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Add Some Sparkle to Your Holiday
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A Few Places to Shop for Bling in Downtown's Jewelry District
by Kathryn Maese
Downtown Los Angeles' Jewelry District can be daunting. The thousands of maze-like stores and stalls in various buildings can make the area tough to navigate for newbies. But don't let that take the fun and adventure out of your holiday jewelry shopping.
Have an open mind when exploring, be prepared to haggle and make sure you're working with a reputable dealer for those big purchases. Below are a few places to start you on your journey.
(1) You can find Icing on the Ring in the California Jewelry Mart. The family-run business founded in 1969 specializes in high-quality diamond rings (for anniversaries and weddings), and one look at their showroom store will let you know they mean business. Service is a big deal here, and Icing on the Ring tries to make your experience as pleasant as possible. They offer warranties, returns and exchanges, something many other jewelers do not. The store also carries more than 350 men's wedding bands. Open weekdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Icing on the Ring is at 607 S. Hill St., #333, (888) 565-6150 or icingonthering.com.
(2) As the official jeweler of the Miss California USA pageant and part of the Miss Universe organization, Inta Gems and Diamonds knows its stuff. After all, those girls have gotta look good in their bling. Inta sells engagement rings, wedding bands, diamonds, gemstones and colored diamonds in any setting imaginable, and also does custom work. A dainty pink tourmaline diamond bracelet in 14 karat gold sells for about $1,200, while a lovely emerald diamond pendant is $800. Of course, if you want to put something really special in someone's stocking, you can snatch up an emerald cut diamond ring in platinum for $8,500. They also offer a selection of men's rings. Inta Gems and Diamonds is at 631 S. Hill St., #55, (213) 689-9650 or intagems.com.
(3) If you're looking for platinum jewelry, diamonds, tennis bracelets, antique and estate jewelry, and pre-owned Rolexes, you're in luck. Capri is well established in the district and has a loyal clientele, especially for its diamond deals. If you're a big spender, a Swiss Chronotech watch may be just the ticket - you can spend $10,000 for a diamond-encrusted version. They also do jewelry and watch repairs. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Capri is at 601 S. Hill, #A1, (213) 627-0459 or caprijewelry.net.
(4) One of scores of shops tucked inside the International Jewelry Center, Lara's Jewelry is the type of place that thrives on referrals from regular customers. They offer everything from engagement and wedding rings to fashion jewelry and custom pieces. A large, stylish heart pendant in white gold sells for $1,460 while a dainty diamond chain necklace perfect for under the tree is affordable at $370. Lara's Jewelry is at 550 S. Hill St., #570 or larasjewelry.com.
(5) Rated "best buy" by Los Angeles consumer guru Alan Mendelson, Oscar's Design Jewelry specializes in diamonds and engagement rings. Owner Oscar Bayeh said the hot jewelry trend right now is the mirco pave settings and design, which have a delicate vintage or antique look. Ring prices range from about $800 to $2,800, though there are plenty of holiday specials - chandelier earrings, bracelets, heart pendants - in the $200 to $400 range. The store has been around for 18 years and has a solid reputation in the district. They also offer one-year interest-free financing. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oscar's Design Jewelry is at 550 S. Hill St., Suite 725, (213) 622-1200.
(6) This season forget the trendy stuff and opt for something timeless. As its name suggest, Belle Epoque Jewelers offers vintage and hard-to-find pieces from a beautiful era. The owner has an eye for detail and the unusual, stocking brooches, rings, necklaces and other items. Anyone who loves this look will be hard-pressed not to walk out with something. You can also bring your outdated pieces in for a new look. Belle Epoque is at 625 S. Hill St., (213) 488-0811.
(7) Single Stone in the International Jewelry Plaza carries engagement rings, antique jewelry and original pieces, most selling for at least 30% off retail. Much of the store's wares come from big estates (many of the loose antique stones retain their traditional cuts, such as the European, the Cushion, the Old Miner, the Briolette and the Asscher). Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Single Stone is at 625 S. Hill St., Suite 122, (213) 891-9177 or singlestone.com.
(8) Another option if you're interested in a loose diamond or a pre-owned Rolex is Estate Jewelry Buyers. Owner Dennis Dufau retails at a wholesale level. He buys pieces from estates and individuals, and when major retail chains have overstock, they'll sell to Dufau. There's no way to tell when these liquidations are going on at Estate Jewelry, because they don't advertise. You just have to keep visiting. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Estate Jewelry Buyers is at 601 S. Hill St., Booth A2, on the first floor of the Jewelry Mart, (213) 627-3467.
(9) Conflict-free and certified, BluFusion specializes in custom-designed diamond jewelry and reinventions of modern classics. Instead of a large showroom, owner Anup Jogani leads clients into a private suite and spends time discussing every piece. They also repair, clean and polish your jewelry for life. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., by appointment only. BluFusion Jewelry is as 617 S. Olive St., (213) 622-9700 or blufusiondiamonds.com.
(10) For those looking for a more casual gift, sterling silver may be just the thing, and it just so happens to abound in the district. Among the dozens of stores, Suree International carries bracelets, anklets, necklaces, rings and anything else you can imagine. You can even find chains for as little as $2.50. Another option is the Silver Discount Store, which stocks an abundance of silver and white metal, both loose and finished. Chains and ID bracelets, for example, are up to 80% off retail. Suree International is at 604 S. Hill St., Booth B22, in the St. Vincent Jewelry Center. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (213) 629-2909. Silver Discount Store is at 600 S. Broadway. Open daily (except Tuesday) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (213) 622-7296.
(11) Pearls always make a classy and classic gift. So if you're on the hunt, visit the Pearl Center, which specializes in black pearls from Tahiti. The Jewelry Plaza store also carries about 20 color ranges including white and gold pearls from Australia and Indonesia. They get their pearls from pearl farmers in Japan and distributors in Kobe. Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The Pearl Center is on the lobby level of the Jewelry Plaza at 550 S. Hill St., Booth 6, (213) 833-1780.
(12) After several hours of making your way through the crowds and haggling for deals, you'll get a sudden hankering for some home-cooked food and holiday cheer. Head over to Clifton's Cafeteria, one of Downtown's most historic eateries, which serves up everything from Jell-O and fish sticks to a turkey dinner with all the fixings. It's comfort food at its best with lots of nostalgia in a Disney-esque forest setting. There's a waterfall, flora, fauna and loads of kitsch. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Clifton's Cafeteria is at 648 S. Broadway, (213) 627-1673 or cliftonscafeteria.com.
page 12, 12/10/2007
© Los Angeles Downtown News. Reprinting items retrieved from the archives are for personal use only. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted without permission of the Los Angeles Downtown News. If you would like to re-distribute anything from the Los Angeles Downtown News Archives, please call our permissions department at (213) 481-1448.
Have an open mind when exploring, be prepared to haggle and make sure you're working with a reputable dealer for those big purchases. Below are a few places to start you on your journey.
(1) You can find Icing on the Ring in the California Jewelry Mart. The family-run business founded in 1969 specializes in high-quality diamond rings (for anniversaries and weddings), and one look at their showroom store will let you know they mean business. Service is a big deal here, and Icing on the Ring tries to make your experience as pleasant as possible. They offer warranties, returns and exchanges, something many other jewelers do not. The store also carries more than 350 men's wedding bands. Open weekdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Icing on the Ring is at 607 S. Hill St., #333, (888) 565-6150 or icingonthering.com.
(2) As the official jeweler of the Miss California USA pageant and part of the Miss Universe organization, Inta Gems and Diamonds knows its stuff. After all, those girls have gotta look good in their bling. Inta sells engagement rings, wedding bands, diamonds, gemstones and colored diamonds in any setting imaginable, and also does custom work. A dainty pink tourmaline diamond bracelet in 14 karat gold sells for about $1,200, while a lovely emerald diamond pendant is $800. Of course, if you want to put something really special in someone's stocking, you can snatch up an emerald cut diamond ring in platinum for $8,500. They also offer a selection of men's rings. Inta Gems and Diamonds is at 631 S. Hill St., #55, (213) 689-9650 or intagems.com.
(3) If you're looking for platinum jewelry, diamonds, tennis bracelets, antique and estate jewelry, and pre-owned Rolexes, you're in luck. Capri is well established in the district and has a loyal clientele, especially for its diamond deals. If you're a big spender, a Swiss Chronotech watch may be just the ticket - you can spend $10,000 for a diamond-encrusted version. They also do jewelry and watch repairs. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Capri is at 601 S. Hill, #A1, (213) 627-0459 or caprijewelry.net.
(4) One of scores of shops tucked inside the International Jewelry Center, Lara's Jewelry is the type of place that thrives on referrals from regular customers. They offer everything from engagement and wedding rings to fashion jewelry and custom pieces. A large, stylish heart pendant in white gold sells for $1,460 while a dainty diamond chain necklace perfect for under the tree is affordable at $370. Lara's Jewelry is at 550 S. Hill St., #570 or larasjewelry.com.
(5) Rated "best buy" by Los Angeles consumer guru Alan Mendelson, Oscar's Design Jewelry specializes in diamonds and engagement rings. Owner Oscar Bayeh said the hot jewelry trend right now is the mirco pave settings and design, which have a delicate vintage or antique look. Ring prices range from about $800 to $2,800, though there are plenty of holiday specials - chandelier earrings, bracelets, heart pendants - in the $200 to $400 range. The store has been around for 18 years and has a solid reputation in the district. They also offer one-year interest-free financing. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Oscar's Design Jewelry is at 550 S. Hill St., Suite 725, (213) 622-1200.
(6) This season forget the trendy stuff and opt for something timeless. As its name suggest, Belle Epoque Jewelers offers vintage and hard-to-find pieces from a beautiful era. The owner has an eye for detail and the unusual, stocking brooches, rings, necklaces and other items. Anyone who loves this look will be hard-pressed not to walk out with something. You can also bring your outdated pieces in for a new look. Belle Epoque is at 625 S. Hill St., (213) 488-0811.
(7) Single Stone in the International Jewelry Plaza carries engagement rings, antique jewelry and original pieces, most selling for at least 30% off retail. Much of the store's wares come from big estates (many of the loose antique stones retain their traditional cuts, such as the European, the Cushion, the Old Miner, the Briolette and the Asscher). Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Single Stone is at 625 S. Hill St., Suite 122, (213) 891-9177 or singlestone.com.
(8) Another option if you're interested in a loose diamond or a pre-owned Rolex is Estate Jewelry Buyers. Owner Dennis Dufau retails at a wholesale level. He buys pieces from estates and individuals, and when major retail chains have overstock, they'll sell to Dufau. There's no way to tell when these liquidations are going on at Estate Jewelry, because they don't advertise. You just have to keep visiting. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Estate Jewelry Buyers is at 601 S. Hill St., Booth A2, on the first floor of the Jewelry Mart, (213) 627-3467.
(9) Conflict-free and certified, BluFusion specializes in custom-designed diamond jewelry and reinventions of modern classics. Instead of a large showroom, owner Anup Jogani leads clients into a private suite and spends time discussing every piece. They also repair, clean and polish your jewelry for life. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., by appointment only. BluFusion Jewelry is as 617 S. Olive St., (213) 622-9700 or blufusiondiamonds.com.
(10) For those looking for a more casual gift, sterling silver may be just the thing, and it just so happens to abound in the district. Among the dozens of stores, Suree International carries bracelets, anklets, necklaces, rings and anything else you can imagine. You can even find chains for as little as $2.50. Another option is the Silver Discount Store, which stocks an abundance of silver and white metal, both loose and finished. Chains and ID bracelets, for example, are up to 80% off retail. Suree International is at 604 S. Hill St., Booth B22, in the St. Vincent Jewelry Center. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (213) 629-2909. Silver Discount Store is at 600 S. Broadway. Open daily (except Tuesday) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (213) 622-7296.
(11) Pearls always make a classy and classic gift. So if you're on the hunt, visit the Pearl Center, which specializes in black pearls from Tahiti. The Jewelry Plaza store also carries about 20 color ranges including white and gold pearls from Australia and Indonesia. They get their pearls from pearl farmers in Japan and distributors in Kobe. Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The Pearl Center is on the lobby level of the Jewelry Plaza at 550 S. Hill St., Booth 6, (213) 833-1780.
(12) After several hours of making your way through the crowds and haggling for deals, you'll get a sudden hankering for some home-cooked food and holiday cheer. Head over to Clifton's Cafeteria, one of Downtown's most historic eateries, which serves up everything from Jell-O and fish sticks to a turkey dinner with all the fixings. It's comfort food at its best with lots of nostalgia in a Disney-esque forest setting. There's a waterfall, flora, fauna and loads of kitsch. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Clifton's Cafeteria is at 648 S. Broadway, (213) 627-1673 or cliftonscafeteria.com.
page 12, 12/10/2007
© Los Angeles Downtown News. Reprinting items retrieved from the archives are for personal use only. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted without permission of the Los Angeles Downtown News. If you would like to re-distribute anything from the Los Angeles Downtown News Archives, please call our permissions department at (213) 481-1448.
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