Blog


The Victorian Era, known to many as the Golden Era of jewelry, marked an unprecedented shift in the jewelry industry—fostering numerous innovations in metalwork technique and jewelry design. Innovations in jewelry craftsmanship and technology during the Victorian Era made fine jewelry more affordable and accessible for the masses, which allowed the emerging middle class to indulge in a luxury previously known… Read more »


It’s a well known fact that a diamond’s sparkle is simply undeniable! While it may come as a shock to some—rough, also known as natural diamonds, look nothing like the perfectly polished centerpieces of engagement rings found in jewelry stores around the country. In fact, natural diamonds are actually rather dull! So what is the cause… Read more »


Every bride-to-be has heard of the age-old phrase “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue”, but the real question is how will you incorporate something blue into your wedding day? Over the years, brides have honored this age-old tradition in a number of unique, memorable ways! Check out these perfect, Pinterest-worthy ideas for the Something Blue on your… Read more »


In honor of the ruby—July’s regal birthstone, let’s take a closer look at one of the world’s largest rubies—the Rajaratna Ruby! The Rajaratna Ruby is a 2,475 carat, cabochon-cut wonder, currently located in Bangalore, India and owned by Mr. G. Vidyaraj. This truly regal ruby, whose name literally means “King of Rubies” in Sanskrit, was deemed the world’s largest ruby and… Read more »


Summer is the perfect time of year for weekend getaways and long days spent on the beach. What jewelry will you be sporting on vacation? When you pack for your next adventure this summer, add a little sand, sea & sunshine to your summer wardrobe! Check out these stunning sea-inspired treasures and sought-after summer styles you’re sure to fall in love with:… Read more »


Pearls have been a classic jewelry choice for centuries, with their simplistic yet eye-catching beauty. The pearl’s popularity should come as no surprise—its pure, timeless presence proceeds it! The pearl is truly the queen of all gemstones. Pearls are not your average birthstone—they are truly the queen of gemstones. Check out the following facts to learn a few unexpected truths… Read more »


Washington DC is known for many things: it is home to a long list of historic monuments and museums, the host of the world-renowned cherry blossom festival, the venue for countless presidential inaugurations—and it has continued to be the backdrop for countless perfect proposals! With the beautiful scenery, iconic architecture and unmatched historical significance found here, what better place to propose than in… Read more »


DC Vintage and Estate Ring

Defining Estate, Vintage, and Antique Jewelry in Washington, DC: A Guide from Charles Schwartz & Son Jewelers Charles Schwartz & Son, Washington D.C.’s oldest jeweler, is here to shed light on the often-confused terms: estate, vintage, and antique jewelry. We here at Charles Schwartz & Son take great pride in our extensive jewelry knowledge and experience as… Read more »


If you’re in the market for an engagement ring or wedding band, chances are you’ve come across a number of wedding bands fully-encircled in diamonds—more commonly known as eternity bands. Eternity bands have been known as the diamond-studded symbol of never-ending love for decades, and it’s no wonder why! Read on to learn about five of the countless reasons many have… Read more »


Emeralds are the perfect gemstone for the month of May with their rich, vivid color and radiating beauty—reminiscent of spring. However there are more to emeralds than their seeming claim to fame as May’s birthstone. This gemstone has been a popular choice for pendants, engagement rings, bracelets and more for as long as we can remember! It’s… Read more »


The Fascinating Journey of the World’s Largest Emerald: The Bahia Emerald Did you know that the world’s largest emerald weighs over 840 pounds? This astonishing gem, known as the Bahia Emerald, is a 180,000+ carat emerald that has been valued at a staggering $400 million. But beyond its impressive size, the Bahia Emerald’s story is… Read more »


If you own several diamond-studded jewelry staples, it may be difficult to choose from your favorites each and every morning. Lucky for you—the layered look is all the rage this season! Here are a few pro tips for layering and stacking jewelry—straight from DC’s Oldest Jeweler: Mixing Metals & Textures: This spring do more than just mix metals, mix textures as… Read more »