Walk into the Linda Vista Plaza Shopping Center on a Tuesday morning and you’ll find a scene that hasn't changed much in decades. It’s quiet, tucked away, and honestly, a little easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. But inside a small, unassuming storefront, Kim My Jewelry San Diego is quietly running circles around the big-box retailers in Fashion Valley.
Most people assume that "good" jewelry—the kind you buy for a 10th anniversary or a proposal—has to come with a velvet-rope experience and a glass of lukewarm champagne. Kim My Jewelry proves that’s basically a myth.
Why Kim My Jewelry San Diego Is Still the Go-To Spot
You’ve probably seen the YouTube shorts or the TikToks of crushed rings being brought back to life. That’s usually Terry. He’s the face behind much of the magic at Kim My Jewelry and Repair. While the shop at 6941 Linda Vista Rd Ste E looks modest, the craftsmanship is high-level.
They’ve been a neighborhood staple for a long time. People come here because they don't want to be "sold" a diamond; they want to talk to someone who knows why a prong is loose or how to reset a grandmother's jade pendant without ruining the sentiment.
It's about trust. Pure and simple.
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The Linda Vista Secret
Linda Vista isn't exactly where you'd expect to find world-class master jewelers. Yet, this little corner of San Diego houses a cluster of family-owned shops, with Kim My often sitting at the top of the list for quick turnarounds.
Honestly, the speed is what shocks most new customers. You take a watch in for a battery or a ring for a resize, and you’re often walking out with it fixed before you’ve even finished your errands at the neighboring grocery store.
The Reality of Custom Design at Kim My
A lot of folks get intimidated by "custom jewelry." They think it means $10,000 and six months of waiting. At Kim My Jewelry San Diego, the process is way more grounded.
- You bring in an idea (or a blurry Pinterest screenshot).
- Terry or the staff looks at it.
- They tell you if it’s actually structurally sound.
- They build it.
They specialize in everything from 14K and 18K gold to 24K pieces that appeal to the local Vietnamese and Chinese communities. If you’re looking for high-purity gold that holds its value, this is the place. They understand the cultural significance of jewelry as an investment, not just an accessory.
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What about the repairs?
If you've ever had a wedding band crushed in a car door—yeah, it happens more than you'd think—you know the panic. Kim My has built a massive following (and a pretty cool YouTube presence) just by showing these transformations.
They do:
- Rhodium plating that makes yellowed white gold look brand new.
- Prong retipping so you don't lose that stone you spent three months' salary on.
- Chain soldering for those thin "invisible" necklaces that snap if you sneeze too hard.
- Watch repair, including those pesky battery replacements that mall kiosks charge $30 for.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That you need an appointment or a suit to walk in.
It’s a neighborhood shop. You’ll see people in flip-flops getting $50,000 diamonds appraised next to someone getting a $15 watch band adjusted. That’s the beauty of it. They don’t gatekeep the expertise.
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Another thing: people think "cheap" prices mean lower quality. In the jewelry world, a lot of what you pay for at big retailers is the rent for a massive mall space and a huge marketing budget. Kim My doesn't have a billboard on the 805. They have word-of-mouth. That lower overhead goes directly into your pocket.
A Quick Reality Check on Hours
If you’re planning a trip, don't show up on a Monday. They’re closed.
Typically, they operate:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday: Often closed or limited hours (check before you drive).
It’s a small team. When they’re busy, they’re really busy. But they’re efficient.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you're heading down to Linda Vista to see what the hype is about, keep these tips in mind to get the best experience.
- Bring your old gold: If you have broken chains or single earrings, they often buy gold or can use it as credit toward a new piece.
- Ask for Terry: He’s the one you see in the videos. His knowledge of stone setting and repair is legitimate.
- Be specific about your budget: They are great at finding "value" stones—diamonds or gems that look incredible but don't have the "perfect" specs that drive prices into the stratosphere.
- Check the YouTube channel: Search for their repair videos before you go. It’ll give you a sense of the "before and after" quality you can expect.
- Don't ignore the jade: They have some of the most authentic jade pieces in San Diego, something you won't find at Zales or Kay.
Take your most worn-out piece of jewelry—the one with the scratches and the dull finish—and bring it in for a professional polish and rhodium plating. It usually costs less than a fancy dinner and makes the piece look like it just came out of the display case.