Feb 23, 2026
February’s birthstone has one of the most fascinating stories in the history of fine jewelry. Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz ranging from pale lilac to deep violet, has been worn by pharaohs, coveted by royalty, and carried into battle as a protective talisman. At Charles Schwartz & Son, we’ve handled countless amethyst pieces over… Read more »
Feb 12, 2026
The heart has been the most enduring symbol of love in jewelry for centuries, but its expression has transformed dramatically across different eras. From the hand-carved Georgian crowned hearts of the 1700s to the geometric precision of Art Deco designs in the 1920s, each period brought its own romantic language to this timeless motif. Understanding… Read more »
Jan 29, 2026
You’ve inherited your grandmother’s antique jewelry ring, and inside the band you spot tiny markings: “14K,” “925,” or maybe a minuscule leopard’s head. These aren’t decorative flourishes. They’re hallmarks, and they tell the complete story of your jewelry’s metal content, origin, and authenticity. After more than 100 years of examining fine jewelry, our expert jewelers… Read more »
Jan 22, 2026
When clients ask what makes a gemstone truly rare, they often expect a simple answer about availability. After over 135 years working with fine jewelry in Washington DC, we’ve found that true rarity isn’t about how few exist. It’s the convergence of beauty, durability, and geological conditions so specific they might occur in only a… Read more »
