The best jewelry stores in Los Angeles

This line of covetable jewelry makes on-trend statement pieces a reality for those on (somewhat of) a budget. Designer Alexis Bittar continually hits the ball out of the park with his fashion-forward aesthetic. His pieces range from organically influenced shapes to modern choices such as lucite, with everything in between serving as inspiration. Notice-me earrings are done well here, as are bold necklaces. Bittar also has a fine jewelry line crafted in 18-karat gold. His pieces are so interesting and thoughtfully designed that it’s easy for people to mistake them for ones that are custom-made. This intimate Venice storefront is a converted bungalow that’s super welcoming; the West 3rd Street location in Mid-City West is the newest LA addition.

This wonderland of fantastic gems crafted into eye-popping earrings, necklaces and rings is a cornucopia of pure aesthetic delight (heaven, even) for any jewelry lover. Although Irene Neuwirth’s Melrose Place flagship is more of a visual playground for most (jeweled charms start at around $1,000 while necklaces run in the tens of thousands), it’s still a spot of pure eye-candy joy. Peacock topiaries welcome customers in front of the store, while the interior is reminiscent of someone’s—very chic—home, replete with a full, functioning kitchen and "living room." Neuwirth’s stunning baubles (favored by Hollywood types such as Emma Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Amy Poehler, Angelina Jolie and Busy Phillips) are beautiful. Inspired by the ocean, the 2014 Council of Fashion Designers of America winner harnesses the sea's plethora of colors as inspiration for her designs, which combine brilliantly-hued, raw-cut gems in asymmetric and unconventional patterns.

Maybe it’s the precious and semi-precious gem slices that make up designer Kathryn Bentley’s signature Mood Stone rings and necklaces. Maybe it’s her line of fine jewelry (and bridal gems) that having everyone swooning. Or it could be the lower-priced, still lovely line that has brass-lovers worshipping at the front door of Bentley’s Silver Lake boutique. Whatever the reason, Dream Collective has a major cult following. There’s something different, something beautiful and raw about Bentley’s designs, as each piece feels truly special. Her sustainable collection is crafted locally, and be it lapis, tourmaline, opal, emerald or sapphire, Bentley chooses the most color-rich stones for her designs. Stepping inside the shop feels like being transported into a visionary’s light and airy dreamscape—you can’t go wrong with any piece here.

You can distill the essence of Broken English, the curated high-end jewelry store in the Brentwood Country Mart, into one simple idea: laidback luxury. If rose gold, micro-diamond pave and delicate geometric pieces appeal to you, then this should be your next destination. Since 2006, Broken English founder Laura Friedman has used her selective taste to bring the best of the best to discerning Westside patrons. Think tiny triangle motifs, dainty chains and stackable rings from designers like Anita Ko, Nak Amstrong, Lizzie Mandler, Xiao Wang and Queen Vee. Friedman mixes on-trend pieces with designs featuring raw-cut natural gems and organic shapes like those from Jacquie Aiche for a luxe boho vibe. She also includes special vintage pieces in the mix, making everything in the tiny boutique feel one-of-a-kind—and the prices reflect that, so don’t be surprised. Good taste, it seems, has a hefty price tag.

The go-to place for not-your-everyday jewelry. This quaint shop, a smaller concept store than its West Hollywood flagship, is more art gallery than jewelry store. Find accessories and baubles, hand-picked by owners Rick and Kathy Rose, from more than 50 international designers, including pieces designed by the husband-and-wife team. Jewel prices range from under $500 to some that fetch over $15,000. Not for seekers of average cushion-cut diamonds—the necklaces, bracelets and rings are high-design stone and metal combos in intricate designs.

The eccentric baubles that put Sonia Boyajian on the map several years ago are now available at the designer’s flagship store in Hollywood. Not only are her colorful pieces a favorite among style mavens (she’s done collabs with Nina Ricci, Brian Reyes and Anthropologie), but she’s big with fashion-forward bloggers, too. Located at the top of Cahuenga above Franklin, Boyajian’s eclectic wares score big on sartorial impact.

Designed and crafted in California, Gabriela Artigas’ eponymous line of jewelry is a must-have for the city’s trendsetters. The line’s signature tusk motif exemplifies the brand’s effortlessly cool, minimalist vibe. Artigas’ pieces transition perfectly from day to night, from the office to the club. Using 14-karat gold and sterling silver along with precious and semi-precious stones, the Mexico City native and her sister Teresita do limited runs, sometimes with a design that's used only a dozen times before it’s retired. This process forces Artigas to continuously reinvent, repurpose and rethink her designs and what inspires her. The designer also offers wedding bands and can custom design bespoke engagement rings. Prices for the main collection range from $70 to $1,200, while bridal starts at $1,200.

This Beverly Hills mainstay offers just about everything you could dream of—a big selection of engagement rings, spectacular gems, drop-dead gorgeous earrings and bracelets and all the stackable rings and dainty necklaces you'd ever want to layer. Ogle at blue opals, try on strands of pearls and tourmaline and get your head in a tizzy over the beautiful pavé diamond drop earrings. The diamond bracelets are stunning and you can find a variety of pendant necklaces for any occasion (birthday, wedding, just because). There is a ton of inventory to look through and drool over (it’s probably what jewelry paradise looks like), but go on a weekday when the store is less busy—everyone shops here and you can tell, especially on the weekends. Price tags are high, but don’t be put off; they usually discount—make sure to ask. If nothing else, it’s worth a look for "research" purposes.

Serving the Palisades (and really all of the Westside) since 2008, Jaimie Geller Jewelry—founded by Jaimie and husband Michael, a third-generation jeweler—is a bastion of cool. It’s really that simple. The jewelry oscillates somewhere between edgy and traditional, striking a chord at laidback chic. And thankfully the pieces Geller carries (some designed by her, others curated from brands like Hoorsenbuhs, Arik Kastan, Carban & Hyde and Suzanne Kalan) are totally on-trend. The streamlined store offers a wide variety of pieces with something for everyone, whether you prefer super of-the-moment or more timeless pieces. Inspired by fashion, Geller’s eye for a great piece can be felt throughout, as each item feels uniquely special and thoughtful. If you’re in the market for diamonds, semi-precious stones or simply straightforward metal designs, then you should trek west to take a peek. The store also offers custom engagement ring design services.

The décor of this cabinet of curiosities might lean towards the macabre, but the gem-centric jewelry on offer is anything but. Whether you’re looking for an unusual necklace or high-impact ring, this collection of pieces using less-common semi-precious stones is extensive. In fact, the pieces are a veritable rainbow of options, from rust-hued Africian sunstone and emerald-colored green onyx to sky blue aqua chalcedony and pale yellow beryl stone. The one-of-a-kind pieces are serious showstoppers for the gemstone fanatic. The interior design here can’t be ignored either, as it features taxidermied animals, cases of mounted butterflies and insects, disembodied doll heads… you get the idea. Incorporated into the design are plates from John Derian and handmade graphite art objects as well as rotating artist exhibitions.

This brother-sister venture caters to the fashionable, edgy, eclectic customer with a love of vintage jewelry. Siblings Natasha Tsimmerman and Larry Platt, third-generation dealers, curate this impressive collection of jewelry finds, some dating back to the 18th century. The boutique itself is small but mighty, housing some gorgeous pieces if you’re in the market for a stunning cocktail ring, a killer bracelet or are planning on popping the question. Regular clients include celebs such as Katie Holmes and Rosario Dawson, and the staff is very attentive, highly knowledgeable and never pushy. They kindly walk you through the collection, helping to discern your taste and staying within budget—part of the benefit of working with a family-owned operation. The WeHo boutique is just off the beaten path of Robertson, tucked away on a side street. Grab a meter, as nearby neighborhood parking is permitted.

Jewelry enthusiasts, get your wallets ready. If you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind or collectible items, Vintage Malibu carries pieces from Cartier, Chanel, Bulgari, Fred Leighton, Van Cleef & Arpels and many others, depending on inventory. Massive cocktail rings and swoonworthy earrings are among the shop's standouts, as are the beautiful engagement rings. The jewelry will undoubtedly inspire you to start collecting, even if you can’t drop $20,000 right then and there (or ever). The small boutique is lined with vintage luxury goods on display and for sale, including Birkin bags and Chanel belts. They also offer an exciting array of designer timepieces for those who are horologically inclined. You can even trade, sell or consign your own jewelry, watches or handbags (just make an appointment). Plus, the homey space located at the Malibu Country Mart makes for a great excuse for a drive up the coast.

If you love pavé diamonds and naturally shaped gemstones, look no further—23rd Street Jewelers is the answer to your bedazzled prayers. Each of the dreamy pieces is designed and crafted in-house, making many of the items truly unique, and rganic shapes lend themselves well to the brand’s casual luxury. The store also has a sizeable collection of engagement rings and wedding bands as well as a beautiful couture line. Moonstone pieces are popular, as are pale green and pale blue stones; however, it’s the large gemstones bordered by rose-cut diamonds, square-cut emeralds or the brand’s diamond “pavé baguette” design that are really the standouts in the collection. The store’s original Santa Monica location, situated is sweet white cottage, has been going strong since sisters Mary Kelley and Diane Allen started the company in 1981. The pair opened a second outpost in Manhattan Beach in 2003.