The beauty of antique jewelry in the DC area
Charles Schwartz & Son has been a destination since 1888, providing an amazing selection of antique jewelry in DC. Antique jewelry unveils the exquisite craftsmanship and rich history behind these treasured pieces. Whether you’re seeking an antique jewelry appraisal in DC or discovering
the finest pieces to buy, our experts are here to guide you.
What makes a piece of jewelry antique?
The term “antique jewelry” refers to pieces that have surpassed the 100-year mark. This age signifies not just history, but exceptional craftsmanship. Crafted from high-quality materials, antique jewelry embodies a superior level of skill and artistry. The result? Sturdy and beautiful pieces built to last. However, this quality, combined with their rarity, often elevates the value of antique jewelry to a point where it becomes more of a collector’s treasure.
Unparalleled antique jewelry repair in DC
We take immense pride in our antique jewelry repair department, widely regarded as the finest in the DC area. Our master jewelers are more than just artisans; they are custodians of history. They possess generations of experience, meticulously restoring your cherished heirlooms to their former brilliance. Each piece is treated with the utmost care and respect, ensuring its unique story and sentimental value are preserved.
Our comprehensive repair services cater to a wide range of needs. Do you have a beloved ring that no longer fits? Our expert jewelers can perform meticulous ring sizing, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for years to come. Perhaps a treasured necklace clasp has weakened over time. Our team can expertly restore its functionality, allowing you to wear your piece with confidence. We can also address more intricate repairs, such as the restoration of missing gemstones or the delicate soldering of broken chains.
Antique jewelry eras
Our knowledgeable staff is passionate about DC antique jewelry and deeply invested in its history. We can assess the era of your piece, allowing you to appreciate its unique cultural context and design elements. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most fascinating eras of antique jewelry:
- The Georgian Era (1717-1837): This period was renowned for its ornate details and use of high-quality materials like silver, gold, and pinchbeck. Georgian jewelry often featured intricate floral motifs, scroll patterns, and ribbon designs, set with dazzling gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Unfortunately, due to a shift in tastes, much of this exquisite jewelry was melted down, making the remaining pieces incredibly rare and valuable.
- The Victorian Era (1837-1901): Spanning the reign of Queen Victoria, this era witnessed distinct design shifts. Early Victorian pieces (1837-1860) reflected a romantic and nature-inspired aesthetic, often incorporating Greek, Roman, and Celtic motifs. Mid-Victorian jewelry (1860-1885) took a more somber turn due to mourning practices, featuring lockets containing hair or photographs of loved ones who had passed. The Late Victorian era (1890-1901) embraced the rise of the middle class and advancements in industrialization, leading to the creation of more affordable and practical jewelry.
- The Arts and Crafts Era (1894-1923): A reaction against mass production, this era saw a return to handcrafted pieces. Jewelers of this period often incorporated hammered or brushed metals and semi-precious stones like moonstone, garnet, and freshwater pearls to create unique and personal pieces. These pieces were typically made from more affordable materials like aluminum and copper, reflecting the economic realities of the time.
- The Edwardian Era (1901-1915) and Art Nouveau Era (1895-1915): These two eras, overlapping slightly, ushered in groundbreaking design innovations. The Edwardian Era saw the rise of platinum settings, the development of new diamond cuts, and the use of milgrain, a technique that creates a beaded or textured edge. Jewelry from this period exuded understated elegance, often featuring intricate lace and scrollwork patterns. Art Nouveau, on the other hand, embraced a more organic and whimsical aesthetic. Nature became a major source of inspiration, with jewelry featuring depictions of flowers, insects, and mythical creatures. Enamel and unconventional materials like glass, shell, and horn were also incorporated to achieve vibrant colors and textures.
Embracing antique jewelry
Charles Schwartz & Son is the premier destination for all things antique jewelry-related. Whether you’re looking for antique jewelry for sale in Washington DC, selling your family heirlooms, piece repairs, or even a simple appraisal, we do it all. With over a century of experience in the area, our store has been here since some of these antique pieces were brand new!
