In the 1950s, a young WWII veteran named Seymour Bilowit walked by an empty storefront on Hermosa Avenue and decided to open a full-service jewelry store. Bilowit, who will celebrate his 97th birthday this May, has passed the reins of Seymour Jewelers to his son Scott Bilowit, who says he strives to keep the old establishment updated. “We are constantly changing,” says Scott. The store, which specializes in custom design and features black Tahitian pearls and rare gems, underwent a remodel about a year ago and keeps a fresh stock of new products every month. — EK
Seymour Jewelers: 1212 Hermosa Ave. HB.. 310-379-5401
Runner up: South Bay Gold. 2413 N Sepulveda Blvd, MB. 310-796-3000.