Though “13 Secrets” pays homage to Georgia’s establishment as the last of the original Thirteen Colonies
But 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. New pieces appear 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 at 426 E. 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 often 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.
Crawford decided that it was time for a second location.
His eye for curation led them to the Plant Riverside District. Now, their lovingly-restored gallery overlooking the river brims with historic charm and will surely dazzle a whole new generation of locals and visitors. His choice feels appropriate to the proposed mission of the second space. Here, 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.
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 is rooted in some type of history,” he explains. “I’m passionate about details.”
13 Secrets’ Oglethorpe location is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its new Plant Riverside space is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Both locations continue to take online orders via 13secret.com and Instagram (@13secretssavannah) and accommodate curbside pickup and private appointments!
By Dani Ray
13 Secrets Jewelry
426 E. Oglethorpe Ave.,
300 W. River Street
(912) 484-0985
13secret.com