"I love being a neighborhood store, which is why I opened my storefront 23 years ago, near my own home in Los Feliz. Recently, Mary Ellen, a lovely neighbor who passes by daily with her dogs, came in wearing three stackable rings. She wanted to gift herself a new ring for her birthday and fell in love with the perfect match from our fine jewelrey collection. She wanted it customized a bit, and we expedited the process so she could wear it to celebrate. She was beyond delighted and so grateful! I believe that gifting yourself is an important expression of self love. Happy Birthday, Mary Ellen!"
WEDDINGS
Marry Me, Ashleigh!
When we first met Chris, he was a bit flustered and excited to be proposing to his girlfriend. Knowing that she admired a fairly traditional engagement ring from a a luxury brand, he visited one of their stores but was unnerved by the prices, which were twice what he was prepared to spend. We asked him to share the criteria – a platinum setting with a round
white diamond, and explained that we are able to tailor each project to fit our clients’ budgets and vision. He thought our quote was reasonable and returned a few days later to review the selection of diamonds. He and his girlfriend were so thrilled with the end result that they ordered their wedding rings from us as well.
A few years later, Ashleigh, his wife, reached out to us asking if we could reset her engagement and wedding rings in yellow gold, since her tastes had changed. We were happy to do so and offered store credit for her platinum bands. Since then, Ashleigh has returned to customize several of her favorite pieces and we are proud to be her go-to jeweler. .
Breathing New Life into the Old
Helene, an existing customer, saw in a recent email blast that we were skilled at resetting old jewelry into reimagined pieces. She had an old pair of earrings, inherited from her mother, with beautiful square rubies and diamonds. When she came in to brainstorm ideas, we got to chatting and she mentioned using some of the diamonds to make stud earrings for her granddaughter. She also wanted a new ring for her rubies, and after trying several styles from from our Different Shapes Collection, she chose one with delicate bezel settings and a hand-engraved milgrain border, which wonderfully accentuated the rubies. During her visit, she mentioned that she will be traveling to Paris soon, and decided to use the remaining diamonds to create some long earrings. The pieces came out beautifully and Helene was thrilled to feel so feminine and fresh with her new modern pieces.
Maree's Pearl Flowers
Maree lives in Florida. Her wedding day was fast approaching in just five weeks. She had been shopping around both locally and online but hadn’t found anything that spoke to her. This is when she found us and thought of the possibility of getting a custom pair of earrings for her special day. She described her wedding dress, which had a floral pattern. She wanted to add dashes of color, and I told her that creating new things is what we love most, so we began the design process. After a couple of colorful drawings, using garnet and jade, we designed the most beautiful drop earrings that also included a mother of pearl flower.
Sisterly Love
Melinda has been an LSJ client since the store opened in 2000 – almost 25 years! Many of our clients return to purchase special gifts for their loved ones, knowing that we’re always creating new design collections made with beautiful gems.
Through the years, Melinda had bought several pieces for her sister, and knew she’d be able to find something to cheer her up, since she’d been going through a rough patch.
Melinda wanted to find something completely unique, and fell in love with a pair of Watermelon Tourmaline 14k Rose Gold earrings. The extraordinary stones are very unique – and almost unreal looking, resembling a watermelon slice, with red/pink, black and even green, When we shared with her the meaning of this stone, which is to promote spiritual and emotional healing, she was certain that they were the ideal gift!
Nardeep's Proposal
Nardeep came to us with many questions about the process of designing a custom ring. He was planning on proposing to his girlfriend and wanted something truly unique. He knew that he wanted Sapphire as the center stone, but wasn’t sure about the style. Having just finished his first film, he was also on a budget, and happy to hear that we select quality stones at reasonable prices. Nardeep felt confident that he could work with us, and believed that we would create a fabulous design.
We did just that! We worked with with him to ensure that the design was perfect. Nardeep was shown several collections and we made sure to note which design elements he was attracted to. The following week, Liza shared some design ideas, and after a few revisions, he was satisfied. We were able to source some beautiful sapphires that matched his budget, and he selected his favorite. As a creative, Nardeep was thrilled with the final outcome and loved the collaborative process that Liza facilitated which helped his vision come to life.
Loretta's Marvelous Vision
I absolutely loved Loretta from the first moment. She is a super confident, self-made woman who knows exactly what she wants and goes for it with confidence! She and Mark are an amazing couple, in their late 50s, who had been together for over nine years and finally decided to move in together. They wanted to creating meaningful commitment rings to symbolize this next phase in their relationship. The couple loves riding bikes and traveling. During one recent adventure they saw a jewelry brand that has skull rings and Loretta loved the idea, but didn’t like the style. She thought we were more elegant and was impressed by our quality, value and extensive experience designing custom pieces. She spent time discussing all aspects of her design vision, and I came up with a solution she adored with a beautiful princess-cut diamond as the center stone, and small diamonds at top. I even added a sprinkle of black color for contrast, and then proceeded creating the 3D model. Loretta was sold on the first draft and didn’t need any additional modifications. Mark and Loretta added wedding bands that complemented the engagement ring and the set came out perfect! We have since become friends, and her confident spirit is always an inspiration to me!
Sean's Guru
Sean contacted me after his beloved Guru had passed. She has gifted him a yellow-gold ring with rubies, but the band was quite thin, so he wanted to set it in sturdier white gold. He explained that although his Guru was Jewish, their spiritual path followed Hinduism, and he hoped to have text engraved in both Hebrew and Sanskrit. He shared that as the owner of a landscaping business, he was rough on jewelry, and I knew that we had the ideal solution! I suggested a band that was a bit rugged in texture and quite thick, so that any potential dings or dents would be assimilated into the original design – specifically intended for those who worked creatively with their hands. Sean also wanted one of the rubies reset on the inside to graze his hand. The final product was absolutely perfect and addressed every request.
Brandon & Matt
Our jewelry brand, Liza Shtromberg Jewelry, thrives on inclusivity, a message that resonated deeply with Brandon and Matt, a couple seeking custom wedding bands.
Drawn to our commitment of embracing all forms of love, they found solace in our warm reception. As a symbol of their
commitment, they found non-traditional, hand-crafted wedding band rings that mirrored their love’s uniqueness.
Never Too Pushy
John entered our store for the first time very wary and cautious. He was an introvert and turned-off by pushy salespeople. He was an introvert and turned-off by pushy salespeople. After browsing a bit, he let us kow that he was shopping for an engagement ring, but didn’t want anything traditional.
We had a very natural, forthright conversation, during which he shared that he would proposing to his girlfriend on an upcoming trip. showed him some designs and explained our process of finding the exact ideal stone and collaborating with him each step of the way.
IHe left the store feeling comfortable and secure enough to have made a deposit and trust me with the design sketches. About a month later, he returned with Mischa who LOVED the ring. They are scheduled to have a big wedding in India this summer and she is looking forward to showing it off.
Stephanie's Heirloom Renewal
Stephanie came to our store about five years ago because she was gifted a few diamonds from her mother and grandmother and had learned that we are experts at resetting family heirloom diamonds and gemstones. With Stephanie’s input, we created a beautiful engagement and wedding ring set for her that she loved. She came back recently because she had a few more diamonds left and wanted to make a new ring and a double chain necklace that were simple and elegant enough to wear every day. We looked at several designs and she picked out two styles that she felt exquisitely matched her taste.
Something Blue for Toosie
Toosie called on a Saturday, in a bit of a panic, explaining that she was desperately looking for earrings and a necklace as “something blue” for her upcoming wedding. We’re only open by appointment on Saturdays, but wanted to help, so twenty minutes later, Toosie was invited into the shop and shown two collections – Delight (hand-sculpted), and Different Shapes. She fell in love with our Aquamarine stones, and bought both the earrings and a necklace, which
were graceful additions to her wedding dress. Toosie was so grateful and happy. We’ve made a new customer for life!
for someone extraordinary
The "Wow Effect"
Andi decided to propose to her partner who had fallen in love with a Marquise design at a different story. Andi decided to design a custom version as a surprise for them and wanted it to be an “extraodinary” ring.
She shared a lot with me about their relationship, including how challenging the past year had been while her partner went through a gender transition and came out to their family. Andi emphasized what a special soul they were and wanted the stone to have a “wow” effect.
We selected a few beautiful stones and Andi and I went through each one and their criteria until she was confident that she understood everything there was to know about diamonds! We started working on the setting and Andi was thrilled with the end result, and expressed repeatedly how everything had come together just perfectly for her beloved partner.
Kacey's Inheritance
Kacey’s jewelry story is a touching one. After her mom’s passing, she inherited precious jewelry and wanted to turn the stones into something she could wear daily to remember her mother. She shared photos of her jewelry and pieces that inspired her, giving me a sense of her style. With those visuals, I created design ideas for her stones. Through one-on-one chats, Kacey fell in love with a few original designs. Once she made her choice, I carefully matched the stones in terms of size and cut to their new settings. Some stones needed adjustments to bring out their best. Today, Kacey has a fresh collection of family heirlooms, keeping her mom’s memory alive. The experience felt like a collaboration, where her input mattered. The end result was priceless. By working together in a comfortable and understanding environment, I transformed her mom’s jewelry into pieces she’ll always cherish.
Reimagining the Amethyst
Lucy’s husband discovered my store and has bought her several pieces over the years. She once came to resize a ring and fell in love with my designs so much that she purchased a few off the shelf. Lucy’s birthstone is Amethyst and she asked if we could redesign some of her old pieces. When she brought them in, we had fun matching her stones with our collections. We were even able to modify some of the settings to fit the shapes of the stones. She was so excited to have her stones re-imagined into pieces that she felt were just perfectly her style.
An Ocean-Inspired Wedding
Carlos and Miroslava came from Tijuana, Mexico, searching for a unique wedding engagement ring inspired by the ocean’s beauty. They scoured Yelp for options, lining up visits to different stores in hopes of turning their dream into reality. Our exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail captured their attention and put an end to their search. Their vision was intricate, requiring a ring that encapsulated various ocean elements. The challenge was compounded by the fact that I was working remotely from Israel, creating a time difference hurdle for communication. Undeterred, I embraced the challenge, and worked tirelessly to meet their timeline. Crafting a design that incorporated all the oceanic elements they desired, I presented them with a concept that exceeded their expectations. The joy they felt upon seeing the ring was beyond measure. Their satisfaction led them to return a few weeks later, this time for their wedding bands.
Sam's Last-Minute Proposal
Amidst the bustle of closing time, Sam walked in with a sense of urgency. He was to take a trip with his girlfriend and had decided to propose. He had a modest budget and the desire for something unique. Understanding his predicament, I assured Sam that our collection encompassed various styles and budgets. We delved into his partner’s qualities, crafting a ring that mirrored their unique connection. His quest culminated in a selection from the “Re-treasured Gems” collection, showcasing recycled stones and metals. Sam’s gratitude for finding us echoed his sentiment that our pieces offered unparalleled uniqueness and beauty, and captured the essence of his intent.
A Harmonious Balance
In the early stages of my journey, I had the privilege of assisting Jivana and Ken, a couple deeply entwined in their jewelry love story. Jivana’s affinity for sustainability and nontraditional aesthetics resonated with my craft. Her environmental passion and Ken’s musical pursuits made their bond truly unique. Crafting an engagement ring for Jivana was a task of balance. She wanted an opal stone in the center, which posed challenges due to its delicate nature. Meanwhile, Ken grappled with the idea of a simple ring that still symbolized his commitment. Amid these considerations, I aimed to harmonize their aspirations. Proposing an ethically sourced Champagne diamond, we found a compromise that embraced sustainability and captivated their hearts. This fusion of values led to a ring that celebrated their individuality while commemorating their union.
Our Dearest Miniaveve
Marietta’s journey was one of emotion and remembrance. A chance encounter led her to our moonstone case, sparking a conversation about her daughter, Minavieve. Marietta had tragically lost her newborn daughter, and moonstones held deep significance as her birthstone. Seeking solace, she had attempted a custom ring with another designer but found the experience traumatic. I assured her that her experience with us would be different. The result was a bespoke moonstone ring that honored Minavieve’s memory and brought comfort to Marietta’s heart.
I Do, I Do!
Jennifer became our customer when she ordered a Peruvian Opal ring that was featured in a magazine. Since it was her favorite ring, she called me to collaborate on a very special celebration of herself. She wanted an oval Blue Sapphire to use in a “self-marriage” ceremony, and wanted it to be set in platinum. Living in Florida, we were able to work together virtually, and after a few shared design renditions, we settled on one that she thought would ideally symbolize the self-love she was exercising in her life.
My Montana Sapphire
Chris arrived very focused and determined. He had an idea for a yellow gold ring with Montana Sapphire, a beautiful gemstone that ranges in color from teal to green, accented with small round diamonds. He made a sketch to share and we began connecting to chat about details. Luckily, I am an expert on gemstones and have several high-quality sources for the best selection of Montana Sapphires. We were able to have some shipped, from which he chose his favorite. I did a 3D rendering and he was pleased. When he picked up the ring, Chris was teary-eyed because it perfectly represented his vision and was more beautiful than he expected! After a few weeks, I emailed him a professional photo of the ring, and asked if he had proposed. He said that his fiance absolutely loved the ring, and they wanted to stop by to say thank you.
A Favorite Companion
Christine contacted me because she had a traditional pair of diamond studs, which she wanted to renovate to align with a more sophisticated version of herself. We looked at many designs to explore what attracted her and found one that resonated with her style. She decided to reset her studs in platinum, surrounded by a halo of diamonds. She loves her new “go-to” earrings and still wears them when she visits the store for other purchases.
A Family Affair
Jason first came to our store because a friend of his was working for me and recommended me for an engagement ring. Since then, he has returned for wedding rings, anniversaries and birthday gifts. In short, we have become his family’s favorite jeweler. A few years back, he and his wife wanted to design a special necklace that would include their and their new daughter’s birthstones. His wife was attracted to designs that had a hand-sculpted feel and we started looking at options with that aesthetic. I then suggested a pendant with three different shapes of stones embedded together in a configuration that looked like they were oriented towards each other and nestled together. She absolutely loved it, and the family was thrilled with the final result.
2-Carat Wonder
Alex brought in a beautiful 2 carat stone, which was a family heirloom that he wanted rest for his soon-to-be fiancee. I love resetting family heirloom diamonds for many reasons: besides being a sustainable practice, it’s very meaningful to pass something on through generations. Also, some of the older stones are cut in such a spectacular way that really highlights the natural beauty of the diamond. We created several designs to complement the stone, and Alex decided upon one he liked best. After the proposal, his fiancee asked to have a different shank style, which I was able to create and replace seamlessly to ensure that her heart’s desire was manifested.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
