Custom is a jewelry store 18 years in the making. It is the labor of love of Katie and Lee, whose meeting has made their common dream come true.

Since becoming a custom jeweler in November of 1993, Lee has dreamed of owning his own store. His career started at the age of 19, with Designs by Shirlee in Mathews, NC. Lee gained invaluable on-the-job training and was given the opportunity to study at the Holland school for jewelers. After 8 years, Lee’s thirst for further skill and knowledge, along with the generosity of his mom, made it possible for him to attend a 3 month course at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, CA. The Revere Academy is widely considered to be the premiere jewelry arts school in the country. It was here that Lee sharpened his skills with some of the best goldsmiths in the world.

Upon returning to Charlotte, Lee struck out on his own. As an independent contractor, Lee has been a custom jeweler for the likes of Sumpter’s jewelry, Central Avenue Jewelry (who is also the owner of Metal and Stone Jewelry), Perry’s at Southpark, and Donald Haack Fine Jewelry. Lee has now been the head jeweler at Lions Jewelry in Southpark for nearly 10 years. With Lions, he has serviced all three stores, and worked on the finest lines of fashion jewelry available. Items ranging from the inexpensive, but very sentimental, to the most intricate, half million dollar engagement rings have been created and serviced by Lee on a daily basis.

Katie is a craftsperson. Since her mom nicknamed her “Hands” when she was a toddler, she has been creating. She has always wished for her very own store, where she could make things, and share them with other people. While currently honing her skills in jewelry design, Katie’s interests range from fiber arts (knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, etc.), to sculpting, culinary arts, bead work, sewing and beyond.

As a jewelry artist, Katie has designed and made pieces for tribal bellydancers and brides. She has also designed a unique line of earrings for gauged piercings that will be available, made-to-order, only at Custom.

Katie is a Custom jewelry designer, the jewelry buyer and a casual-wear jeweler for Custom. She is enjoying the practice of metalsmithing, as Lee’s apprentice. Katie loves to design showcase projects for Custom, as well as working with customers to make their design requests come to fruition.

Come visit us at Custom and let us help you design your unique jewelry pieces. We also specialize in re-design of your vintage or heirloom pieces. We offer full cleaning, gold buying, and watch and jewelry repair services as well. Whatever your jewelry needs, we are confident in our abilities, and look forward to having you as a loyal customer.