Shirin Jewelers: Custom and Fine Jewelry in Charleston
What Shirin Jewelers offers
Shirin Jewelers is a Charleston-based jewelry studio specializing in custom design, fine jewelry repair, and curated collections of contemporary pieces. The shop works directly with clients to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and heirloom redesigns, while also maintaining an in-house workshop for repairs and restoration. Whether you're looking for a bespoke piece or need an existing ring restored, Shirin handles the work on-site rather than sending it out.
The studio carries both designer pieces and vintage selections, with a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship. Shirin's team can work with your own gold, gemstones, or family jewelry to create something entirely new, or help you select materials and design from scratch. The shop also offers jewelry cleaning, sizing, and restoration services for pieces from other jewelers.
Key Takeaways
- Shirin Jewelers creates custom engagement rings and wedding bands through a direct design process with the client, rather than offering only pre-made inventory.
- The studio operates an in-house workshop, meaning repairs and custom work happen on-site and you can discuss your piece directly with the craftsperson.
- You can bring your own gemstones, family jewelry, or heirloom pieces to be redesigned or incorporated into a new creation.
- Beyond custom work, Shirin offers cleaning, sizing, and restoration services for jewelry purchased elsewhere.
Custom design and engagement rings
The custom design process at Shirin begins with a consultation where you discuss your vision, budget, and timeline. The jeweler will walk you through stone options, metal choices, and design details—whether you want a classic solitaire, a vintage-inspired setting, or something entirely unconventional. If you've found inspiration online or in magazines, bring those images to the appointment.
Once the design is finalized, Shirin creates the piece in the workshop. You'll typically have check-in points to see progress and make adjustments before the final piece is completed. The timeline varies depending on complexity, but custom work generally takes several weeks from start to finish.
Jewelry repair and restoration
Shirin handles a range of repair work including resizing, stone setting, clasp replacement, and restoration of damaged or worn pieces. Because the work happens in-house, you can discuss the repair directly with the jeweler and understand exactly what's being done to your piece. Common repairs like sizing usually take a week or two, while more involved restoration may take longer.
The studio also specializes in heirloom restoration—taking an old or damaged family piece and bringing it back to wearable condition, or redesigning it into something you'll actually wear. This is particularly useful if you have inherited jewelry that's beautiful but not your style, or pieces that are broken or outdated.
Materials and sourcing
Shirin works with gold, platinum, and silver, and can source diamonds and gemstones based on your preferences and budget. You have the option to bring your own stones—whether that's a family diamond, a stone from another jeweler, or a gemstone you've purchased separately. The studio can also help you understand the differences between lab-created and mined stones, and what those choices mean for your piece.
If you're redesigning an existing piece, Shirin can often recycle the metal from your old jewelry into the new design, reducing waste and sometimes cost.
Location and how to get your free guide
Shirin Jewelers is located in Charleston's downtown area. The studio operates by appointment, which allows the jeweler to give full attention to your project without interruption. To begin a custom design or discuss a repair, contact the shop to schedule a consultation. Bring any inspiration images, existing pieces you want to redesign, or simply your ideas and budget.
If you're unsure whether your project is something Shirin can handle, a phone call or email describing what you need is a good first step. The jeweler can let you know the timeline and rough cost range before you come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom engagement ring cost?
Cost depends entirely on your choices—the metal type, the stone (size and quality), and the complexity of the design. A simple gold band with a modest diamond costs far less than a platinum ring with a large stone and intricate setting. Shirin can work within whatever budget you have and help you make choices that fit your price range.
Can I bring a stone I already own to be set?
Yes. You can bring a family diamond, a stone you've purchased elsewhere, or a gemstone you've selected yourself, and Shirin will set it into a custom design. There may be a small fee to evaluate the stone and confirm it can be set safely, but this is a common and straightforward process.
How long does a custom piece take?
Timeline varies based on the complexity of the design and the studio's current workload. Simple pieces may take three to four weeks, while more intricate designs can take six to eight weeks or longer. Shirin will give you a specific estimate during your consultation.
Do you repair jewelry from other jewelers?
Yes. Shirin repairs and restores pieces purchased anywhere—whether that's from another local jeweler, a big-box retailer, or an antique shop. Bring the piece in for an assessment and the jeweler will let you know what can be done and how long it will take.
What's the difference between lab-created and mined diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds but are made in a laboratory rather than formed underground over millions of years. They typically cost less and have less environmental impact. Both are real diamonds and both can be used in jewelry. Shirin can explain the pros and cons of each option for your specific piece.