Top 20 Custom Jewelry Jewelers in Orange County

Most people searching for a custom jeweler in Orange County aren't just looking for a shop; they are looking for someone they can trust with an idea that only exists in their head.

We see it often at Maroth Jewels clients come to us after visiting a handful of showrooms in Newport or the Laguna Design Center feeling a bit overwhelmed. They’ve seen plenty of "custom" options that are actually just pre-made heads soldered onto standard shanks.

They’ve been quoted prices that seem to fluctuate based on the zip code of the store rather than the weight of the gold or the quality of the stone.

Orange County has a high density of talent, but the "best" jeweler for you depends entirely on whether you value a high-end showroom experience, a workbench-direct relationship, or a specific design aesthetic like vintage restoration or ultra-modern CAD work.

The Top 20 Custom Jewelry Experts in Orange County

We have curated this list based on reputation, craftsmanship, and the specific "edge" each jeweler brings to the table.

1. Maroth Jewels

While we operate on a global scale as a manufacturer, our heart is in the bespoke process. We specialize in taking complex, high-concept designs and making them structurally sound. Our clients often come to us when they’ve been told a design is "too difficult" by local retail shops. We bridge the gap between high-end manufacturing precision and the personal touch of a custom piece, ensuring that "one-of-a-kind" doesn't mean "fragile."

2. Simone & Son (Huntington Beach)

A staple in OC for a reason. They handle everything in-house, from CAD design to casting. They are particularly strong for those who want to be involved in every step of the technical process.

3. Jewels by Joseph (Newport Beach)

If you are looking for classic Newport elegance, Joseph is a master. His work often leans toward the timeless pieces that look like they could have been commissioned fifty years ago or yesterday.

4. Happy Jewelers (Fullerton)

They have a massive social media presence, but behind the hype is a very capable family-run operation. They excel at "big" looks diamond-heavy engagement rings and bold statement pieces.

5. Winston's Crown Jewelers (Newport Beach)

Specialists in rare gems. If your custom project starts with a specific, hard-to-find stone, Winston’s has the sourcing network to find it.

6. Mark Patterson (Corona del Mar)

Mark and Josette Patterson run a studio that feels more like an art gallery. Their work is characterized by incredibly clean lines and a very specific "CdM" aesthetic sophisticated and understated.

7. Artisan Jewelers (Irvine)

A great choice for those who have a loose idea and need a designer to help them sketch it out. They are known for being patient with first-time custom buyers.

8. Princess Bride Diamonds (Huntington Beach)

They have carved out a niche in the "alternative" bridal space. If you want salt-and-pepper diamonds, unique sapphires, or low-profile settings, they are a top contender.

9. Mimi’s Jewelry (Fountain Valley)

Mimi’s is the place for the "family jeweler" experience. They are exceptional at taking old heirloom jewelry and repurposing the stones into something modern.

10. Ballard & Ballard (Fountain Valley)

One of the earliest adopters of CAD/CAM technology in the county. They are great for technical precision and have a very transparent design process.

11. David S. Diamonds (Newport Beach)

David focuses on the "private jeweler" experience. It’s less about a retail floor and more about an educational sit-down. Ideal for high-end engagement commissions.

12. Tustin Jewelers (Tustin)

A hidden gem for repairs and custom modifications. They are often more affordable for smaller custom projects or "re-imagining" existing pieces.

13. Nuggets & Carats (Mission Viejo)

Serving South OC for decades, they specialize in hand-fabricated gold work. Their style is often more organic and substantial.

14. The Jewelry Exchange (Tustin)

While they are a larger entity, their custom department is efficient. It’s a "value-first" approach, best for those who have a strict budget but still want a unique setting.

15. Diamond and Design (Fullerton)

Known for their "custom design weekends" and interactive software that lets you see the ring in 3D before it’s cast.

16. Lustre by Lux (Irvine)

A more modern, boutique feel. They focus heavily on ethically sourced lab-grown and natural diamonds with a very "minimalist-chic" design language.

17. Harry's Fine Jewelry (Irvine)

Harry is known for his personal involvement in every piece. It’s a small shop feel where the person you talk to is the person doing the work.

18. Watch and Wares (Orange)

If your "custom" dream is actually a vintage-inspired piece, this is the place. They specialize in the restoration and creation of Victorian, Art Deco, and Retro styles.

19. Stonebrook Jewelry (Online/OC Based)

Specialists in alternative metals like tantalum, titanium, and wood inlays. Not your traditional diamond shop, but the kings of custom men’s bands.

20. South Coast Jewelers (Santa Ana)

Located near the South Coast Plaza, they offer a massive selection of stones and have a robust custom department capable of very intricate pavé work.

Why the "Brand Name" Doesn't Always Matter

In Orange County, there is a lot of pressure to have a "blue box" or a specific designer name on the inside of the band. But here is a secret from the industry side: many of those big-name brands use the same casting houses and stone setters that independent jewelers use.

When you go custom with a specialist like Maroth Jewels or any of the artisans listed above, you are paying for the craftsmanship, not the marketing budget. You can often get a significantly higher-quality stone and a heavier gold mounting for the same price as a "branded" ring simply by cutting out the middleman.

Final Thoughts

Custom jewelry is a journey of collaboration. Whether you are in Fullerton or Newport Beach, the best advice we can give is to find a jeweler who listens more than they talk. They should be interested in your lifestyle do you work with your hands? Do you travel often? because those factors should dictate the design of your jewelry.

At Maroth Jewels, we believe that custom jewelry should be a balance of your vision and our technical expertise. It shouldn't be intimidating, and it certainly shouldn't be a "black box" where you don't understand what you're paying for.

If you are ready to move past the retail display cases and create something that actually feels like you, we invite you to explore the possibilities of bespoke design.

Whether you choose a local OC shop or a global expert, make sure the person behind the bench cares as much about the back of the piece as they do the front.

Would you like us to help you sketch out an initial concept or explain the pros and cons of a specific metal for your design?