The Best Antique Stores Near Me

Publish date April 20, 2018

“Let’s go antiquing!”

More and more, we’re hearing this phrase proclaimed as an idea for a fun way to spend the day. Once upon a time, antique stores used to receive stereotypes like “grandma’s store” or a “place for hoarders.” Well, gone are the days. Now, many younger individuals find themselves searching for “antique stores near me,” and there’s good reason for this! Antique stores are fun, no matter your age! The excitement of never knowing what you’re going to find is part of the thrill. Every antique shop you come across is like its own little treasure chest. Throughout San Diego, there are tons of local antique shops. And depending on what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a few favorites. One antique store that we hope makes it onto your list of favorites is Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. If you have a passion for heirlooms with history, then you have to visit our jewelry store that’s filled with vintage and antiques. While antique jewelry is one of our main focuses, we do offer other antique items as well! From antique jewelry to antique watches to antique coin purses and handbags to other knick knacks like antique compact mirrors, our collection is truly fascinating. So instead of searching the internet for antique stores near me, stop by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue. Here are the top 3 reasons Leo Hamel’s should be your go-to antique store San Diego.

Antique Shops Offer a Wider Selection

Yellow gold antique pendant set with rubies and diamonds.

If you desire a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry you’ll love all of our options. Leo Hamel’s antique jewelry collection spans over many decades and eras. Browse antiques from the Georgian era, Victorian era, Art Nouveau era, Edwardian era, Art Deco era, and Retro era. We’re always adding new items to our antique collection, so you really never know what you’ll find. Currently, some outstanding antiques that are for sale in our antique store include antique binoculars, antique pill boxes, and an antique dance card! These are not items you can easily find just anywhere – they are truly one-of-a-kind and the best part is that no one else in the world will have the same antique as you. Don’t just rely on searching our website though. Most of our rarer antique finds go so quickly and never even make it onto our website. Can’t seem to find exactly what you’re looking for? Don’t worry! Our personal shoppers are here to help. Just let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll contact our countless resources in our global network to help you find it. Not many other antique shops are willing to help you find the perfect piece, like we are.

Go Green by Shopping Antiques

We’re always looking for new ways to help save the environment, and antiquing is the ultimate eco-friendly shopping experience. If you prefer shopping for items that were ethically sourced, antiques are the best option for you. Antiques have been recycled and reused from person to person for many years. And most of these items were crafted long before all of the newer methods of production, so you don’t have to worry about any unethical sources of mining, air pollution, or other dangers to our environment. There are also other benefits that come from shopping antiques. Not only are you saving the environment, you are:

Saving money- since these items are pre-owned you usually pay a discounted rate from the original retail value. And who doesn’t love getting a good deal on something?
Preserving history- every antique comes with a special history and unique story. The way it was made, who previously owned it, what it was used for in the past, etc. When you purchase antiques you help extend the longevity of these creations, preserve relics of the past, and become a part of its story.

Quality Craftsmanship in Antiques

Antiques are unique because they’ve withstood the test of time. In previous decades, most jewelry, flatware, and other items were crafted by hand. In order to be considered an antique, an item is more than 100 years old. And since it’s already lasted that long, you can be sure it will last you for many years to come. And again, since most antiques were made by hand, there isn’t another one of its kind. Most jewelers and artisans took the time to meticulously craft one unique piece, rather than having hundreds of the same item reproduced by a machine. You’ll notice the attention to detail that went into creating these special pieces. And it may even become a new family heirloom to pass down to future generations. Additionally, antiques that have been well-cared for usually increase in value over time. So in case you ever find yourself selling antiques in the future, you may receive more than you originally paid for it!

Antique Buyers Near Me

Just in case you need another reason to visit Leo Hamel Antique Buyers in San Diego, here it is. Not only do we offer a wide selection of antique items for you to purchase, we’ll also purchase antiques from you! We buy antiques including swords, statues, militaria, documents, uniforms, antique firearms, and more. Please keep in mind all evaluations of antique firearms, guns, pistols, shotguns, and muskets are strictly by appointment only in our San Diego Avenue buying location. For all other items, no appointment is necessary. Our 5 buying offices throughout San Diego are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10a.m. to 6p.m, and our San Diego Avenue location is also open on Mondays from 10a.m. to 6.pm.

Several antiques including a flask and a pair of binoculars spread out on a desk.

Most of our San Diego antique buyers are GIA-trained, so they’ll be able to meticulously identify your antiques and find as much value in them as possible. Our antique buyers can offer you top prices for your unwanted heirlooms, and evaluations can be performed in mere minutes – you’ll even leave with a check in-hand when you sell your antiques! Looking for antique consignment shops near me? Look no further. When selling antiques you have a few different options at Leo’s:

Option #1: Sell antiques for immediate payout- this is the quickest way to sell antiques. Simply stop by one of our buying offices for a free evaluation and receive payment on the spot. No appointment is necessary!
Option #2: Pawn your antiques- if you find yourself searching for antique pawn shops near me, Leo Hamel’s is the place for you. Receive a temporary loan for your antiques and sign up for our flexible repayment plan. Or if you’d prefer to sell antiques on consignment, we do that too! Your items will be displayed in our jewelry store and you’ll receive payment once it finds a new home.
Option #3: Trade in your antiques- Feel like trading your antiques in for another item? Visit our jewelry store in San Diego Avenue to find the trade-in value, and to also pick out a new treasure.

Working with local antique buyers has never been easier!