Sessoms & Sons Jewelers: Family-Owned Repair and Custom Work in South Carolina

What Sessoms & Sons Jewelers Does

Sessoms & Sons Jewelers is a family-owned shop that handles jewelry repair, restoration, and custom design work across South Carolina. The business takes on everything from sizing and stone replacement to complete restoration of heirloom pieces, and also creates custom jewelry to order. They work with gold, silver, platinum, and gemstones, and their work is done in-house rather than sent out to a third party.

The shop has built its reputation on detailed craftsmanship and direct communication with customers about what a piece needs and what the work will cost. If you have a broken clasp, a loose stone, a ring that no longer fits, or an old piece you want redesigned, this is the kind of local jeweler who can walk you through the process step by step.

Key Takeaways

• Sessoms & Sons performs repair, restoration, and custom design work in-house, so you can speak directly with the jeweler about your piece.
• The shop handles sizing, stone replacement, clasp repair, and restoration of damaged or antique jewelry.
• Custom design work is available if you want to create a new piece or redesign an existing one.
• Pricing and timeline depend on the specific work needed, so bringing your piece in for an in-person assessment is the best first step.

Types of Repair Work They Offer

Common repairs at Sessoms & Sons include ring sizing, which is one of the most frequent requests. Whether a ring is too loose or too tight, the jeweler can adjust the band to fit properly. Stone replacement is another standard service—if a diamond, sapphire, or other gemstone has fallen out or cracked, they can source and set a replacement stone.

Clasp repair and replacement is routine work for necklaces and bracelets that no longer close securely. The shop also handles broken prongs that hold stones in place, bent bands, and soldering work to repair cracks or breaks in the metal itself. For pieces with sentimental value, they offer restoration services that can bring an old or damaged heirloom back to wearable condition.

Custom Design and Redesign Services

If you have an old piece you love but want reimagined, or if you want to create something entirely new, Sessoms & Sons works with customers to design custom jewelry. This might mean taking gold from an inherited ring and creating a new setting, combining stones from multiple pieces into one design, or building a piece from scratch based on your vision.

The custom design process typically starts with a conversation about what you want, followed by sketches or a visual mockup so you can see the design before work begins. This allows you to make changes before the jeweler commits time and materials to the final piece.

How to Get Your Piece Assessed

The first step is to bring your jewelry to the shop in person. The jeweler will examine the piece, identify what needs to be done, and give you an estimate for the cost and timeline. This in-person visit is important because some issues are not obvious without hands-on inspection—a stone might be loose without being visibly cracked, or a band might have internal damage that affects how it can be repaired.

Be prepared to describe how the piece is damaged or what you want changed. If it is an heirloom, sharing its history can help the jeweler understand how to approach the work respectfully. Ask about the timeline—some repairs take a few days, while custom work or complex restoration can take weeks.

What to Expect During the Repair Process

Once you approve the estimate, the jeweler will begin work. For simple repairs like sizing or clasp replacement, you may be able to pick up the piece within a week. More involved work, such as stone replacement in a complex setting or custom design, takes longer.

The shop will typically contact you when the work is complete so you can inspect the piece before paying. This gives you a chance to make sure the repair or redesign meets your expectations. If you have concerns, the jeweler can make adjustments before you take the piece home.

Pricing and Payment

Repair costs vary widely depending on what needs to be done. A simple ring sizing costs far less than replacing a large gemstone or creating a custom piece from scratch. The in-person assessment is where you will learn the specific price for your piece, so there are no surprises.

Ask about payment options when you drop off your jewelry. Some shops require a deposit to begin work, while others bill you when the piece is ready. Clarify this upfront so you know what to expect.

Why Choose a Local Jeweler

Working with a local, family-owned jeweler like Sessoms & Sons means you can build a relationship with the person doing your work. You can ask questions, see your piece in progress if needed, and have a direct line to the craftsperson if something does not feel right. There is no middleman or corporate workflow—just skilled hands and clear communication.

Local jewelers also tend to stand behind their work. If a repair fails or a custom piece does not meet expectations, you can walk back in and resolve it face to face. That accountability matters, especially with pieces that hold sentimental or financial value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical ring sizing take?

Ring sizing is usually one of the faster repairs and often takes three to seven days, depending on how much material needs to be added or removed and how busy the shop is. Call ahead to ask about the current timeline before you drop off your ring.

Can they repair vintage or antique jewelry?

Yes. Vintage and antique pieces often need special care because the metal may be more fragile or the setting style may be different from modern jewelry. Bring the piece in so the jeweler can assess whether it can be safely repaired and what approach will work best.

What if I want to redesign my grandmother's ring?

The shop can work with you to redesign the piece while preserving the materials and sentimental value. Bring the ring in and discuss your vision—the jeweler can sketch ideas and walk you through the process before any work begins.

Do they work with all types of metal and stone?

Sessoms & Sons works with gold, silver, platinum, and a wide range of gemstones including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. If you have a piece made from an unusual material, ask during your in-person visit whether they can work with it.

What should I bring when I drop off my jewelry?

Bring the piece itself and any documentation you have, such as a receipt or appraisal if it exists. Be ready to describe what you want done or what is wrong with the piece. If it is a custom design, bringing reference images or written descriptions of your vision is helpful.