When you live in Los Angeles, it goes without saying that you need to be on the cutting edge of fashion just to blend in. This city is so style-centric that even the meter maids are working hard to look fierce. Almost everyone knows the best boutiques and thrift stores to find the most fashion-forward clothes — but when it comes to accessories, many Los Angelites are wandering around in the dark.
Accessories are what make or break an outfit, so knowing where to find the perfect pendant or a terrific timepiece will give you access to unparalleled chicness. The next time you’re wandering around Melrose Avenue, be sure to step into a few of these stores and take a look at the up and comers in the world of jewelry.
1. Maya
Open for more than 40 years, Maya has been providing Los Angelites with some of the most diverse and unique jewelry the world has to offer. Their selection changes regularly, as people carry in and out one-of-a-kind pieces unavailable anywhere else, but you can usually find a good choice of men’s and women’s rings as well as a plethora of wooden crafts (which aren’t jewelry, but exceptional and eye-catching all the same).
Maya also boasts the city’s largest selection of body jewelry, so if you’re searching for a new stud, plug, chain, or hoop for any of your body piercings, step in here before you go anywhere else.
2. Altivo
If you have a more narrow scope — say, timepieces — you might need a more specialized shop, but luckily Melrose boasts the city’s absolute best watch store. Altivo has a fiercely devoted base of loyal customers because Altivo on Melrose Avenue sells only the highest quality timepieces, but they are willing to work with any budget. Though the vast selection of watches within Altivo may be daunting to some first-time watch buyers, the exceedingly helpful employees are trained to match you with the perfect style, so you’ll leave happy and confident in your purchase. They can move seamlessly from top designer watches like Fossil and Diesel to practical and fitness brands like Luminox and G-Shock; trust us, Altivo can fill all your watch-related needs.
3. Resurrection
You might know Resurrection for its unbelievable grabs in vintage clothing. Hands down, they have some of the best selection in the world when it comes to collectible and vintage styles. However, few people stop to ogle the jewelry counter, and this is more than just a shame — it’s a mistake.
While generally the more memorable jewelry trends of the past don’t exactly hold up well with modern tastes, hundreds of designers have created timeless pieces that are just as beautiful and desirable today as they were when introduced. Browse old collections of Hermes, Chanel, and others to find those knock-out pieces to complete your ensemble. Additionally, don’t miss store owner Katy Rodriguez’s beautiful creations mixed in with the bunch; her line of jewelry earns you style points without taking a big bite out of your budget.
4. Kelly Wearstler
Not yet a household name in the fashion world but still rising high all the same, Kelly Wearstler just recently opened her flagship store on Melrose to raucous applause. This world-famous interior designer has expanded her talents to include fashion and jewelry as well, and her shop has it all, from large sectionals to delicate dangle earrings. Kelly’s jewelry isn’t old, but it is eclectic and cutting-edge; you’re unlikely to see pieces like hers anywhere else in the city.
You’re likely to find items in each of her three current collections (mélange, classic, and fine) that call your name, so it’s best to come with outfits in mind, or you might find yourself with more rings than you were expecting to buy.
5. Jewels by Alex
Out of all of the shops listed, this one probably resembles most closely what one imagines as a jewelry store. The store features comfortable seating, lighted display cases, and jewels glittering everywhere the light touches. While Jewels by Alex might appear from the outside like a bargain-box jewelry shop, they are hiding real gems within.
This family-owned company scours the city for the best styles and quality stones, so you can be sure you’re getting a unique and valuable piece. The knowledgeable staff is exceptional at pairing pieces with people, so even if you don’t know what you want, they do.
