Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Family-Owned Jewelry Experts Since 1938
Founded in 1938, Swanson Jewelers has served Arlington, Massachusetts as a trusted, family-owned jeweler for over eight decades. Our legacy began with Carl Swanson's vision of providing honest, high-quality jewelry services, a tradition continued today by third-generation owners David and Karen Swanson. As the only American Gem Society (AGS)-affiliated store in the greater Arlington area, we maintain the highest standards of professionalism and education, employing four AGS-certified professionals including two Certified Gemologist Appraisers. Our expertise spans fine jewelry sales, precision watch repair, and specialized services like insurance appraisals and gemstone resetting.We prioritize transparency in all transactions, ensuring customers receive accurate valuations and ethical guidance. With in-house repair capabilities and a focus on personalized service, we combine technical excellence with a commitment to community trust. Our history of continuous operation through three generations reflects our dedication to maintaining the AGS core values of honesty, ethics, and professionalism in every customer interaction.
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
Watch Repair
Gemstone Resetting
Jewelry Repair
Clasp Replacements
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- Third-generation family-owned business since 1938
- Four American Gem Society-certified professionals on staff
- In-house jewelry and watch repair services available
- Transparent pricing with ethical business practices
- Specialized insurance appraisal services available
Associations and certifications
- American Gem Society
Services
Jewelry Appraisals
Our two Certified Gemologist Appraisers provide accurate valuations for insurance purposes. Utilizing advanced gemological expertise, we assess diamonds, gemstones, and heirloom jewelry with detailed documentation. Services meet industry standards for replacement value determination.
Watch Repair
Experienced watchmakers handle repairs for various watch makes and models. Services include battery replacements, bracelet resizing, and mechanical adjustments. In-store service ensures quality control and timely turnaround for luxury and everyday timepieces.
Gemstone Resetting
Transform inherited or outdated gemstones into modern designs. We offer customization options for rings, pendants, and bracelets while maintaining stone integrity. Services combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design aesthetics.
Jewelry Repair
Full-service department handles repairs from minor fixes to major restorations. Specializing in ring resizing, prong repair, chain re-linking, and rhodium plating. Uses advanced techniques like laser welding for precision restoration of precious metal jewelry.
Clasp Replacements
Replace broken clasps on necklaces, bracelets, and chains. Offering same-day service when possible, we ensure secure closures for both gold and silver jewelry. Maintains original design aesthetics while restoring functionality and safety.
People
David Swanson
Certified Gemologist Appraiser
Third-generation jeweler with Swanson Jewelers since 1986. Specializes in diamond grading and jewelry valuation. Maintains AGS certification standards for ethical appraisals and customer education.
Karen Swanson
Registered Jeweler
Joined the family business in 1989, focusing on customer service and jewelry sales. Holds AGS Registered Jeweler certification demonstrating expertise in gemstone and jewelry knowledge for client consultations.
Questions
What jewelry services do you offer?
We provide appraisals, watch repairs, gemstone resetting, jewelry repair, and clasp replacements. Our AGS-certified staff handles both modern and heirloom pieces with professional expertise.
Are your appraisals insurance-approved?
Yes, our two Certified Gemologist Appraisers provide documented valuations meeting insurance requirements. We've maintained AGS affiliation standards since 1938 for accurate replacement value determinations.
Do you repair watches?
Yes, our experienced watchmakers service various watch makes and models including battery replacements, bracelet resizing, and mechanical adjustments. Most repairs completed in-store for quality control.
How long have you been in business?
Swanson Jewelers has operated continuously since 1938. Third-generation owners David and Karen Swanson maintain the family tradition of ethical jewelry services in Arlington, MA.
Can you reset heirloom gemstones?
Yes, we specialize in updating inherited jewelry through custom resetting services. Our designers work with clients to create modern settings while preserving sentimental stones' integrity.
What are your store hours?
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10am-5pm. Thursday: 10am-6pm. Saturday: 10am-3pm. Closed Wednesdays, Sundays, and Monday holidays. Contact us for appointment scheduling options.
Reviews (4)
Corina Mier Y. Teran
Oct 15, 2021
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They were very friendly at Swanson when we came in to buy and resize wedding bands. They did it quickly and at a good price. Thank you!
Lucia F.
Nov 21, 2020
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Not the place to come for more complicated repairs. I took a ring in to be enlarged by.25 size. The jeweler mentioned after I asked that there would be a slight change in the pattern, but instead the whole back of the ring got stretched out and the small edging the milgrain was on completely smoothed over for much of the back. I was really unhappy and felt that the changes weren't adequately explained (and only mentioned because I asked).
If I had known how the ring would look afterwards I would have not have gone forward with the resizing. I took the ring to Rebekah Brooks and they said it was poorly done and that the back should have been cut open and a replica piece put in. Now I have to pay an extra 150+ to have the ring restored. They were fine for resizing a plain band.
If I had known how the ring would look afterwards I would have not have gone forward with the resizing. I took the ring to Rebekah Brooks and they said it was poorly done and that the back should have been cut open and a replica piece put in. Now I have to pay an extra 150+ to have the ring restored. They were fine for resizing a plain band.
Karen C.
Oct 29, 2020
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I went here to have a ring resized and have a prong retipped. I picked up the ring it looked great. A day later the prong was completely sticking straight up and then fell off! I went back and they talked me into not only re-tipped that prong again but said there was another one that should be done. I bought what they said. Picked ring up and again the same thing happened with the prong. I went beck a third time understandably not happy at all.
They took the ring and again two weeks later called and said they put four new prongs on at no charge. I now have a ring that catches in my hair, on my stockings, on the threads of my sweaters, my blanket. I will now take my ring to Longs to have all four prongs fixed! Will not be going back to Swanson and would not recommend!
They took the ring and again two weeks later called and said they put four new prongs on at no charge. I now have a ring that catches in my hair, on my stockings, on the threads of my sweaters, my blanket. I will now take my ring to Longs to have all four prongs fixed! Will not be going back to Swanson and would not recommend!
Sandy F.
Dec 31, 2019
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I went into this store today for a new watch battery. I spoke with the owner. He was incredibly friendly and helpful. The jeweler was able to switch out my watch battery within 15 minutes. They also were able to adjust the clasp on my watch, which was very helpful! I would highly recommend this store! Very affordable. Very helpful and friendly as well!
