We are open:
Monday to Friday: 10AM-6PM
Saturday: 10AM-3:45PM
Sunday: Closed.
Feel free to call us 7 days a week at 619-238-9100.

Our shop is conveniently located on the first floor of the San Diego Jewelers Exchange Building in the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter. We offer parking validation with every jewelry purchase (Ace parking lot located across the street).

David Levi & Sons Jewelers
861 Sixth Ave., Suite 105
San Diego, CA 92101

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Yes, we sell gemstones that are certified by respected labs such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL). All diamonds come with a certificate, which includes an analysis of the diamond’s shape, weight, dimensions, clarity, color, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics.

The most sure-fire way to guarantee your bride’s satisfaction is to pick out the ring together. Many grooms propose with a “placeholder” ring and then shop for the real thing with their fiancée. However, if you choose to surprise your bride by proposing with the real deal, there are a few things to consider to help you make the right choice: taste, lifestyle, and ring size.

Taste: If your loved one has simpler tastes in clothing and decor, you may consider choosing a classic ring design, such as the Tiffany style, which features a plain band and high stone setting. If your fiancée tends to follow the latest fashion trends, a more contemporary, sleek design might do the trick. In any case, it’s wise to pay attention to current jewelry, taking special note of the colors of metals and gems.

Lifestyle: What are your bride-to-be’s occupation and hobbies? Gardening? Childcare? Work with animals? A low-profile ring more practical than one where the stone is set high. High settings tend to get caught on fabrics and scratch others.

Ring size: It’s almost impossible to determine ring size simply by looking at a person’s hands. If you can bring in a ring that’s currently being worn, we can measure it for you. A helpful hint: It is usually less expensive to size a ring down than up.

The recipe for finding a “good” quality diamond is simple. Consider the “Four C’s”: carat, clarity, color, and cut, and you’re sure to find a diamond that suits you.

Carat is the weight of a diamond (not to be confused with “karat,” which is the measure of purity of gold). The more a diamond weighs, the bigger its size. 1 carat = 100 points (also .20 grams).

Don’t let the numbers confuse you. Just remember to examine the diamonds loose (it’s harder to judge size when the diamond is already mounted on a band), and also take into account the size of the wearer’s hands. A smaller diamond will look larger on delicate fingers. Also, a bigger diamond does not always mean better, or more visually appealing. For instance, a .98 carat diamond with a superior cut can have a much more dazzling appearance than a 1.02 carat diamond with a less-than-expert cut.

Clarity refers to the natural, as well as man-made, imperfections of a diamond―both external (“blemishes”) and internal (“inclusions”).

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond clarity under 10x magnification on an 11-point scale, which ranges from the rare flawless (FL) rating to obviously flawed, or included (I3). Most visually “clean” diamonds (those with few flaws) are graded VS2 and higher. But because most flaws cannot be detected by the naked, untrained eye, many diamond shoppers regard clarity to be the least important trait to look for when shopping for the right diamond.

Color refers to the interior hue of the diamond, and can range from yellowish to brownish. No diamond is completely colorless, but the less color a diamond has, the rarer and more expensive it is. (The exception to this rule is when fancy color diamonds, such as pink or blue―or any other hue of the rainbow―are being graded. True fancy diamonds are much more expensive than colorless diamonds.)

When evaluating a diamond’s color, be sure to inspect it against a pure white background, never black. Anything less than clear will show up as yellowish next to a white background. Also keep in mind the wearer’s skin tone. A yellowish diamond will appear clearer on tanned or olive skin tones.

Cut has probably the most profound impact on a diamond’s allure. Cut refers not to the shape of a diamond (although this is taken into account), but to the way a diamond has been formed and polished, transforming it from raw stone to precious gem.

The number, placement, angling, and shape of the facets will determine the diamond’s brilliance (total amount of light reflected), fire (dispersion of white light into spectral, or rainbow, colors), and scintillation (sparkle when a diamond is moved). The “round brilliant” cut is the most popular cut, with 58 facets. A gifted diamond cutter can downplay a diamond’s flaws in clarity and color while preserving its size/weight.

There is no rule that says you must buy a diamond engagement ring. The diamond is certainly an age-old tradition and appeals to people of different tastes, but it is, by no means, your only option. These days, brides are donning chic, unconventional ring styles highlighting the precious gem of their choice, accented by smaller side diamonds.

Many jewelry stores will recommend spending two months’ salary on your beloved’s ring. The truth is, you should spend whatever you feel comfortable spending. By purchasing from a reputable independent jeweler like David Levi & Sons, you can feel assured knowing that your budget will go further because you’ll be paying for the jewelry itself, not the expensive overhead expenses that you’ll find at a mall showroom or big box retailer.