East West Gem in Charleston: Handcrafted Jewelry and Custom Design

What East West Gem Offers

East West Gem is a jewelry studio in Charleston that specializes in custom design and handcrafted pieces. The shop works directly with customers to create one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry, rather than selling only pre-made inventory. They also repair and resize existing pieces, and can reset stones from family heirlooms into new designs.

The studio is known for working with both precious metals—gold, silver, platinum—and gemstones including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Whether you arrive with a specific vision, a sketch, or just an idea, the jewelers at East West Gem will walk you through the design process and show you options at each stage.

Key Takeaways

• East West Gem creates custom jewelry to your specifications rather than selling only off-the-shelf pieces.
• The studio handles repairs, resizing, and stone-setting work, including transforming inherited stones into new designs.
• You can work with the jewelers in person to see materials, discuss design choices, and track your piece as it's made.
• The shop carries a range of metals and gemstones, from diamonds to colored stones, in various price ranges.

How Custom Design Works at East West Gem

The custom design process typically begins with a consultation where you meet with one of the jewelers. Bring any inspiration you have—photos, sketches, descriptions, or pieces you admire. The jeweler will ask questions about your preferences, lifestyle, and budget to understand what will work best for you.

Once you've discussed your vision, the jeweler creates a design proposal, often with sketches or digital renderings so you can see the piece before work begins. You can request changes at this stage. After you approve the design, the jeweler sources materials, creates a model or mold, and begins crafting your piece. Most custom orders take several weeks to complete, depending on complexity.

Throughout the process, you can check in on progress and make minor adjustments if needed. When your piece is finished, you'll see it in person before taking it home, and the jewelers can explain care and maintenance.

Repair and Restoration Services

Beyond new pieces, East West Gem repairs damaged jewelry and restores older or inherited items. Common services include sizing rings up or down, replacing worn prongs that hold stones, repairing broken clasps, and polishing tarnished silver or gold.

If you have a family heirloom with a stone you love but a setting you'd like to change, the jewelers can remove the stone and reset it into a new design. This is especially useful for engagement rings, family diamonds, or colored stones that have sentimental value but outdated settings.

Visiting East West Gem in Charleston

The studio is located in Charleston's downtown area, making it accessible whether you're a local or visiting the city. The shop is small and appointment-friendly, so you can schedule a time that works for you rather than dropping in during a busy period. This also means the jeweler can give you full attention during your consultation.

If you're not sure whether custom design is right for you, a first visit is low-pressure. The jewelers are accustomed to working with people who are exploring options, and they can show you examples of past work to give you a sense of what's possible within your budget.

What to Bring to Your First Consultation

Come prepared with any inspiration you have: photos of rings or jewelry you like, sketches or descriptions of what you're imagining, or existing pieces you want to modify. If you're redesigning an heirloom, bring the piece itself so the jeweler can examine it and discuss options.

Have a general sense of your budget in mind, though the jeweler can work with a range and explain how different metals and stones affect price. If you're designing an engagement ring or another significant piece, think about your lifestyle—whether you need something durable for daily wear, for instance—because that influences metal choice and stone setting.

Gemstones and Materials Available

East West Gem works with diamonds in various grades and sizes, as well as colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and others. The jeweler can source stones to match your budget and preferences, or you can bring a stone you already own to be set into a new design.

For metals, the studio offers gold (in white, yellow, and rose), silver, and platinum. Each metal has different properties—platinum is extremely durable but more expensive, white gold offers a silver-like appearance at lower cost, and rose gold has become popular for contemporary designs. The jeweler will explain the trade-offs so you can choose what makes sense for your piece and how you'll wear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a custom piece take to make?

Most custom orders take two to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and current workload. Simple resizing or repairs may be faster. The jeweler will give you a timeline during your consultation.

Can I bring my own stone to be set?

Yes. If you have a diamond, gemstone, or family heirloom stone you want set into a new design, bring it to your consultation. The jeweler will examine it and discuss how it can be incorporated into your piece.

What if I'm not sure what I want?

That's normal. Bring any inspiration you have—photos, descriptions, or pieces you admire—and the jeweler will help you narrow down options. You can also look at the studio's portfolio of past work to see what's possible.

Do you repair jewelry from other jewelers?

Yes. East West Gem repairs and resizes pieces made elsewhere. Bring the item in for an assessment, and the jeweler will explain what can be done and provide a cost estimate.

How much does custom jewelry cost?

Price depends on the metals, gemstones, and complexity of the design. The jeweler works with various budgets and can show you options at different price points during your consultation.