Emily Ray Jewelry: Charleston Metalsmith and Custom Designs

Who Emily Ray Is and What She Makes

Emily Ray is a Charleston-based metalsmith and jewelry designer known for handcrafted pieces that blend traditional metalworking with contemporary design. She works primarily in gold, silver, and mixed metals, creating everything from delicate everyday rings to statement earrings and custom commissions. Her studio is located in Charleston, where she designs and fabricates each piece by hand rather than using mass production methods.

Ray's work reflects a deep knowledge of metalsmithing techniques—soldering, stone setting, forging, and finishing—learned through formal training and years of studio practice. Her pieces often feature clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and an emphasis on the quality of the metal itself. She works with clients who want jewelry that feels intentional and made specifically for them, rather than pieces pulled from a shelf.

Key Takeaways

• Emily Ray creates handmade jewelry in her Charleston studio using traditional metalsmithing techniques and quality metals.
• She takes custom commissions, meaning you can work with her to design a piece tailored to your vision and specifications.
• Her ready-made collection includes rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in gold, silver, and mixed metals.
• You can view her current work and contact her about custom orders through her website or by visiting her studio in person.

Custom Commissions and How They Work

If you want a piece designed specifically for you—an engagement ring, a family heirloom remake, or jewelry marking a particular moment—Ray works directly with clients through a commission process. This typically begins with a conversation about your vision, the metals and stones you prefer, and your budget. She will sketch ideas, discuss options, and refine the design until it matches what you're imagining.

Custom work takes time because each piece is made from scratch in her studio. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the design and her current workload, so discussing your deadline early in the process matters. She requires a deposit to begin work, with the balance due when the piece is complete. This approach ensures that what you receive is exactly what you commissioned, not a compromise or a standard design adapted to your request.

Her Ready-Made Collection

Beyond custom work, Emily Ray maintains a collection of finished pieces available for purchase. These include rings in various styles and metals, earrings ranging from subtle studs to more sculptural designs, necklaces, and bracelets. The ready-made pieces showcase her design sensibility and give you a sense of her aesthetic if you're considering a commission.

Her collection changes as she creates new designs and as pieces sell. If you see something you love, it's worth asking whether she can make it again or create a variation. Even ready-made pieces can often be customized—a ring resized, a necklace made in a different metal, or a design adapted slightly to suit your preferences.

Materials and Metalworking Quality

Ray uses solid gold, sterling silver, and other quality metals—not plating or filled metals that wear away over time. This matters because it means your piece will last and can be repaired or resized by any jeweler if needed. The metalsmithing techniques she employs—hand-soldering, stone setting, finishing—require skill and time, which is reflected in the price of her work compared to mass-produced jewelry.

If you have questions about the durability of a particular design, the best metal choice for your lifestyle, or how to care for your piece once you have it, these are conversations worth having with her. A metalsmith understands the practical side of jewelry in a way that a designer working only with renderings does not.

Where to Find Her Work and Place an Order

Emily Ray's studio is located in Charleston. You can visit in person to see her work, discuss custom ideas, and get a sense of her process and aesthetic. Many people find that seeing pieces in hand—feeling the weight, understanding the proportions, and talking directly with the maker—changes what they want to commission.

She also maintains an online presence where you can view her current collection and contact her about custom work. If you're interested in a specific piece or want to explore a commission, reaching out through her website or social media is the first step. She typically responds within a few days and can discuss your project, timeline, and budget before any commitment is made.

Price Range and What to Expect

Handmade jewelry costs more than factory-produced pieces because of the materials, the labor, and the time involved. A simple silver ring might start at one price point, while a gold piece with stone setting or a complex custom design will be higher. Custom commissions vary widely depending on what you're asking for—a straightforward band is different from an intricate engagement ring with multiple stones.

Rather than guessing at cost, it's best to have a conversation with Emily Ray about what you want and what you're willing to spend. She can tell you whether your vision fits your budget, suggest alternatives if needed, or explain what would change the price. Transparency about cost is part of the custom process, and a good metalsmith will be honest about what things cost and why.

Why Choose a Local Metalsmith

Buying from a Charleston-based metalsmith means supporting a local artist and craftsperson. It also means you have a direct relationship with the person who made your jewelry. If something needs repair, resizing, or adjustment years down the line, you know exactly who to contact and can speak with the person who understands the piece intimately.

There's also something meaningful about owning jewelry made by hand in your own community rather than ordered from a distant manufacturer. You can visit the studio, see the work in progress if you're commissioning, and know the story of how your piece came to be. For many people, that connection and quality matter more than owning something mass-produced and cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a custom commission take?

Timelines depend on the design's complexity and Emily Ray's current workload. A simple band might take a few weeks, while an intricate piece with multiple stones could take two months or longer. She will give you a realistic timeline when you discuss your project, and it's important to mention any deadline you have in mind early on.

Can I bring a design I found online and ask her to make it?

Most metalsmiths prefer to create original designs rather than copy existing work. However, you can absolutely bring inspiration—a photo, a description, a feeling—and work with her to create something original that captures what you love about that reference. This protects her as a designer and ensures you get something truly made for you.

What if I want to resize or repair a piece she made?

Because Emily Ray made your piece, she understands its construction and can repair or resize it properly. Reach out to her directly about what you need. Even if you bought a ready-made piece years ago, she can usually help or refer you to someone she trusts if she's unavailable.

Do you offer payment plans for custom work?

Payment terms vary by project. Some commissions require a deposit upfront with the balance due upon completion, while others might allow a different arrangement depending on the timeline and cost. Ask about options when you discuss your commission—there's no harm in asking what's possible.

Can I visit the studio without an appointment?

It's best to reach out first to confirm she's available and not in the middle of detailed metalwork that requires focus. Many artisans work by appointment to ensure they can give you their full attention and aren't interrupted during delicate tasks. A quick message or call ahead takes a minute and guarantees a good visit.