Kosch & Gray: Charleston's Jewelry Studio for Custom Designs and Repairs

What Kosch & Gray Does

Kosch & Gray is a jewelry studio in Charleston that creates custom pieces, repairs existing jewelry, and works with clients on one-of-a-kind designs. The studio handles everything from engagement rings and wedding bands to restoration of inherited pieces and everyday jewelry repair. You can walk in with a sketch, a family heirloom that needs work, or a clear vision of what you want, and the jewelers will work with you to bring it to life or fix what's broken.

The studio operates as a full-service jewelry workshop, meaning the design and fabrication happen in-house rather than being sent elsewhere. That direct relationship between you and the makers means you can see your piece take shape, ask questions along the way, and make adjustments if needed. Whether you need a simple ring sizing, a stone reset, or a completely custom engagement ring, the work stays local and visible.

Key Takeaways

• Kosch & Gray creates custom jewelry and handles repairs in their Charleston studio, with design and fabrication done on-site.
• The studio works with clients on engagement rings, wedding bands, heirloom restoration, and general jewelry repair and maintenance.
• You can bring sketches, photos, or existing pieces to discuss your project directly with the jewelers before any work begins.
• The studio's location in Charleston makes it accessible for consultations, fittings, and checking on work in progress.

Custom Design and Engagement Rings

If you're looking for an engagement ring or wedding band that reflects your personal style rather than a mass-produced design, Kosch & Gray works with you from concept to finished piece. You can describe what you want, show reference images, or bring in a sketch—the jewelers will translate your ideas into a design they can fabricate. This process typically involves an initial consultation where you discuss your vision, budget, and timeline, followed by design sketches or renderings so you can see the piece before it's made.

Custom work means you control the metal type (gold, platinum, silver), the stone selection, and every detail of the setting. The studio can source specific gemstones if you have a preference, or help you choose based on durability, color, and budget. Because the work happens in-house, changes are easier to make during the process than they would be if your ring were being made elsewhere.

Jewelry Repair and Restoration

Kosch & Gray handles the full range of jewelry repair: sizing rings, replacing lost stones, fixing broken clasps, re-tipping prongs, polishing, and restoring pieces that haven't been worn in years. If you have an heirloom—a grandmother's ring, a vintage brooch, or a piece that's simply worn out from daily wear—the studio can assess what needs to be done and walk you through your options.

Restoration work often involves cleaning and inspection first, so you understand exactly what's needed before any work begins. Some pieces need only polishing; others require structural repairs like re-soldering, re-plating, or replacing worn components. The studio can also modify existing pieces—for example, converting a pendant into a ring, or redesigning a setting to hold a different stone.

How to Start a Project at Kosch & Gray

Begin by contacting the studio to schedule a consultation. You can bring in your ideas, sketches, photos, or the piece itself if it's repair work. During the first meeting, the jewelers will listen to what you want, ask clarifying questions, and discuss realistic timelines and costs. For custom work, they'll typically provide a design sketch or rendering before committing to fabrication.

Once you've approved the design and agreed on terms, the studio will begin the work. You're welcome to check in on progress, and the jewelers will reach out if questions come up during fabrication. When the piece is finished, you'll come back for a final fitting or inspection before taking it home.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

For custom design work, bring any reference images, sketches, or written descriptions of what you're imagining. If you have a budget in mind, share that upfront—it helps the jewelers suggest materials and approaches that fit your needs. If you're designing an engagement ring, knowing your partner's ring size (or being able to measure it discreetly) is helpful, though the studio can work around that if needed.

For repair or restoration work, simply bring the piece. The jewelers will examine it, identify what needs to be done, and explain your options. If it's an heirloom with sentimental value, sharing its history can help the studio understand how to approach the work respectfully.

Why Local Jewelry Work Matters

Working with a local studio means your piece stays in Charleston throughout the process, and you have direct access to the people making it. You can ask questions, request adjustments, and see the craftsmanship firsthand. There's no middleman, no shipping delays, and no guessing about whether your vision is being understood correctly. For something as personal as jewelry—especially engagement rings and heirlooms—that direct relationship often makes the difference between a piece you like and one you truly love.

Charleston has a strong tradition of craftsmanship and artisan work, and Kosch & Gray fits into that culture. Supporting local makers also means your money stays in the community and supports skilled trades that keep Charleston's character alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a custom piece take to make?

Timeline depends on the complexity of the design and how busy the studio is. Simple pieces might take a few weeks; more intricate work can take longer. The studio will give you a realistic estimate during your consultation and keep you updated as the work progresses.

Can I bring in a stone I already own for a custom setting?

Yes. Many people bring in family diamonds or gemstones they want reset into a new design. The studio will inspect the stone, discuss how to protect it during the work, and incorporate it into your custom piece.

What if I'm not sure what I want yet?

That's fine—the consultation is exactly the place to explore ideas. Bring reference images, describe your style, and talk through what matters to you. The jewelers can suggest options and help you narrow down your vision before any work begins.

Do you repair jewelry from other jewelers?

Yes. If you have a piece made elsewhere that needs repair, restoration, or modification, Kosch & Gray can work on it. Bring it in for an assessment and they'll let you know what's possible.

What metals and stones do you work with?

The studio works with gold, platinum, silver, and other metals, along with diamonds, gemstones, and other materials. During your consultation, you can discuss what works best for your piece, your lifestyle, and your budget.