Family Legacy
Rooted in generations of craftsmanship, Carats & Stones carries forward a family legacy that began with Linda Kha’s grandfather, a skilled watchmaker in Vietnam. After immigrating to the United States in the 1970s, Linda’s father continued the tradition, passing down his expertise and passion for the craft. Growing up in the business, Linda began working alongside her father at just 12 years old. What started as curiosity soon became a lifelong passion. She recalls assembling and disassembling clocks as a child, treating each one like a puzzle to solve. Those early experiences shaped not only her understanding of the craft but also her belief that every piece of jewelry should be made with intention, care, and lasting significance.
Personal Involvement
From her early days of assisting her father with licenses and business paperwork to learning the art of jewelry-making, Linda’s journey has been deeply intertwined with her family’s craft. Today, she brings that same dedication and passion to Carats & Stones, ensuring that every piece reflects the love and skill that has been passed down through generations.
Our Philosophy
At Carats & Stones, we believe exceptional jewelry begins with exceptional care. While craftsmanship remains at the heart of everything we do, the relationships we build with our clients are just as important. We take the time to understand each client's story, style, and vision, helping them find pieces that feel personal and meaningful.
Guided by generations of expertise, we approach every interaction with honesty, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality. Whether selecting an engagement ring, redesigning a family heirloom, or celebrating a milestone, our goal is to create an experience that feels as thoughtful and lasting as the jewelry itself.
Customer Experience
Walking into Carats & Stones is like visiting an old friend. Linda and her team are dedicated to making every client feel welcome and at ease, whether it’s your first time buying jewelry or you’re a seasoned collector. The boutique’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, far removed from the intimidating vibe of typical jewelry stores. Clients often express their surprise at how comfortable and relaxed they feel, a sentiment that Linda takes great pride in cultivating.
Personalization
At Carats & Stones, each client’s story is unique, and we believe their jewelry should be too. Whether you come in with a specific idea or need guidance to discover what’s right for you, our team takes the time to listen and understand your needs. Thanks to our team's expertise and attention to detail, we’ve had clients walk in with one idea and leave with something completely different—but perfectly suited to them. We’re here to help you find or create something that truly reflects your style and life.
Services
Custom Design
Custom jewelry is one of the most personal parts of what we do. Whether you come to us with a photo, a sketch, or just an idea, we work closely with you to create a piece that reflects your style and story.
One of our most memorable projects involved a client who wanted to create an engagement ring inspired by the ocean, a place that held special meaning for him and his partner through their shared love of scuba diving. While his initial idea was an octopus-inspired design, we worked together to create a more subtle and elegant interpretation, incorporating wave-inspired details into the ring. The final piece beautifully reflected their connection to the ocean while matching his partner's style, and she was thrilled with the result.
Every custom design is a collaboration. We believe the most treasured pieces are the ones with a personal connection, which is why we approach each project with care, attention, and a genuine desire to bring your vision to life. From life's biggest milestones to its quieter celebrations, we're honored to create jewelry that becomes part of your story.
Jewelry Repurposing
We love helping clients give new life to meaningful jewelry. Whether it's a family heirloom or a piece that no longer fits their style, we work closely with each client to transform it into something they can enjoy wearing again.
One memorable project involved a client who brought in her mother's heart-shaped diamond ring. Rather than redesigning the entire piece, Linda carefully repurposed the center stone into an elegant pendant, preserving its sentimental value while creating something the client could wear every day. The result was a piece that honored the original memory while feeling fresh and personal.
Jewelry Repair
Behind every cherished piece of jewelry is a story worth preserving—a memory, a milestone, or a connection to someone special. That’s why we offer comprehensive jewelry repair services by our master jewelers, who bring decades of experience to every piece they work on. Whether you need a simple resizing, a stone replacement, or a more complex restoration, we handle each repair with the utmost care and precision, ensuring that your jewelry is restored to its original beauty and brilliance. We’re dedicated to making sure your treasured pieces can continue to be worn and loved for years to come.
Our Team
Expert Craftsmanship
Our team is like family, many of whom have been with us for decades. Jackie, who has been with Linda since the 1980s, and other dedicated team members bring their expertise and passion to every piece they work on. Whether it’s a delicate repair or creating a custom piece, their craftsmanship is evident in every detail. This deep experience and commitment to quality are why our clients trust us with their most treasured possessions.
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Generational Expertise
The future of Carats & Stones is bright with the next generation, represented by Whitney. Growing up in the business, Whitney brings fresh energy and ideas while upholding the traditions of excellence that have defined Carats & Stones for years. She is an integral part of our team, ensuring that the legacy of craftsmanship and personalized service continues for years to come.
Community and Legacy
Your Invitation to Experience Carats & Stones
We invite you to visit Carats & Stones and experience the warmth, expertise, and creativity that set us apart. Whether you’re looking to create a custom piece, repurpose a cherished heirloom, or simply find something special from our collection, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Come see us in our San Francisco boutique, or reach out for a consultation, and let us be part of your story.