When it comes to purchasing fine jewelry, our shopping habits take on a completely different look. Price point, quality, longevity, and trend-immunity soar up the priority list, and most of the time, those terms are not really negotiable or up to compromise. As fashion trends change rapidly (hello, fast fashion), you want to invest in fine jewelry brands that evoke a sense of eternal style, elevating every look.

Whether you’re searching for something to gift yourself or for a special ring fit for a special someone, these California-based fine jewelry brands are where you should be looking. Browse through a little and prepare to swoon a lot—once you figure out what you like, you’re going to have a hard time finding a favorite among these talented Californian jewelry designers.

J. Hannah

Based in: Los Angeles

Jess Hannah discovered her love for jewelry when she inherited a few vintage pieces from her grandmother; long story told (very) short, this led to her launching J. Hannah. Focusing on timelessness and craftsmanship, Hannah’s fine jewelry brand is meant to be worn forever.

J. Hannah highly prioritizes sustainable practices. Everything is handmade by independent manufacturers, from 100 percent post-consumer recycled 14k gold or sterling silver. Even the gemstones used by this top fine jewelry brand are recycled or ethically sourced. The signature J. Hannah signet rings are your key to stylish sustainable jewelry, and if you pair them with one of the brand’s beautiful nail polish colors, you’ll have the prettiest hands in every room.

VRAI

Based in: Los Angeles

One of the more affordable fine jewelry brands on the list, VRAI specializes in effortless classics you’ll never get bored of. And while they do have more affordable and minimalist designs available, what really sets VRAI apart is the opportunity they give to customize your own engagement rings. Here, you can play designer and work with thousands of style combinations to create your own unique ring. 

Not only is VRAI one of the best fine jewelry brands to get the engagement ring of your dreams, but it’s also very sustainable. The gems used to create the pieces come from Diamond Foundry, a Silicon Valley-based firm that produces lab-grown diamonds (yay to no mining). If you want more everyday pieces, check out White Space. This woman-owned fine jewelry brand has Khadijah Fulton (the same designer as VRAI) behind it and we’re swooning over the uber-chic Continuity Ring.

The Last Line

Based in: Beverly Hills

On the topic of fun everyday jewelry, no one does it quite like The Last Line. Embodying all the latest summer trends of bold designs and bright color stories while maintaining a timeless feel, The Last Line is a fine jewelry brand known for its youthful flair. Sure, you’ll find your regular hoops and bands here too, but the rainbow tennis bracelets, playful charms, and diamond daisies are what signature TLL is all about. 

The enthusiastic celebrity fan base of this top fine jewelry brand is enough testament to its killer status in the jewelry game. Who wouldn’t want to match with the likes of Devon Carlson and Miley Cyrus? We know we do.

Ceremony

Based in: Los Angeles

As the name suggests, Ceremony specializes in rings made for special occasions. Wedding, engagement, graduation; you name it, Ceremony has a ring for it. Marrying timeless designs with modern elements, this fine jewelry brand manages to keep its practices sustainable and its collections absolutely beautiful.

While we love the minimally chic bands and diamond rings offered by the brand, there’s something else about Ceremony that makes it one of the very best designer engagement ring stores in the game, and that is its vintage collection. The ever-evolving edit of vintage rings features pieces with history, beautiful design, and quality, carefully chosen and sourced around the world. Even if you don’t have a special ceremony coming up, scrolling through the vintage gems is worth a few minutes of your day—we promise.

Jacquie Aiche

Based in: Beverly Hills

The queen of boho chic fine jewelry, Jacquie Aiche has nailed the laid-back California girl style like no one else. Using hand-selected crystals and minerals that inspire feelings of love, beauty, and passion, this fine jewelry brand offers pieces that are designed to be more than just jewelry—they’re also personal amulets you’ll never want to get rid of. 

The layered necklaces, ankle bracelets, and body chains have captured the eyes of fashion icons like Rihanna and continue to be spotted on celebs and influencers everywhere. Best accessorized with a bronzed California tan, Jacquie Aiche is one of the best fine jewelry brands for everyday showstoppers and we can’t get enough.

Emily P. Wheeler

Based in: Los Angeles

Emily P. Wheeler is a model-turned-jeweler, pushing for sustainability in the world of fine jewelry one colorful piece at a time—and boy, are we glad she found her calling! Her namesake brand Emily P. Wheeler uses recycled 18k gold, conflict-free diamonds, and only produces in small batches to reduce waste, often making one-of-a-kind pieces that are absolutely beautiful.

Wheeler’s designs are fun, funky, and colorful, but also evoke a sense of timelessness, which is why we consider it one of the best fine jewelry brands in the scene today. And don’t get us started on the couture collection—we’re drooling just thinking about it.

Loren Nicole

Based in: Hermosa Beach

Out of everyone on the list, Loren Nicole has the most unconventional background; she used to be an archaeologist. And once you learn that fact, you’ll suddenly start seeing many elements in her design choices that make so much more sense. Whether it’s the amulet rings, beaded earrings, or beetle charms, the smallest details in Loren Nicole’s designs couldn’t come from anyone but an archeologist.

The collection of ethically sourced gemstones and gold jewelry on this fine jewelry brand’s website capture the spirit of ancient civilizations while telling their stories in modern ways. From Colombian elements to Viking details to Egyptian accents, Loren Nicole knows how to impress. We truly can’t wait to see what other beautiful pieces she puts out next.