Though “13 Secrets” pays homage to Georgia’s establishment as the last of the original thirteen colonies, the idea behind it is much more contemporary.
Owner Chad Crawford wanted to feature the unique and diverse local and international jewelry designers he’d met in his many travels. Even with Savannah’s flourishing art scene, he says, “Art is mostly thought of in the sense of drawings and painting.” Crawford felt he could help to elevate the medium and its designers by featuring the work of 25 to 30 artists at once, with new pieces appearing all the time. “We carry a wide range of styles, from edgy to super conservative. We also do a lot of custom work.”
It took time to find the perfect spot for the gallery, now nestled in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District on Oglethorpe Avenue.
The next challenge was to design the space, which “is very different from designing jewelry,” says Crawford. “The goal was to create a warm, friendly, welcoming environment where you can walk through and see every artist and piece,” a space in which visitors could explore and discover for themselves and ultimately be inspired. Many locals and tourists return again and again to see the continuous additions of stunning, one-of-a-kind works of fine jewelry, high-quality fashion jewelry, traditional, experimental and avant-garde pieces.
A third-generation jewelry designer, Crawford’s work has been worn by a number of celebrities, and the Andrew Hamilton Crawford Collection has appeared in Vogue, The Oprah Magazine, Elle and Town and Country. Collaborating with some of the world’s finest museums, including the Smithsonian and the Met, he has designed wearable pieces inspired by their collections. “Every piece I do reflects some type of history,” he explains. “I’m passionate about details.”
So, what’s next for 13 Secrets?
A second gallery in Savannah! This time, Crawford carefully selected a location in the Plant Riverside District. This lovingly restored gem overlooking the river is brimming with historic charm. It will surely dazzle a whole new generation of locals and visitors. His choice feels appropriate to the proposed mission of the second space, where Crawford hopes to harness the power of design to infuse new life into his customers’ own legacy jewelry so that it, too, can live on.
13 Secrets is back to its normal hours of operation, but has put a number of measures in place to keep visitors safe. The gallery provides hand sanitizer and offers face masks and gloves upon request. The gallery uses a UV sanitizer for the jewelry, takes online orders through its website and via Instagram (@13secretssavannah). Curb -side service is also available. Customers can also book private appointments at 13secret.com.
The hours of operation for both locations are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. Come see us!
13 Secrets Jewelry
426 E. Oglethorpe Ave.,
300 W. River Street
(912) 484-0985
13secret.com