Our Story

Family Legacy

Carats & Stones is more than just a jewelry boutique; it’s a continuation of a family legacy that began with Linda Kha’s grandfather, a watchmaker in Vietnam. Linda’s father carried on the tradition when the family moved to the United States in the 1970s, and Linda herself grew up in the business, helping her father from the age of 12. She recalls assembling and disassembling clocks as her personal puzzles, a playful challenge that sparked her lifelong passion for craftsmanship.

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

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.

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

At Carats & Stones, creating custom jewelry is more than just a service—it’s a collaborative and deeply personal journey. We start with your ideas, whether it’s a picture, a sketch, or simply a vision in your mind. From there, we work closely with you to bring that vision to life, ensuring that every detail reflects your unique story and style.

One of our most memorable projects involved a client who wanted to design an engagement ring that captured the essence of the ocean, a special place for him and his partner, who shared a love for scuba diving. While the client initially envisioned something bold, like an octopus-inspired ring, our team guided him through a more refined approach, incorporating subtle wave motifs into the design. The result was a stunning, elegant ring that still paid homage to the ocean but in a way that resonated with his partner’s taste. She was thrilled with the final piece, which beautifully represented their shared passion.

This project illustrates how we approach every custom design—focusing on personal touches that make each piece beautiful and deeply meaningful. We believe that jewelry should tell a story, and we’re here to help you tell yours in a way that’s uniquely yours. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a special anniversary gift, or a piece celebrating a personal milestone, we’re dedicated to ensuring the final design is something you’ll treasure for a lifetime..

Jewelry Repurposing

At Carats & Stones, we’re passionate about giving new life to cherished heirloom pieces, transforming them into modern treasures that still hold deep personal meaning. Linda vividly recalls a project where a client brought in her mother’s heart-shaped diamond ring, uncertain of what could be done with it. Rather than dismantling the piece, Linda saw the potential to create something truly special. She carefully removed the center stone and designed a stunning pendant that preserved the ring’s sentimental value while giving it a fresh, elegant look. The client was overjoyed, saying she never imagined the piece could be something she would wear and love so much.

This story is just one example of how we approach repurposing: with creativity, respect, and a deep understanding of our clients' emotional connections to their jewelry. We take the time to listen to the stories behind each piece, and then we work closely with our clients to envision how these beloved items can be reimagined for today’s style while keeping their original spirit intact. Whether it’s turning a vintage watch into a pendant or reconfiguring a family ring into a new piece of jewelry, our goal is to honor the past while creating something that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Every piece of jewelry has a story, and at Carats & Stones, we’re here to help you continue that story in a way that’s uniquely yours.

Jewelry Repair

At Carats & Stones, we understand that your jewelry is more than just an accessory; it’s a cherished possession that holds memories and sentimental value. 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.

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

Client Relationships

At Carats & Stones, we’re proud to have nurtured relationships with our clients that go beyond just a single purchase—they’re relationships that span decades, evolving as our clients’ lives do. Linda often reflects on the joy of seeing familiar faces return to the boutique, clients she first helped 20 years ago now coming back to celebrate anniversaries, milestones, or to find the perfect piece for their children and even grandchildren. These ongoing connections are a reflection of the genuine care and personalized attention we’ve offered to each client over the years.

One of Linda’s most cherished memories involves a couple who came to her for their engagement ring decades ago. Their grown children recently returned to the store, eager to carry on the family tradition with their special purchases. Moments like these reinforce the sense of trust and community that has always been at the heart of Carats & Stones. We’re not just a place to buy jewelry; we’re a part of our clients’ lives, sharing in their most meaningful moments and helping to commemorate them with pieces that will be treasured for generations.

Whether celebrating a 50th anniversary or creating a custom piece for a new generation, we cherish our role in our clients’ lives and are honored to be part of their stories.

Empowerment

We believe in celebrating your achievements, and what better way than with a piece of jewelry that you chose for yourself? We encourage women to buy jewelry for themselves, marking personal milestones like a promotion, a personal goal, or simply because they deserve it. Linda often reminds her clients that jewelry is timeless, a piece that you’ll treasure for a lifetime, unlike a dress that might go out of style. It’s about empowering you to celebrate yourself, your way.

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.

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