High Gloss

This shop is all about jewelry as wearable art, offering pieces by independent artists and craftsmen that are more likely to be covered in beads than baguettes—think braided-leather earrings, steel-mesh necklaces, vintage pins, and matte-rubber cuff bracelets.

J. Landa

Though he started out specializing in silver jewelry from his native Mexico, today Landa keeps his shop chock-full of colorful, not-too-precious gemstones such as turquoise, lapis lazuli, moonstone, and tourmaline. While his own designs frequently have a spiritual bent, he’s also a major seller of brands like Chan Luu and Dian Malouf.

Johnny Dang & Co.

If you somehow made it through 2005 without getting a grill, well, it’s never too late to remedy that. TV Johnny is still the grill king—he just made pieces for Macklemore and José Altuve—but the bling doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s jewelry, a watch, or sunglasses, if you can cover it in diamonds, you can find it in Dang’s expansive new showroom.

Studio 703 & Rebecca Lankford Designs

Lankford has upgraded her studio into a full-blown boutique, where she sells her own modern, minimalist designs alongside local and undiscovered brands like Fiele fragrances, Hatton Henry leather goods, and Anvil Cards. No one else in town makes crosses look quite as cool as she does, and if you’re in the market for a slightly offbeat engagement ring, you’ll want her to design it.

Thomas Markle Jewelers

Markle started selling jewelry in 1983, toting it everywhere from banks to hair salons in his faux crocodile briefcase. Today, he’s behind two Houston stores—Harvey claimed a third, his flagship, in Kingwood—with loyal followings, plus his own fine jewelry collection, TMJ Couture. Another claim to fame: His Memorial location is the largest independent Rolex dealer in the state.

The Bead Shop

One of the best ways to find a moment of zen in Houston? Wander in here, grab a tiny tray, and lose yourself exploring the thousands of beads of every shape, size, and style imaginable, helpfully sorted by color. An hour and $20 later, you’ll walk out with a custom bracelet or necklace (helpfully assembled by employees if you need a hand). It’s way cheaper than a traditional therapy session.

My London Flat

Walking up the narrow stairwell, you quickly realize owner Suzy Smith takes the name of her shop quite seriously. This teeny, tucked-away spot boasts an impressive supply of hand-picked finds like vintage cameos from the U.K. and France, strung with modern-day accents like pearls, in collections named for Jane Austen and Princess Diana.

Tenenbaum Jewelers

Tenenbaum has been a major name in vintage and estate jewelry for four decades, but since merging with Past Era Antique Jewelry and Queen of Heirs in recent years, it’s become the preeminent destination for unique, rare, and interesting jewelry finds in town. It’s also got a stunning new storefront and an enviable collection of designer names, including Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Zadok Jewelers

If you can’t find the sparkle you’re seeking in this swanky, family-owned stalwart, it might not exist: Over 50 high-end brands are represented here, including several Houston exclusives. The watch selection, featuring designers from Shinola to Jaeger-LeCoultre, is unparalleled; jewelry ranges from candy-colored gemstone rings by Pomellato, to cascading, Indian-inspired diamonds by Sutra, to Zadok’s own well-priced pieces.