Corneau Goldsmithing Jewelry Gallery in Charleston: Custom Work and Repair
What Corneau Goldsmithing Offers
Corneau Goldsmithing Jewelry Gallery is a working studio and retail space in Charleston where a goldsmith designs custom pieces, repairs jewelry, and sells finished work. The gallery sits on King Street in the heart of downtown, so you can walk in, see the craftsperson at work, and discuss your project face-to-face. Unlike a chain jewelry store or mall kiosk, Corneau operates as a single artisan's business—one person designs and executes the work rather than sending it to an off-site facility.
The studio handles both new commissions and repair work. If you have a broken clasp, a stone that needs resetting, or a ring that needs sizing, you can bring it in. If you want a custom engagement ring, a one-of-a-kind pendant, or a piece redesigned from old gold or inherited jewelry, the goldsmith can sketch ideas with you and build it in the studio. The gallery also stocks ready-made pieces—rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in gold, silver, and mixed metals.
Key Takeaways
- Corneau is a working studio where you can watch the goldsmith create and repair jewelry, located on King Street in downtown Charleston.
- The business handles both custom commissions and repair work, from simple sizing and stone resetting to full redesigns of inherited or damaged pieces.
- You can bring in broken or damaged jewelry for assessment and repair without an appointment, though calling ahead for complex work is recommended.
- The gallery also sells finished pieces in gold, silver, and mixed metals, ranging from contemporary designs to classic styles.
- Pricing for repair and custom work varies by the scope of the project and materials used; the goldsmith discusses costs during an initial consultation.
How to Bring in Jewelry for Repair
Walk in during business hours with your piece. The goldsmith will examine it, explain what needs to be done, and give you an estimate for the work and timeline. For straightforward repairs—a broken chain, a loose stone, a simple resize—you may get a same-day or next-day turnaround. For more involved work, such as a complete redesign or a custom setting, the timeline extends to one or two weeks depending on the complexity and the studio's current workload.
If you have a piece that requires significant work or if you want to discuss options before committing, calling ahead lets the goldsmith set aside time to talk through the project in detail. Bring any original documentation you have—a receipt, an appraisal, or photos—if it helps explain the piece's history or your vision for the repair.
Custom Commissions and Redesigns
If you want a piece made from scratch or redesigned from existing gold or stones, the process starts with a consultation. Bring reference images, sketches, or simply describe what you're imagining. The goldsmith will discuss materials, budget, and timeline, then create a design sketch for your approval before beginning the actual work.
Redesigns are common at Corneau—people bring in inherited jewelry they no longer wear and ask for it to be transformed into something they will. The goldsmith can melt down old gold, reuse existing stones, or combine elements from multiple pieces into one new design. This approach preserves sentimental value while creating something wearable and personal.
Materials and Pricing
Corneau works primarily in gold (14K and 18K), silver, and platinum. The cost of repair or custom work depends on the materials, the complexity of the design, and the time required. A simple ring resize costs less than a full custom engagement ring with a stone setting. A stone reset or clasp repair falls somewhere in between. There is no standard price list because each piece is different; the goldsmith provides a specific estimate after examining your jewelry or discussing your commission.
If you are bringing in gold or silver for a custom piece, you can discuss whether to use new metal or recycle your own. Recycled gold reduces material costs and appeals to people who want to minimize environmental impact or use inherited metal with personal meaning.
The Studio Location and Hours
Corneau Goldsmithing is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, in the historic district near galleries, restaurants, and other shops. The studio is a working space, so you will often see the goldsmith at the bench during your visit. This transparency is part of the appeal—you can ask questions about the craft, watch techniques in action, and understand exactly what goes into your piece.
Hours vary seasonally and by appointment, so it is worth calling or checking the studio's website or social media before you visit, especially if you are traveling from outside Charleston or planning a specific time to discuss a commission. The goldsmith occasionally closes for a few days to focus on larger projects or to attend craft shows and markets around the region.
Why Choose a Local Goldsmith Over Chain Jewelers
A local goldsmith offers direct communication with the person doing the work. You are not dealing with a manager who takes notes and sends your piece to a distant workshop; you are talking to the craftsperson who will repair or create it. This means you can ask questions, request adjustments, and see progress as the work happens. It also means the goldsmith has a reputation to protect in the community and a personal investment in your satisfaction.
Custom work at a local studio is often more affordable than at a large jewelry retailer because there is no markup for corporate overhead or franchise fees. You are paying for skill and materials, not brand name or retail markup. For repairs, a local goldsmith can often handle work that chain stores send out, so you get faster turnaround and lower cost.
What to Bring When You Visit
For repair work, bring the damaged or broken piece and any documentation you have—a receipt, an appraisal, or photos of the piece when it was new. If you know when it was made or who made it, that information can be helpful. For custom work or redesigns, bring reference images, sketches, or written descriptions of what you want. If you are redesigning inherited jewelry, bring the pieces you want to repurpose.
If you are concerned about the value of your piece or want an official record of the work done, ask the goldsmith whether they provide a receipt or written estimate. This documentation is useful for insurance purposes and for your own records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does jewelry repair usually take?
Simple repairs like resizing, clasp replacement, or stone resetting often take one to three days. More complex work—a full redesign, intricate engraving, or custom settings—can take one to two weeks. The goldsmith will give you a specific timeline when you bring in the piece.
Can I use my own gold or stones for a custom piece?
Yes. Many people bring inherited gold, family stones, or materials they already own and ask the goldsmith to create a new piece from them. Discuss this during your initial consultation so the goldsmith can assess the materials and factor them into the design and cost.
Do you offer insurance or appraisals for jewelry?
Corneau repairs and creates jewelry but does not provide formal appraisals or insurance services. For insurance purposes, you may want to have a piece appraised by a certified gemologist or jeweler after it is completed. Ask the goldsmith for a receipt and description of materials and work done, which your insurance agent may accept as documentation.
What if I am not happy with the finished piece?
Discuss any concerns with the goldsmith as soon as you see the finished work. Because Corneau is a one-person studio, the goldsmith is invested in your satisfaction and will work with you to address issues. If adjustments are needed, they are usually made at no additional charge if the problem is a result of the original work.
Can I commission a piece without visiting in person?
You can start the conversation by phone or email, but an in-person consultation is ideal for custom work so the goldsmith can understand your vision, show you materials and finishes, and discuss options face-to-face. If you live outside Charleston, you can mail reference images and descriptions, but expect the process to take longer than an in-studio commission.