and have family values. Well, I hate to say it, but my experience here was less of a family value store and more of a shady pawn shop. Our experience started with walking into the waiting room while the customer in front of us was being told how in-valuable their jewelry was. So much for privacy. When we were called to sit down with Ms. Kelsey, she asked to see the items we wished to sell.

When we gave her the necklace, I had told her that I had an appraisal sheet to make sure the things matched what she was telling us. She then promptly told us before I could finish my sentence " I don't care about your appraisal. It is inaccurate". It was hard to believe that she would be able to tell me my previous appraisal was inaccurate without even seeing the appraisal. Again just seeing where this visit would go. She then proceeded to look at the diamonds that were in the setting on the necklace. After looking at the diamonds without talking to us about anything else or what we would like to do she told us that she would give us $100 for the gold, but because the diamonds were color enhanced that she wouldn't be interested in the diamonds. Finding this very odd because the website states that "We’ll buy your diamonds in all shapes and carat weights, loose or set in jewelry." and to me, that statement means that they will buy all diamonds.

After rejecting our diamonds, I explained to her that we were looking to upgrade my wife's engagement ring with the money. Hoping that investing money into there store with there own money might help us. Again before I could finish getting a sentence out of my mouth, we were given a rude response of "well maybe someone else will be interested in your diamonds, but I'm not. We only sell branded diamonds" All and all my experience here was an abysmal show of customer service, respect, and overall don't care about anyone at this store. I would highly recommend anyone and everyone going elsewhere if you are looking to sell your jewelry. Honestly, you would probably get better customer service and respect at a pawn...

I took my parents to see about selling their Rolex watches, which they no longer wear and have had for decades. Analiza Elizaga helped us, and we feel very fortunate that we had her as our Leo Hamel estate buyer. She was very knowledgeable and asked a lot of questions about the watches, including about past upkeep and service, which my parents had never thought to have done. She told us a lot about the specific models and discussed why each was worth what it now is worth. My parents did not know a lot of that background and were amazed at her level of background knowledge. (She must have a PhD in fine jewlery!) She gave them quotes on each of the watches and spent a lot of time talking about other items that my parents may want to have appraised and sell in the future. We will definitely return to Leo Hamel and ask for Analiza. Smart, knowledgeable and personable. She's a gem in the...

I was going through a very rough patch a few years back. I was going through a divorce and, I was in desperate need of cash. I had worked at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers for years, so I knew there was only one place I would go to sell my jewelry and watches. I knew they would be honest, and give me the most for my pieces. I was mortified and embarrassed, but Kelsey didn’t judge my situation. She made me feel comfortable. I was treated fairly and with compassion. I knew I didn’t have to go any other place to try to get more For my jewelry. I now own my own shop in North Park (Presley & Co. Fine Jewelers), and I still refer everyone that comes in to sell their jewelry or watches to go to Leo Hamel. I keep their business cards in my desk so I can hand them out. I know that they will be well...