Determine what you want. Los Angeles is famous for its "Diamond District" downtown. While these places historically have the best prices on diamonds, they may not be as competitive with prices on other jewelery such as gold, watches or bracelets.
Surf the Web. With the Internet being the ultimate source of information, this is a great place to start. In a search engine, type in the kind of jewelry you're looking for (engagement rings, loose diamonds, gold bracelets) followed by your location in the city. This should return a myriad of results, some even with maps so you can delineate which Los Angeles jewelers are most convenient.
If you're staying at a hotel, the concierge can be a great source of information on how to find the best jewelers in Los Angeles. Both Rodeo Drive and the "Diamond District" offer unique shopping experiences. Explain to the concierge what you're looking for, and he or she will be able to point you in the right direction.
Talk to people. If you see someone wearing a piece of jewelry you love, ask her where she got it. Locals will always know best and are usually more than happy to share information after a compliment. Who knows--you may even get a bigger discount by mentioning that someone referred you!
Do research. The best buyer is always an educated buyer. Whether you're looking for diamonds or carats of gold, search the Web, window-shop, or check out ads in local papers and magazines so you can approximate the cost of your desired item. That way you'll know whether or not you're getting a good deal.
