Skatell's Manufacturing Jewelers: Custom Design and Repair in South Carolina

What Skatell's Manufacturing Jewelers Does

Skatell's Manufacturing Jewelers is a custom jewelry design and repair shop in South Carolina that works directly with clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces and restore existing jewelry. Unlike retail jewelry stores that sell finished inventory, Skatell's operates as a manufacturing jeweler—meaning they build what you want from raw materials, remake inherited pieces, and handle repairs that require skilled metalwork rather than simple polishing.

The shop handles everything from engagement rings and wedding bands to custom pendants, bracelets, and brooches. They also repair broken clasps, resize rings, reset stones, and restore antique or damaged jewelry to wearable condition. Because they manufacture on-site, you work with the jeweler directly throughout the process, seeing sketches and prototypes before the final piece is completed.

Key Takeaways

• Skatell's creates custom jewelry from scratch based on your design ideas, rather than selling pre-made pieces from a catalog.
• The shop handles repairs that require metalworking skills, including resizing, stone resetting, clasp replacement, and restoration of antique jewelry.
• You meet with the jeweler to discuss your vision, review designs, and approve work before completion.
• Manufacturing jewelers typically charge for labor and materials separately, so the final cost depends on the complexity of your design and the metals or stones you choose.

Custom Design and Creation

When you commission a custom piece at Skatell's, the process begins with a consultation where you describe what you want—whether that's a specific style, a stone you already own, a design you've seen elsewhere, or a completely original concept. The jeweler listens to your ideas, discusses what's realistic within your budget, and may sketch or show you examples of similar work they've done.

Once you've agreed on a direction, Skatell's creates a design—sometimes a detailed drawing, sometimes a wax model or prototype—so you can see exactly what the finished piece will look like before they commit materials to it. This step matters because custom work is built to your specifications, and changes become harder once metalwork begins. After you approve the design, the jeweler sources or uses materials you've selected and manufactures the piece in their workshop.

Repair and Restoration Services

Skatell's handles repairs that go beyond what a typical jewelry store can do. This includes resizing rings (which requires cutting the band, adding or removing metal, and soldering), resetting stones in new settings, replacing broken clasps or hinges, and repairing bent or damaged metal. They also restore antique jewelry, which may involve cleaning, re-plating, rebuilding missing parts, or reinforcing weakened sections.

If you have a family heirloom that's no longer wearable or a piece you love but that's broken, a manufacturing jeweler can often restore it rather than replace it. Skatell's can also remake jewelry—taking gold, silver, or stones from an old piece and creating something entirely new with them, which is a common way to honor inherited materials while getting a piece you'll actually wear.

Materials and Metals

Skatell's works with standard jewelry metals including gold (in various karats), silver, platinum, and sometimes alternative metals depending on your preference and budget. When you commission a piece, you choose the metal based on durability, color, and cost. Gold is the most common choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry; silver and platinum are also popular. The jeweler can discuss which metal makes sense for your design and how often you plan to wear the piece.

If you're bringing stones—whether a family diamond, a gemstone you've purchased, or stones Skatell's sources for you—the jeweler will incorporate them into your design. They can also help you understand the difference between lab-created and mined stones, and discuss durability and care for different gemstones.

Timeline and Cost

Custom jewelry takes time. A simple piece might be ready in a few weeks; a complex design with multiple stones or intricate metalwork can take six weeks or longer. When you commission work, Skatell's will give you a realistic timeline based on their current workload and the complexity of your piece. Rush orders are sometimes possible but may carry additional charges.

Cost varies widely depending on the metals you choose, the complexity of the design, and whether you're providing stones or having them sourced. Manufacturing jewelers typically charge separately for labor and materials, so you'll know upfront what the metalwork costs and what you're paying for gold, silver, or other materials. Getting a detailed estimate before work begins is standard practice.

When to Choose a Manufacturing Jeweler

A manufacturing jeweler like Skatell's makes sense when you want something that doesn't exist in retail stores, when you have specific design ideas you want realized, or when you need repair work that requires skilled metalworking. If you're buying an engagement ring, a manufacturing jeweler can create exactly what you want rather than compromising on a store's inventory. If you have an heirloom that's damaged or outdated, they can restore or remake it.

Manufacturing jewelers also make sense if you value the relationship with the person making your jewelry. You'll work with the same jeweler throughout the process, see your piece take shape, and have direct input on every decision. This is different from buying finished jewelry, where you're choosing from what's already made.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have a custom ring made?

Cost depends on the metal you choose, the complexity of the design, and whether you're providing stones or having them sourced. A simple gold band might cost several hundred dollars in labor plus the cost of gold; a complex engagement ring with multiple stones can easily cost several thousand. Skatell's will provide a detailed estimate before beginning work.

Can I bring my own stones to be set?

Yes. Many people bring diamonds, gemstones, or stones from inherited jewelry to be incorporated into a new design. The jeweler will examine the stone, discuss how to set it safely, and factor it into the design and cost estimate.

How long does a custom piece take?

Most custom pieces take four to eight weeks, depending on the design's complexity and the jeweler's current workload. Simple pieces may be faster; intricate work takes longer. Skatell's will give you a specific timeline when you commission the work.

What if I don't like the design after I see it?

That's why the jeweler shows you a design or prototype before beginning the actual metalwork. If you want changes at that stage, they're usually straightforward. Changes after metalwork has begun are more difficult and may cost extra, so approving the design before work starts is important.

Do you repair jewelry from other stores?

Most manufacturing jewelers repair jewelry regardless of where it was purchased. Contact Skatell's directly to describe what needs repair and ask about their process and timeline for that specific work.