Where to buy diamond, custom and vintage engagement rings in LA

With more than 80 years of crafting expertise, you're in good hands at Harry Winston. Beyond luxury timepieces and red carpet-worthy necklaces, bracelets and earrings (chances are, your favorite celeb rocked a jewel or two at that one awards show), Harry Winston offers a quality line of traditional bands and engagement rings. Think radiant round cut stunners set on a micropavé band or a classic pear shaped diamond resting on two tapered baguette side stones. No matter what strikes your fancy, the ring will always be timeless—that's true Winston style. Now, about those price tags: Let's just say if you're ready to drop bills on a Harry Winston, he or she must really be the one.

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 can layer. Ogle at the blue opals, try on the strands of pearls and tourmaline, and get your head in a tizzy over the beautiful diamond pavéd drop earrings. The diamond bracelets are stunning and you can find a variety of pendant necklaces for whatever occasion (birthday, bar/bat mitzvah, just because). There is a ton of inventory to look through (it’s probably what jewelry paradise looks like), but go on a weekday when the store is less busy, especially if you're perusing engagement rings. Price tags are high, but don’t be put off; they usually discount at least 50%. If nothing else, it’s worth a look for "research" purposes.

Thanks to a certain classy dame decked in pearls and oversized shades, the name Tiffany & Co. stands out like a flashy movie marquee at a midnight showing. A staple fixture amidst Rodeo Drive's high-quality shops, the lux jewelry house boasts gems just as glamorous as its surroundings. Let the experts guide you on each collection and wedding band pairing. From classic Tiffany cuts to designer collaborations from the likes of Paloma Picasso or Elsa Peretti, brides and grooms-to-be can browse a wide range of selections in store. When you pull out that little blue box, you'll get a reaction that'll make that price tag worth it.

Luxury jeweler David Yurman has set up shop at the Americana at Brand, giving you more options for when you shop for those special occassions. In the store, you'll find gold and sterling silver accessories, including the wedding and Petite Pavé Collections. If you want to go classic, look no further than Yurman's original Cable Bracelet. The men's selection has watches, rings and cuff links—don't worry; they haven't forgotten about the women. If you're shopping for that special lady, you could get her a DY bracelet, necklace or ring. Who can say no to accessories? (Hopefully not your future fiancée.)

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

Jewelry designer Kathryn Bentley has created a sun-dappled escape from the buzz of Silver Lake’s Sunset Junction—one that feels a little bit like a forest cabin, with its stained glass windows and teepee fitting room. Bentley’s own creations play the starring role in this show—her brass-and-enamel costume jewelry line, Dream Collective, is just as striking as her namesake fine jewelry collection (including a lovely collection of unique engagement ring options for those who shy away from platinum and diamonds)—but she’s also pulled in some supporting talent from her local designer pals. Our favorites: Jesse Kamm tote bags and woven leather moccasins from Bea Valenzuela. For budding brides hoping to score a one-of-a-kind spread, Bentley's curated selection of unique, geometric settings and stones are a perfect nontraditional fit.

This wonderland of fantastic gems crafted into eye-popping earrings, necklaces and rings is a cornucopia of pure aesthetic delight for any jewelry lover. Although Irene Neuwirth’s Melrose Place flagship is more of a visual playground for most (jeweled charms start around $1,000 while necklaces run in the tens of the thousands), it’s still a great spot for eye-candy (or to splurge on an engagement ring). Neuwirth’s stunning baubles, a fave of Hollywood types like Emma Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Amy Poehler, Angelina Jolie and Busy Philipps, are nothing short of beautiful. Inspired by the ocean, the 2014 CFDA winner harnesses its plethora of colors as inspiration for her designs, which combine raw-cut gems with brilliant hues in asymmetric and unconventional patterns.

When this New York-based cult favorite set up its first-ever West Coast shop in Santa Monica, Angelenos were especially psyched—namely those with a deep love for vintage jewelry and artsy gems. Though it may not have a tattoo parlor like its East Coast outpost, Love Adorned packs enough edge and spunk in its cases of fine jewels. With entire collections dedicated to alternative bridal bands, contemporary pieces and vintage finds, each necklace, bracelet, ring and earring is guaranteed to make a statement. Brides seeking out-of-the-ordinary designs can look to abstract, handmade rings from Australian designer ManiaMania, yellow gold and diamond bands from Elizabeth Street and more.

Head to Brilliant Earth's zen-like West Hollywood showroom for a slice of fine jewelry heaven. Peppered with precious gemstones, vintage Art Deco styles and classic diamond settings, this jewelry boutique offers a healthy spread of one-of-a-kind finds. But more than its varietal collection of traditional and unique engagement rings, Brilliant Earth is best known for its custom expertise. Source inspiration from the store's offerings to create your own perfect confection. The three-part process allows you to select a modern or antique setting, followed by the size and shape of your rock and finished design.

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 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 only being used a dozen times before it’s retired. This process forces Artigas to continually reinvent, repurpose and rethink her designs and what inspires her. Star fans include Tyra Banks, Emma Roberts and Carey Mulligan, along with dozens of chic Angelenos. The designer also offers wedding bands and can custom design a bespoke engagement ring. Prices for the main collection range from $70 to $1,200, while bridal starts at $1,200.

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. The jewelry oscillates somewhere between edgy and traditional, and 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. 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, working with you to create your dream ring.

Sure, Downtown LA's California Jewelry Mart is full of top-notch shops, but when it comes to custom work, you'll want to head to Icing On The Ring. A simple, clean, open space illuminated by fine jewelry cases attracts those in the market for traditionally carved settings or unique personalized pieces. Source inspiration from the ready-to-wear offerings and dream up the perfect engagement or wedding band with an in-store jewelry connoisseur. From braided and two-tone bands for men to ribbon twisted and pave styles for women, the range is there—now, it's up to you to create the rock.