Question 1

What is the LA Jewelry District and where is it located?

Accepted Answer

The LA Jewelry District, also known as the Los Angeles Jewelry District, is the largest wholesale jewelry district in Southern California. It is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, bounded by 6th Street and 8th Street between Olive Street and Broadway Avenue.

The district houses over 3,000 of the world's leading importers, manufacturers, designers, and wholesalers of diamonds, diamond jewelry, gold jewelry, high-end watches, silver jewelry, pearl jewelry, amber jewelry, precious gem dealers, jewelry engravers, and repair shops — all within twelve contiguous city blocks.

The LA Jewelry District is conveniently located near the downtown LA Financial District, Fashion District, and Toy District, with easy access to major freeways. It is also within short walking distance of the 7th Street/Metro transit station, making it easily accessible by public transportation from anywhere in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Ample parking is available in the surrounding area, and the district is perfect for both members of the jewelry trade and individual shoppers looking for exceptional value on fine jewelry and precious stones.

Question 2

How much can I save shopping at the LA Jewelry District compared to retail stores?

Accepted Answer

Shopping at the LA Jewelry District offers significant savings compared to traditional retail jewelry stores. Because buyers are purchasing directly from importers, manufacturers, and wholesalers — cutting out the middleman — savings of up to 80% off regular retail prices are possible.

The reason for these extraordinary savings is that the district operates as a wholesale marketplace. Merchants source diamonds, gems, and precious metals directly from international markets and pass those savings directly to customers. For engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond jewelry, and precious gemstones in particular, the price differences compared to suburban retail jewelry chains can be dramatic.

Over the decades, visitors to the LA Jewelry District have become regular shoppers because of the great value and low prices at the jewelers exchange district. That's why generations of Angelenos have been sharing the district's secret with family and friends — the combination of selection, quality, and value is unmatched anywhere in Southern California.

To get the best deals, it helps to shop around and compare prices from several merchants, as competition within the district is fierce and prices are often negotiable, especially for larger purchases.

Question 3

What types of jewelry and services are available in the district?

Accepted Answer

The LA Jewelry District offers an extraordinarily comprehensive range of jewelry types and related services. On the merchandise side, you'll find diamonds (loose stones and set pieces), colored gemstones (rubies, emeralds, sapphires, opals, and more), gold jewelry in all karats, silver jewelry, platinum pieces, pearl jewelry, amber and coral pieces, high-end and luxury watches, and antique or estate jewelry.

In terms of services, the district provides certified jewelry appraisals for insurance, estate, and resale purposes; expert jewelry repair services for rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches; custom jewelry design and manufacturing; jewelry engraving; stone setting and remounting; and precious metal buying and selling. Many merchants also offer wholesale pricing for those in the jewelry trade.

Beyond individual merchants, the district also supports the jewelry industry more broadly with jewelry supply shops offering tools, findings, packaging materials, and everything a working jeweler needs to run their craft. Whether you're a consumer looking for an engagement ring or a professional jeweler stocking your workshop, the LA Jewelry District has what you need.

Question 4

Is the LA Jewelry District open to the public or only to trade buyers?

Accepted Answer

The LA Jewelry District is absolutely open to the general public. While many merchants in the district deal heavily with trade buyers such as jewelry retailers, designers, and other industry professionals, the overwhelming majority of shops welcome individual consumers and retail shoppers.

In fact, the public nature of the district is one of its greatest advantages. Regular consumers can access the same wholesale and near-wholesale prices that industry buyers enjoy, simply by shopping directly at the source. You don't need a resale license or trade credentials to walk in and shop at most establishments in the district.

That said, it's worth noting that some individual showrooms within larger exchange buildings may be appointment-preferred, especially for higher-end fine jewelry or custom design consultations. Calling ahead is always a good idea for major purchases like engagement rings, which can involve significant customization and consultation time.

The district is open primarily during standard business hours on weekdays, with reduced hours or closures on weekends and major holidays. Arriving during midweek when the district is fully operational gives you the widest selection of open merchants and the most attentive service.

Question 5

What should I know before buying a diamond in the LA Jewelry District?

Accepted Answer

Before purchasing a diamond in the LA Jewelry District, the most important preparation is understanding the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Cut determines how well a diamond reflects light and is considered the most critical factor in appearance quality. Color grades range from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), with colorless to near-colorless grades (D through H) being most desirable for white gold or platinum settings. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions and blemishes, graded from Flawless to Included. Carat is the weight of the stone.

Always ask to see a diamond's grading certificate from a reputable independent laboratory such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS (American Gem Society), or EGL. A certificate gives you objective verification of the stone's quality characteristics and protects you in any future transaction. Be cautious of diamonds offered without documentation or with certificates from less-recognized labs.

Bring a loupe or ask to use one — a 10x jeweler's loupe allows you to see the diamond up close and verify its characteristics. Shopping at multiple stalls and comparing similar stones can help calibrate your eye for quality and your understanding of value. Many seasoned buyers recommend getting appraisals from at least two independent jewelers before making a significant purchase.

Finally, be prepared to negotiate respectfully. The wholesale marketplace environment of the district means that prices are often somewhat flexible, particularly for repeat customers or larger purchases. Building a relationship with a trusted merchant can pay dividends in both price and service over the long term.

Question 6

How do I get a jewelry appraisal, and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Getting a jewelry appraisal in the LA Jewelry District is straightforward — the district has numerous certified appraisers available, many of whom hold credentials from the American Society of Jewelry Appraisers (ASJA), the American Gem Society (AGS), or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Simply bring your piece to an appraiser's office, and they will examine the item, research current market values, and issue a formal written appraisal document within one to several business days depending on complexity.

A jewelry appraisal serves several important purposes. The most common reason is insurance — your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy typically requires a current appraisal to cover fine jewelry at full replacement value. Without an appraisal, you may receive only a fraction of a piece's true value in the event of loss, theft, or damage.

Appraisals are also valuable when selling jewelry, settling estates, dividing assets in a divorce, or simply satisfying your own curiosity about what you own. Estate jewelry in particular often has surprising value that owners are unaware of. An appraisal by a qualified professional provides defensible documentation of value for any legal, financial, or insurance purpose.

Note that there are different types of appraisals: replacement value (what it would cost to replace the item), fair market value (what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller), and liquidation value (what you'd receive in a quick sale). Make sure to request the type appropriate for your purpose, and choose an appraiser who charges a flat fee rather than a percentage of the appraised value, as percentage-based fees create a conflict of interest.

Question 7

Can I sell my gold, diamonds, or jewelry in the LA Jewelry District?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the LA Jewelry District is one of the best places in Los Angeles to sell jewelry, gold, diamonds, and precious stones. The district is home to dozens of professional jewelry buyers who purchase items directly from the public, often offering substantially better prices than pawn shops, mall-based gold buyers, or online selling platforms.

The process is generally straightforward. Bring your items to a buyer's location, where they will examine them and make an offer. For gold, pricing is based on the current spot price of gold and the purity (karat) of your pieces. For diamonds and gemstones, buyers assess quality using the four Cs and current wholesale market conditions. Having any existing certificates or appraisals for your pieces can help you achieve a better price by removing uncertainty about quality.

Competition among buyers in the district means you can and should get multiple offers before selling. Don't feel pressured to accept the first offer you receive — walking from one buyer to another within a few blocks is easy, and comparing offers from three to five buyers typically takes only an hour or two and can significantly increase what you receive for your items.

For estate jewelry or significant pieces, consider getting an independent appraisal before selling so you have a realistic expectation of value. Keep in mind that jewelry buyers need to make a profit, so even the best offer will be below retail replacement value — typically 50-70% of retail for high-quality pieces and 20-40% for fashion or lower-quality items. The district's buyers are still generally the best market for individual sellers in the LA area.

Welcome to The LA Jewelry District

Up to 80% Off Retail

3,000+ Merchants

Heart of Downtown LA

About the LA Jewelry District

What Does This Mean for You?

The Largest Wholesale Jewelry District in Southern California

Jewelry Services & Merchants Directory

Diamond Dealers

Gem Stone Dealers

Gold Dealers

Silver Dealers

Watch Dealers

Jewelry Appraisal

Jewelry Buyers

Jewelry Engraving

Jewelry Manufacturers

Jewelry Repairs

Jewelry Supplies

Other Jewelry Business

Visiting the LA Jewelry District

Location

Getting Here

District Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions About the LA Jewelry District