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HH Turner Jewelers: Charleston's Family-Owned Jewelry Store Since 1946

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What HH Turner Jewelers Offers

HH Turner Jewelers is a family-owned jewelry store located in downtown Charleston that has been operating since 1946. The shop carries engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry, watches, and custom pieces. They also offer jewelry repair, cleaning, and restoration services on-site, with jewelers who can resize rings, repair broken chains, replace stones, and restore heirloom pieces.

The store specializes in diamonds and gemstones sourced through established suppliers. Their inventory includes both contemporary and vintage pieces, and they work with customers on custom design projects. Because repair and restoration happen in their workshop rather than being sent away, you can discuss timelines and see progress on your pieces without long waits.

Walking into HH Turner means working with people who have spent decades learning the jewelry business in Charleston. The staff can answer questions about diamond quality, gemstone characteristics, jewelry care, and the details that matter when you're making a significant purchase or deciding whether a family piece is worth restoring.

Key Takeaways

  • HH Turner has operated as a family business in downtown Charleston for over 75 years, giving them deep roots in the local community and long-standing relationships with suppliers.
  • The store offers both ready-made jewelry and custom design services, so you can work with their jewelers to create a one-of-a-kind piece or redesign an heirloom.
  • On-site repair and restoration services mean you can have work done without sending pieces away or waiting weeks for results.
  • Their staff can answer questions about diamond quality, gemstone characteristics, and jewelry care during your visit, helping you make informed decisions about purchases and repairs.
  • The jewelers handle everything from simple cleaning and resizing to complex restoration work on damaged or aged pieces.

Custom Design and Special Orders

If you have a specific vision for a piece—whether it's an engagement ring, a family heirloom redesign, or a completely original creation—HH Turner's jewelers can work with you from concept to finished product. You can bring sketches, photos, reference images, or just describe what you're imagining, and they'll discuss materials, stones, and design details with you during a consultation.

The custom process typically involves an initial conversation where you talk through your vision and budget. The jewelers may show you design sketches, samples of similar work, or stone options. Once you approve the direction, they create the piece in their workshop. Timeline varies depending on complexity and material availability, so ask about their current schedule and realistic timeframe when you visit. Simple designs may take a few weeks, while intricate pieces with special orders can take longer.

Bringing in reference materials helps the conversation move faster. If you're redesigning a family piece, bring the original so the jewelers can assess the metal, stones, and condition before discussing what's possible within your budget.

Jewelry Repair and Restoration

HH Turner handles common repairs like ring resizing, clasp replacement, and stone setting. They also restore older or damaged pieces, including cleaning tarnished silver, refinishing gold, repairing broken prongs that hold stones in place, and addressing wear from years of wear. If you have an heirloom piece that needs work, bring it in for an assessment so the jewelers can explain what can be done and what it will cost.

Because repairs happen on-site, you can often get a timeline estimate during your visit. Simple repairs like cleaning or resizing may be completed within days. More complex restoration work takes longer, and the jewelers will give you a realistic timeframe before they begin. This means you're not waiting weeks for a piece to return from an outside vendor, and you can ask questions as the work progresses.

Heirloom restoration is a specialty worth asking about. If you have a piece that belonged to a grandparent or earlier generation, the jewelers can often preserve the sentimental elements while making it wearable again.

Diamonds and Gemstones

The store carries diamonds in various cuts, colors, and sizes. Their staff can explain the characteristics that affect a diamond's appearance and value—the factors jewelers call the "four Cs"—and help you understand what matters most for your purchase and budget. They also work with other gemstones—sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and more—for engagement rings, pendants, and other pieces.

If you're shopping for an engagement ring or other significant piece, the jewelers can discuss options within your budget and answer questions about quality, durability, and long-term care. They can also source specific stones if you have a particular gemstone in mind, though this may take additional time depending on availability.

Watches and Accessories

Beyond jewelry, HH Turner carries watches from established brands and offers watch repair and battery replacement. They also stock jewelry boxes, cleaning cloths, and other accessories for jewelry care and storage. If you need a new band, sizing adjustment, or servicing on a watch you already own, ask whether they handle it in-house or work with a specialist.

Watch repair can range from simple battery changes to more involved mechanical work, so getting a clear estimate upfront helps you plan. The staff can also recommend care practices to keep your watch running well between services.

Location and Hours

HH Turner Jewelers is located in downtown Charleston, making it accessible whether you're a local or visiting the city. Before you go, call ahead to confirm their hours, as jewelry stores sometimes adjust their schedule seasonally or for special events.

When you visit, bring any pieces you want repaired or any reference materials for custom work. If you're shopping for an engagement ring or other major purchase, you may want to allow extra time for consultation and discussion with the jewelers. Parking in downtown Charleston can be tight, so plan accordingly or ask the store about nearby options when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring in an old family ring to be redesigned?

Yes. HH Turner works with heirloom pieces and can redesign them into something new while preserving the sentimental value. Bring the piece in for a consultation, and the jewelers will discuss options for the metal, stones, and overall design based on what the original piece contains.

How long does a custom engagement ring take?

Timeline depends on the design complexity and current workload. During your initial consultation, ask for a realistic timeframe. Simple designs may take a few weeks, while intricate pieces or those requiring special stone orders can take longer.

Do you repair watches?

Yes, HH Turner handles watch repair including battery replacement, band adjustment, and servicing. Ask whether specific repairs are done in-house or referred to a specialist, and get an estimate before work begins.

What should I bring if I want a custom piece made?

Bring any sketches, photos, or reference images of styles you like. You can also describe your vision in words. The jewelers will discuss your budget, preferred materials, and timeline during the consultation.

Can you clean and restore old jewelry?

Yes. HH Turner offers cleaning, polishing, and restoration work on older or damaged pieces. Bring the item in for an assessment, and they'll explain what can be done, how long it will take, and what it will cost.