Croghan’s Jewel Box Updates but Stays Timeless in Its Second Century

By Karen Dybis | July 03, 2025

Charleston’s oldest family-owned jewelry store has relocated to a larger location on the same street, to better serve clients for its exclusive in-house fine jewelry collections and custom work and fulfill its desire to grow its selection of antique pieces.

Croghan’s Jewel Box has been on King Street, the main downtown thoroughfare of Charleston, S.C., since master jeweler and hand engraver William Joseph Croghan founded the store in 1907. In late June, Croghan’s opened a new, expanded flagship at 155 King St., just a few blocks south of its original home, that covers 6,000 square feet over two stories.

The expansion allows Croghan’s to add more jewelry displays as well as dedicated areas for custom work and jewelry repair, and to enhance the workspaces for its five bench jewelers and four certified gemologists.

Croghans Jewel Box interior — *In its new King Street location, Croghan’s has gained space for staff as well as jewelry.*

“We wanted a space that feels timeless and elegant but also fresh and welcoming. It’s a blend of heritage and innovation, much like our collections,” says Mini Hay Avant, who designs jewelry for Croghan’s, including its popular Goldbug collection.

Today, the jeweler is led by its third and fourth generations: William Joseph Croghan’s granddaughters Mariana Ramsay Hay and Rhett Ramsay Outten and great-grandchildren Mini Hay Avant, Kathleen Hay Hagood, and Mikell Hay.

Mikell Hay says the new flagship boutique feels inspired and connected to the community. It is situated near the corner of Queen Street, in the heart of the city’s historic district, with landmark neighbors such as the Preservation Society of Charleston shop, the Charleston Library Society, and Ben Silver, a clothier that’s been in business for over 60 years. Bespoke lighting fixtures in the new Croghan’s came from Charleston-based Urban Electric Co., and its custom exterior awning poles and interior stair railings were crafted by local ironworkers.

Croghans Jewel Box cases — *Croghan’s signature blue color is front and center in its flagship store.*

“This expansion is a testament to our family’s enduring commitment to Charleston,” Hay says. “We’re thrilled to welcome both longtime patrons and new visitors into our new home with the same quality that have defined Croghan’s for over a century.

“We want people to feel like they’ve entered a space that’s special, beautiful, and deeply personal,” he adds. “Even though the square footage has grown, the warmth and intimacy that define Croghan’s is stronger than ever.”

The retailer worked with Willis Hagood Construction and Simons Young of Young + Wales Architects to design the new store. Spanish manufacturer Casadevall built the custom cabinetry, and Jesse Balaity of Balaity Property Enhancement created custom jewelry cases.

Croghans Jewel Box — *The just-opened larger flagship maintains Croghan’s presence on historic King Street, which began in the early years of the 20th century.*

“Jesse really understood the mix of tradition and technology we needed,” says Kathleen Hay Hagood. “Larry Johnson of Larry Johnson Consulting also played a huge role—his data-driven layout and display advice helped us create an environment that’s beautiful but also intuitive for shopping.”

Hagood’s favorite detail in the new store is how Croghan’s signature blue is woven throughout the space and ties all of its design elements together.

“It reflects our branding and adds a sense of identity and calm,” she says. “The staircase is another highlight. The custom ironwork connects the floors physically and symbolically. Every design choice, from display flow to layout, was intentional, and we worked closely with Larry Johnson to make sure every piece had its place.”

Top: The new location of the more-than-a-century-old Croghan’s in Charleston, S.C. (photos courtesy of Croghan’s Jewel Box)