Due Sorelle: Charleston's Italian Jewelry Studio and Its Handmade Collections

What Due Sorelle Is and Where to Find It

Due Sorelle is a jewelry studio in Charleston run by two sisters who design and craft pieces by hand. The name means "two sisters" in Italian, and the studio reflects that heritage through its approach to metalwork and design. You'll find them in Charleston's downtown area, where they work directly with customers and create custom pieces alongside their regular collection.

The studio operates as both a retail space and a working workshop, so you can watch the sisters at work or discuss a custom design while you're there. This setup is different from most jewelry stores—you're buying from the makers themselves rather than from a middleman, which means you can ask questions about technique, materials, and the thinking behind each piece.

Key Takeaways

• Due Sorelle is a working jewelry studio where two sisters design and handcraft all pieces on-site in Charleston.
• The studio creates both ready-made jewelry and custom commissions, with an emphasis on Italian design traditions and quality metalwork.
• You can visit the studio to see pieces in person, watch the sisters work, and discuss custom orders directly with the makers.
• Handmade jewelry typically costs more than mass-produced pieces but offers unique design, better craftsmanship, and the story of who made it.

The Handmade Jewelry They Create

Due Sorelle specializes in pieces made from precious metals—gold, silver, and sometimes platinum—often set with gemstones or designed as solid metal work. Each piece is made by hand rather than cast from a mold, which means no two items are exactly identical. The sisters draw on Italian jewelry traditions, which emphasize clean lines, wearable elegance, and technical skill in metalwork.

Their collection includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in styles ranging from minimalist to more ornate. Because everything is handmade, they can work in almost any style a customer requests. If you see something you like but want it in a different metal, with a different stone, or in a different size, that's a conversation to have with them directly.

Custom Orders and Commissions

If you have a specific vision—a family heirloom you want redesigned, an engagement ring you want created from scratch, or a piece to commemorate an event—Due Sorelle takes custom commissions. The process typically starts with a conversation about what you want, what metals and stones you're considering, and what your budget is.

Custom work takes time. The sisters will likely sketch ideas, discuss options with you, and then craft the piece. Depending on complexity, a custom order might take several weeks. If you're working toward a deadline—an engagement, a wedding, an anniversary—mention that early so they can plan the timeline.

Visiting the Studio

Due Sorelle operates as a studio first and a retail shop second, so hours may be more limited than a typical jewelry store. Before you visit, it's worth calling ahead or checking their current hours online to make sure someone is there. The studio is located in downtown Charleston, and parking is available nearby.

When you visit, you're walking into a working space. You might see the sisters at their benches, working on a piece or finishing a commission. This is part of the appeal—you get to see the craft happen, ask questions about technique, and understand what goes into a handmade piece. If you're interested in custom work, bring any reference images, sketches, or ideas you have.

Understanding the Cost of Handmade Jewelry

Handmade jewelry costs more than mass-produced pieces because of labor, materials, and the time involved. A ring made by hand takes hours of work—measuring, shaping, soldering, finishing, and polishing. That time is part of the price. The materials themselves—gold, silver, quality gemstones—also add to the cost, and prices vary depending on the weight of metal and the stones used.

What you're paying for is durability, uniqueness, and the skill of the maker. A handmade piece from Due Sorelle is built to last and can be repaired or modified by the sisters if needed. You also own something with a story—you know who made it and can return to the same makers if you ever want adjustments or additional pieces.

Caring for Your Handmade Pieces

Handmade jewelry requires the same care as any fine jewelry. Gold and silver can scratch and dent with daily wear, especially in rings. Gemstones vary in hardness—diamonds are very durable, but softer stones like opals or pearls need more careful handling. The sisters can advise you on how to care for your specific piece when you purchase it.

If your jewelry needs cleaning, polishing, or repair, Due Sorelle can handle that work. Bringing your pieces back to the makers who created them ensures the work is done right and keeps your jewelry in good condition for years.

Why Handmade Jewelry Matters in Charleston

Charleston has a long tradition of craftsmanship—from historic silversmithing to contemporary art. Due Sorelle fits into that tradition as a working studio where skill and design are visible and valued. Buying from local makers keeps money in the community and supports the kind of small, specialized businesses that give Charleston its character.

Handmade jewelry also tells a different story than factory-made pieces. You're not buying something that thousands of other people own. You're buying something made by specific people with specific skills, and that matters to many people who value authenticity and craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring in a piece of jewelry to be redesigned?

Yes. If you have an old ring, necklace, or other piece you want transformed into something new, bring it to the studio. The sisters can discuss options for redesigning it, melting down the metal if needed, and creating something you'll actually wear. This is a common request and a good way to repurpose jewelry with sentimental value.

How long does a custom piece take?

Timeline depends on complexity and how busy the studio is. A simple custom ring might take two to three weeks; a more intricate piece could take longer. When you commission a piece, ask for a realistic timeline upfront, especially if you have a deadline.

Do you work with gemstones I already own?

Many jewelers will set a stone you provide, though policies vary. Ask Due Sorelle directly about whether they can incorporate a family diamond, heirloom stone, or gemstone you've purchased elsewhere into a custom design.

What metals do you work with?

Due Sorelle works primarily with gold, silver, and platinum. Different metals have different properties—gold is durable and traditional, silver is more affordable but softer, platinum is extremely durable but more expensive. Discuss which metal suits your piece and your lifestyle.

Do you offer repairs on jewelry made elsewhere?

Many jewelry studios repair pieces they didn't make, though some focus only on their own work. Call ahead to ask whether Due Sorelle takes repair work from other jewelers, and what kinds of repairs they handle.