Designing a custom piece of jewellery is a vulnerable experience. It’s not just about the gold or the stones; it’s about a concept you’ve likely been carrying in your head for months. In our experience at Maroth Jewels, the biggest hurdle for clients isn't a lack of ideas it's the fear that the person across the counter won't "get it," or worse, that they'll overcharge for a design that lacks structural integrity.
Los Angeles is the heartbeat of the American jewelry industry, particularly the historic Jewelry District. But with hundreds of options, how do you distinguish a true artisan from a high-volume reseller? We’ve seen many buyers get caught in the "marketing trap," where a beautiful showroom masks a lack of technical manufacturing knowledge.
If you are looking for the best custom jewelers in Los Angeles, this list is built on craftsmanship, transparency, and the ability to handle complex, bespoke requests.
Before we dive into the names, let’s clear up a common confusion we see at Maroth Jewels. Many people assume "custom" just means picking a stone and putting it in a pre-made setting. In the industry, we call that semi-custom.
True custom design starts with a sketch or a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model built from scratch. It allows for better weight distribution, more secure prongs, and a balance that fits your specific hand shape or lifestyle. When you shop in LA, ask if they do their casting and setting in-house. It’s the difference between a jeweler who oversees every weld and one who simply "outsources" your dream to a third-party factory.
Located in the heart of the Jewelry District, Capri Jewelry is a staple for those seeking a family-run feel with high-end output. In our professional circles, they are known for their approachability. They specialize in engagement rings and are particularly skilled at taking a "mood board" of scattered ideas and refining them into a cohesive design. Best for: First-time custom buyers who need guidance on diamond education.
With over 50 years in the business, this is a powerhouse of the LA scene. What sets them apart is their massive inventory of settings that can be customized. While some shops feel like high-pressure sales environments, Icing On The Ring maintains a patient, educational tone that aligns with our own philosophy at Maroth Jewels. Best for: Couples who want to see physical prototypes before committing to a full CAD design.
David Klass is a name that frequently pops up in enthusiast forums like PriceScope and Reddit. Why? Because his technical execution is legendary. He is a "jeweler’s jeweler." His work often involves intricate metalwork milgrain, filigree, and complex gallery designs that many modern shops shy away from because it’s time-consuming. Best for: Highly detailed, vintage-inspired, or "artistic" metalwork.
If your vision is unconventional, Takayas is the destination. He has carved out a niche by blending fine jewelry with pop culture and personal storytelling (think Final Fantasy or Gundam inspired wedding bands). His ability to translate abstract themes into wearable, high-quality gold and platinum is unmatched in the city. Best for: Niche, thematic, or narrative-driven designs.
A Beverly Hills icon. XIV Karats is where you go when you want that "LA Luxury" experience without the stuffiness of a heritage brand. Their custom department is fast and efficient. They handle everything from massive "push presents" to delicate, personalized nameplates. Best for: Trendy, high-impact pieces and celebrity-style aesthetics.
Mark Broumand is famous for his "Large Diamond" inventory and his ability to create settings that make a stone look even more substantial than its carat weight suggests. His custom process is very visual; they use high-definition renderings to ensure the client sees exactly how the light will hit the stone. Best for: Statement engagement rings and maximizing diamond brilliance.
Located in Los Feliz, this shop feels more like an artist’s studio than a retail store. They focus heavily on the "hand-forged" aspect of jewelry. They often work with recycled metals and ethically sourced, unusual gemstones. Best for: The eco-conscious buyer looking for an "indie" or bohemian aesthetic.
A heavy hitter in the Jewelry District for natural diamonds. They operate on a direct-to-consumer model, which means you’re often getting closer to wholesale pricing for custom work. Their strength lies in "The Classics" tennis necklaces and timeless solitaires. Best for: High-quality natural diamond pieces at a competitive price point.
Based in Glendale, Vara has gained a massive following for their focus on lab-grown diamonds. They’ve perfected the "modern minimalist" custom look. Their process is streamlined, making it a great choice for a tech-savvy buyer who wants to manage a design via digital communication. Best for: High-clarity lab-grown diamond engagement rings.
Another leader in the lab-grown space, Karaters offers a "3D Design Mockup" service before any metal is cast. This level of transparency is vital. It prevents the "that's not what I imagined" moment that can haunt custom projects. Best for: Buyers who are nervous about the design process and want multiple digital previews.
Despite the name, they offer a very grounded experience. They are excellent at "remounts." If you have an heirloom diamond from a grandmother and want to put it into a modern, custom-designed setting, they are highly skilled at handling the sentimental (and physical) delicacy of that task. Best for: Heirloom redesigns and traditional bridal.
Not to be confused with others, this boutique focuses on the soul of the piece. Their custom work often features textured metals brushed gold, hammered finishes, and organic shapes. It’s less about the "bling" and more about the "object of art." Best for: Unique, textured wedding bands and gender-neutral designs.
While not one single store, several custom shops in the 550 S. Hill St. building specialize in IGI-certified custom work. These are for the buyers who want a "spec-heavy" build knowing exactly the depth, table, and fluorescence of their custom-sourced stones.
A legacy name in the LA Jewelry District. They are one of the few places that still prioritize hand-sketching in the initial phase. There is a certain fluidity to a hand-sketched design that CAD sometimes loses, and their designers have that "old world" eye for proportion. Best for: Classic, romantic engagement rings.
Located in Westwood, Weiss Jewelry is known for its intimate, one-on-one service. Custom jewelry can be intimidating, but Peter Weiss and his team have a way of making the technical side (like prongs vs. bezel) feel easy to understand. Best for: Residents in the Westside who want a local, high-trust relationship.
Grace is a specialist in "Old World" cuts Old European Cuts (OEC) and Antique Cushions. If your custom dream involves a stone that looks like it was mined in the 1920s but set in a modern, durable mounting, she is the expert. Best for: Antique diamond lovers and unique, chunky gold settings.
While they are a global brand, their Beverly Hills location offers a level of custom "high jewelry" that is essentially a masterclass in the craft. This is for the "sky is the limit" budget where you are paying for the world’s most elite artisans. Best for: Investment-grade, museum-quality custom pieces.
A hidden gem for those who want specialized metalwork. They are particularly adept at intricate engravings and symbolic designs. Their reviews often mention their patience in "tweaking" a design until it is 100% perfect. Best for: Intricate engraving and culturally significant designs.
Famous for the "Bachelor" rings, Neil Lane’s custom studio in LA is actually quite deep in its capabilities beyond what you see on TV. They have an incredible archive of vintage jewelry that they use as inspiration for their custom builds. Best for: Hollywood glamour and vintage-style halos.
While we operate with a global reach, many of our clients are designers and brands based right here in Los Angeles. At Maroth Jewels, our custom approach is built on manufacturing integrity. We don’t just ask "Does it look good?" We ask "Will these prongs hold up after five years of daily wear?" or "Is this band thick enough to prevent warping?" Best for: Direct-to-manufacturer quality, bulk custom orders, and private label designs.
Los Angeles offers an incredible spectrum of custom jewelry, from the high-octane luxury of Beverly Hills to the gritty, technical excellence of the Diamond District.
If you want a piece that reflects a specific artistic vision, go to a boutique like Takayas or David Klass. If you are looking for the best value on a classic diamond design, the shops at 550 S. Hill St are your best bet.
At Maroth Jewels, we believe the best custom jewelry happens when the buyer is educated and the maker is honest about the limits of metal and stone. Whether you’re designing a single engagement ring or a full collection for a private label, the goal should always be the same: a piece that looks as good in thirty years as it does the day you pick it up.
Ready to start your design journey?
If you have a sketch or even just a rough idea and want to understand the manufacturing costs and structural requirements, feel free to reach out to our team. We’d be happy to look at your concept and help you figure out the best way to bring it to life.
Please get in touch with us and share your ideas if you have personalized jewelry or are searching for a private label jewelry manufacturer. In accordance with your suggestions, we will make and present genuine jewelry.
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