From a single, hand-gilded oyster shell to a purpose-driven studio with a growing national following, Grit & Grace Studio is a brand built on transformation, intention, and a deep connection to the Lowcountry.
The story began in Charleston, where founder Rachel Gordon became captivated by oysters, not just for their unmistakable coastal beauty, but for what they represent. Fragile yet resilient, oysters quietly filter and protect their environment, turning irritation into pearls over time. That powerful symbolism struck a chord with Rachel and became the foundation of the brand. Using discarded shells, she began carefully cleaning and gilding each one by hand, transforming what was once overlooked into meaningful, wearable art.
At the heart of Grit & Grace are its oyster pieces, which remain the most meaningful to its founder. Each shell has lived a life before becoming jewelry, and that history is honored rather than erased. The process is slow and intentional, rooted in respect for the materials, the environment, and the stories each piece carries.
Today, Grit & Grace calls downtown Charleston home. The brand’s flagship store and production studio are located inside the historic Tellis Pharmacy building at 125 King Street. This space allows customers to experience the brand in a tangible way seeing the artistry, craftsmanship, and purpose behind each design while remaining firmly connected to the city that inspired it all.
As the brand grew, so did its mission. Customers began sharing how their pieces marked moments of healing, loss, celebration, and personal transformation. What started as a creative outlet evolved into something much bigger: a vessel for storytelling, sustainability, and community impact. Grit & Grace became grounded in conscious entrepreneurship, where beauty and responsibility go hand in hand.
Environmental stewardship remains central to the studio’s work. This spring, Grit & Grace is planning its next oyster reef restoration event in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, inviting the local community to return shells to the water and help rebuild vital oyster reefs. These hands-on efforts close the loop between art, impact, and environmental restoration.
At the heart of Grit & Grace is a clear philosophy, one that founder Rachel explains best in her own words: Grit & Grace is not about perfection, it’s about transformation. About the honoring process. About choosing to live, create, and lead with intention. We are proudly woman-founded, Charleston-rooted, and community powered. Every piece carries the belief that beauty can be a form of restoration, for ourselves and for the planet.
You can visit Grit & Grace at their downtown flagship boutique at 125 King Street, their production boutique at 478 King Street, or shop their collections online at gritandgracestudio.com.
Proudly woman-founded, Charleston-rooted, and community powered. Every piece carries the belief that beauty can be a form of restoration, for ourselves and for the planet.