Andrae's Jewelers: A Charleston Fixture for Fine Jewelry and Custom Design
What Andrae's Jewelers Offers
Andrae's Jewelers is a family-owned jewelry store located in downtown Charleston that specializes in fine jewelry, custom design, and jewelry repair. The shop carries engagement rings, wedding bands, loose diamonds, and gemstones alongside vintage and estate pieces. If you're looking for a jeweler who can work with you on a custom design or restore a family heirloom, this is where many Charleston residents go.
The store has been part of Charleston's jewelry landscape for decades, built on relationships with customers who return for major life events and everyday purchases alike. The team works directly with clients on custom commissions, meaning you can describe what you want and have it made rather than choosing from existing inventory alone.
Key Takeaways
- Andrae's offers custom jewelry design services, so you can create an engagement ring, wedding band, or other piece tailored to your vision and budget.
- The store carries loose diamonds and gemstones graded by independent gemologists, letting you understand exactly what you're purchasing.
- Jewelry repair and restoration services are available on-site, including ring sizing, stone setting, and work on vintage or damaged pieces.
- The jewelers can work with gold, platinum, and silver, and can incorporate stones you already own into a new design.
Custom Design and Engagement Rings
If you want an engagement ring that reflects your partner's taste rather than a mass-produced design, Andrae's works with you from concept to finished piece. You can bring sketches, photos from other rings you like, or just a description of what you're imagining. The jewelers will show you options for settings, metals, and stones, and walk you through the process step by step.
The shop carries a range of diamonds and gemstones in-house, so you can see stones before committing to a design. If you already own a stone—an heirloom diamond, a family sapphire—the team can incorporate it into a new setting. Custom work typically takes several weeks, so plan accordingly if you have a deadline in mind.
Diamonds, Gemstones, and Grading
Andrae's stocks loose diamonds and colored gemstones, each evaluated by independent gemologists. This means the store can tell you the exact characteristics of any stone—its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight for diamonds, or the specifics of a ruby, sapphire, or emerald. You're not buying blind, and you can compare stones side by side to see the difference quality makes.
The team can explain what matters most for your budget and preferences. A diamond's color grade might matter less to you than its cut, or you might prioritize a larger stone over a higher clarity grade. Understanding these trade-offs helps you make a choice you'll be happy with long-term.
Jewelry Repair and Restoration
Beyond sales, Andrae's handles repair work on jewelry you already own. Ring sizing, stone replacement, prong tightening, and clasp repair are routine services. If you have a damaged vintage piece or an heirloom that needs restoration, the jewelers can assess what's needed and discuss options with you.
Bring the piece in and describe what's wrong or what you'd like done. The team will examine it, give you an estimate, and let you know how long the work will take. Some repairs are quick; others require more time if the piece needs significant restoration or if custom work is involved.
Estate and Vintage Jewelry
The store carries estate and vintage pieces alongside new jewelry, so if you're drawn to older designs or want to reduce your environmental footprint, there are options. Estate jewelry has history and character that new pieces sometimes lack, and the price is often lower than comparable new work.
Andrae's can authenticate vintage pieces and tell you about their age, origin, and condition. If you're considering an estate purchase, the jewelers can help you understand what you're getting and whether it's a fair price.
Location and How to Visit
Andrae's is located in downtown Charleston, making it accessible if you're exploring the historic district or shopping on King Street. The store is open during regular business hours, though it's worth calling ahead if you're planning a consultation about a custom design or repair estimate. This gives the team time to focus on your project rather than fitting you in between walk-in customers.
If you're working on a custom piece or waiting for repair work, you can check on progress by phone or in person. The jewelers understand that jewelry often marks important moments, so they take care with timelines and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom engagement ring take?
Custom work typically takes several weeks from design approval to finished piece. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the design and the current workload. Ask for a specific estimate when you place your order so you know when to expect it.
Can I bring my own diamond or gemstone to be set?
Yes. If you own a stone you want incorporated into a new setting, bring it in and discuss the design with the jewelers. They'll assess the stone's condition, show you setting options, and give you a price for the work.
What should I do if my ring is damaged?
Bring it to Andrae's for an assessment. The jewelers will examine it, identify what needs repair, and explain your options. Some damage is straightforward to fix; other pieces may need more involved restoration work.
Do you buy or trade in old jewelry?
Many jewelry stores buy or trade in used pieces, though policies vary. Call Andrae's directly to ask whether they purchase estate jewelry or accept trade-ins toward new purchases.
How do I know if a diamond is a good value?
The team at Andrae's can explain the four Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—and help you understand which factors matter most for your budget and preferences. Seeing stones in person and comparing them side by side makes the differences clear.