Apr 21, 2026
Choosing jewelry as a gift is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for someone you care about. It is also, we know, one of the most nerve-wracking. The options feel endless, the stakes feel high, and the fear of getting it wrong can stop even the most well-intentioned gift-giver in their tracks…. Read more »
Apr 13, 2026
Art Deco jewelry never really disappeared. One hundred years after the style first captivated a generation, collectors, investors, and everyday jewelry lovers are rediscovering what makes these pieces so enduring. At Charles Schwartz & Son, we have spent over a century handling some of the finest Art Deco pieces to pass through Washington DC, and… Read more »
Mar 31, 2026
Every April, Washington DC transforms. The cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin bloom for just a week or two before the petals fall, and the city pauses to take notice. It is one of those rare moments when the whole region seems to share the same color palette: soft pinks, warm peaches, and the faintest… Read more »
Mar 18, 2026
Long before a text message or a love letter, Victorians sent their feelings through flowers and when the blooms faded, they wore them instead. Floral motifs in fine jewelry were never just decoration. They were secret messages, carried close to the heart. At Charles Schwartz & Son, we handle these pieces every day, and we… Read more »
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 »
