Portland does handmade better than almost anywhere, and its jewelry shops prove it. In one afternoon you can try on a 1940s engagement ring, watch a goldsmith work at the bench and pick up hypoallergenic earrings designed a few feet from the counter. I went looking for the independent jewelers that make this city special. These ten are the ones I'd point a friend to, whether she wants vintage, custom, ethical or simply something nobody else at brunch will be wearing.
None of these stores paid to be included, and this is not a strict ranking. I've grouped them loosely by neighborhood so you can plan your route.
Quick Overview: 10 Portland Jewelers at a Glance
| # | Store | Neighborhood | Best For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Betsy & Iya | Northwest Portland | Ethical fine jewelry, custom wedding rings | Made in-house; open daily |
| 2 | Alchemy Jeweler | Pearl District | Engagement rings, on-site repairs | American Gem Society member; walk-ins welcome |
| 3 | Gem Set Love | Northwest Portland | Vintage and antique engagement rings | In-house resizing and engraving |
| 4 | Twist | Northwest Portland | Collectible designer jewelry | Higher price point |
| 5 | Maloy's | Downtown | Estate jewelry, restoration, appraisals | Call ahead with specifics |
| 6 | Medallion Jewelers | Downtown | Antique ring restoration | Highly rated across hundreds of reviews |
| 7 | Grayling | Alberta Arts District | Hypoallergenic earrings, permanent jewelry | Try-on open displays |
| 8 | Claudio Starzak Jewelry | Alberta Arts District | Custom handmade wedding rings | Working studio; designs drawn by hand |
| 9 | TASI | Sellwood | Gifts, everyday jewelry | Accessible prices; two Portland locations |
| 10 | Sticks & Stones Jewelry | Northwest Portland (studio) | Wood and natural-material rings | Contact before visiting |
- Independent only. Locally owned shops and studios, no national chains.
- Jewelry first. Each store's main business is making, curating or restoring jewelry.
- Real customer feedback. I read public reviews and summarized the themes that come up repeatedly, both good and less good.
- What each store says about itself. Founding dates, services and specialties come from each store's own website. Hours change, so check before you go.
1. Betsy & Iya
Betsy & Iya makes its jewelry by hand in its Portland studio, from design to casting to stone setting and assembly. The shop puts values front and center, describing its materials as traceable, recycled and conflict-free, and it also carries work by independent artists it admires. It is open every day, which makes it an easy stop.
What Customers Say
Reviewers rave about custom engagement and wedding rings, with clear pricing and thoughtful updates throughout the process. Several mention that working with a local, ethically minded business made a very personal purchase feel right. Others simply call it their favorite place for unique, well-made everyday pieces.
2. Alchemy Jeweler
Alchemy's showroom and full-service workshop sit on Lovejoy Street in the heart of the Pearl. It specializes in engagement rings and fine fashion jewelry in platinum and high-karat gold, designs custom pieces in-house and handles repairs on site. The store is a member of the American Gem Society, and walk-ins are welcome.
What Customers Say
Reviewers describe a kind, confident team that treats every piece with care, including sentimental pieces that aren't made of precious metals. Repairs and custom work come up again and again.
3. Gem Set Love (formerly Gilt)
Paula Bixel opened her boutique as Gilt in 1994, and it is now called Gem Set Love. The shop is known for one of the Northwest's largest selections of vintage and antique jewelry, with an emphasis on estate engagement and wedding rings, plus an in-house line made with recycled metals and gems. Upstairs, in-house metalsmiths handle resizing, restoration and hand engraving.
What Customers Say
Reviewers love the constantly changing inventory and the knowledgeable, no-pressure staff. Couples describe wandering in to browse and leaving with a 1940s ring, and several mention fast resizing and fair prices.
4. Twist
Founded by Paul Schneider and Lauren Eulau, who were a potter and a weaver before opening the shop, Twist curates designer jewelry from artists around the world and has a second store in Seattle. Its site lists industry honors including a Jewelers of America GEM Award for Retail Innovation in 2020 and induction into National Jeweler's Retailer Hall of Fame in 2022.
What Customers Say
Shoppers praise the unique designer selection and the kind, patient staff who go the extra mile, including fast shipping on online orders. Some reviewers note that prices are on the higher end, which fits a fine designer jewelry store.
5. Maloy's
Maloy's calls itself Portland's antique and estate jewelry headquarters. The shop was founded by Shan Maloy, and its team repairs, restores, designs and appraises jewelry as well as selling it.
What Customers Say
Fans praise the vintage selection and the jewelers' attention to detail, like custom-fitting a vintage band to sit perfectly against an unusual engagement ring, or cleaning and documenting a deeply sentimental family ring. Reviews are more mixed on front-counter service, so be clear about what you need when you call ahead.
6. Medallion Jewelers
Medallion carries fine jewelry, vintage and antique pieces, designer jewelry, diamonds and engagement rings in downtown Portland.
What Customers Say
Medallion has a high public rating across hundreds of reviews. Reviewers single out the owner's skill and patience with antique and vintage engagement ring repairs, including restoring rings that are more than a century old, and appreciate how transparent he is about the work.
7. Grayling
Founder Katy launched Grayling in 2009 because of her own serious nickel allergy, and the brand still focuses on comfortable pieces sensitive ears can wear, including titanium and flat-back earrings, plus 14k solid gold collections. The Alberta Street store has open displays so you can try things on without asking, on-site stylists and permanent jewelry ("Endless by Grayling").
What Customers Say
Reviewers love how comfortable the earrings are and how quickly the team fixes shipping issues, often the same day. Permanent bracelet appointments get warm reviews too. One recent review describes a disappointing in-store experience, but the overall rating stays high.
8. Claudio Starzak Jewelry
Claudio Starzak's studio and store has been part of Alberta Street's Guardino Arts building since 2013. Every piece is made locally in the studio, from silver and gold collections to artisan wedding bands, and designs are still drawn by hand on paper. Stop in and you might catch someone melting gold or setting a stone.
What Customers Say
The reviews read like love letters. Couples describe custom rings built around their story, from moon-and-moth wedding themes to scuba-inspired bands, plus heirloom projects handled with care. Honest updates and a collaborative process come up again and again.
9. TASI
TASI is run by second-generation jeweler Taya Koschnick, who grew up making jewelry with her mother and founded TASI in Portland in 2007. The shop focuses on heirloom-quality jewelry at accessible price points, alongside thoughtful gifts, and has two brick-and-mortar locations in Portland.
What Customers Say
Regulars call it their go-to gift stop, praising the welcoming staff and wide range of jewelry and goodies, and some have been wearing TASI pieces for well over a decade. One recent reviewer had trouble with a pair of hoops, so check pieces at the counter as you would anywhere.
10. Sticks & Stones Jewelry
Founder and jeweler Benjamin Posin handcrafts rings in Portland using reclaimed wood, precious metals, gemstones and other natural materials, with custom orders available. The studio says it reuses as much as it can and partners with One Tree Planted, planting trees in Oregon with every purchase.
What Customers Say
Couples featured on the studio's site describe wanting a local, contemporary wedding ring and loving the guided material selection and sizing process.
Visit Tips
Group your visits by neighborhood to save time:
- NW 23rd loop: Gem Set Love, Twist and Betsy & Iya are all in Northwest Portland. Make it a morning with coffee on NW 23rd.
- Pearl & Downtown: Alchemy (Pearl), Maloy's and Medallion (Downtown) work well together on foot or by streetcar.
- Alberta Arts District: Grayling and Claudio Starzak are on the same street. Add a gallery or two.
- Sellwood: TASI pairs nicely with a slow afternoon in the neighborhood.
- Check hours and book custom work. Several shops close on Sundays or Mondays, and studios work best by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a vintage engagement ring in Portland?
Gem Set Love on NW 23rd, plus Maloy's and Medallion Jewelers downtown, all focus on vintage, antique or estate pieces.
Where can I find ethical or handmade jewelry in Portland?
Betsy & Iya makes its jewelry in its Portland studio with traceable and recycled materials. Claudio Starzak and Sticks & Stones also handcraft their work locally.
Where can I find hypoallergenic earrings in Portland?
Grayling on NE Alberta was founded around nickel-free comfort and carries titanium and flat-back earrings.
Is there sales tax on jewelry in Portland?
Oregon has no general sales tax, so the price on the tag is generally what you pay at the register.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome at most storefronts, but book ahead for custom design, bridal consultations or studio visits.
Shop Small, Sparkle Big
Portland's independent jewelers are part artist, part historian and part therapist (just ask anyone who has resized a grandmother's ring). Did I miss your favorite? Tell me in the comments, and I might add it to the next update.
With love (and a little sparkle),
Vera
