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Swanson Jewelers Story
Only American Gem Society affiliate in the Arlington Area
Swanson Jewelers is the only store affiliated with the American Gem Society in the greater Arlington area. Swanson Jewelers is one of only three stores in Massachusetts that exhibits a commitment to educational excellence with four AGS title holders on staff - two Certified Gemologist Appraisers, a Registered Jeweler and a Certified Sales Associate.
Swanson Jewelers Commitment to Value, Honesty, Ethics and Professionalism
At Swanson's, our goal is to uphold the AGS core values: honesty, ethics and professionalism. We've expanded from being simple watchmakers to being full service jewelers but our philosophy has always been the same: to offer a quality products and services and to deliver an honest value to all.
Introduction
Swanson Jewelers, founded in 1938, is a third generation family owned and operated jeweler in Arlington, Massachusetts.
Carl Needs an Accurate Timepiece
Swanson Jewelers was founded by Carl Swanson who decided early in life that he would always know the right time. The idea formed early in the 20th century in Sweden where he was born. Carl was raised on a farm and attended a country schoolhouse that was a 6 mile round trip walk. On one frigid morning, he arrived at school only to find out that he was over one hour late. He couldn't understand because his watch indicated he was exactly on time. Glancing at the schoolroom clock and at his classmates who were well into their schoolwork, made him quickly realize that he was indeed late.
Schoolteachers in 1900 Sweden did not take kindly to tardiness no matter what the reason. His punishment was severe enough to burn into his mind that punctuality was important. It also impressed him with how important it is to be treated fairly. He vowed, then and there, to always know the correct time and to treat others fairly! From this early experience came the impetus to begin his watch making business.
Watch Maker opens a Jewelry Store
Early in the year of 1915, Carl Swanson left his homeland of Sweden and immigrated to Montreal and then on to Boston in search of a better way of life. He had his dream and he was determined to own his own watch company. Through the 1920s and into the 1930's he worked as an apprentice as well as head watchmaker in several Boston establishments.
Finally, in September 1938 his dream became a reality when he and his wife, Ellen, opened Swanson Jewelers inside of an old town building now the site of the Jefferson Cutter house. In 1946 the company relocated 2 blocks away onto Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Arlington Center. In 1988 the business moved to even larger quarters at it's present location across from the Town Hall.
Son Bob Swanson Learns about Diamonds
During the transitions Carl's son, Robert "Bob," worked in the business after school and on Saturdays. Upon graduation, he expanded the business from watches to include all types of quality jewelry and fine diamonds. He honed his gemological skills and earned his Registered Jeweler title and obtained membership in the prestigious American Gem Society. He continued his studies and earned the Certified Gemologist title and developed the store’s first gemological lab enabling it to become a fully Accredited American Gem Society Laboratory in 1957.
Grandson David offers Appraisals
In 1985, Bob's son David entered the business after graduating from Tufts University and the Gemological Institute of America, in California. He returned with a Graduate Gemologist degree in residence and continued his education earning a Certified Gemologist Appraiser title in 1991. David concentrates his efforts on merchandising for the store as well overseeing the appraisal and insurance replacement business.
He has also served as a past president of the AGS New England Guild and past president of the New England Jewelers Association. In his spare time he skis, plays tennis and bikes with his three children who can sometimes be seen "in training" at the store on Saturdays.
In 1989, Karen Swanson Bursaw joined the business bringing with her the marketing skills from a degree earned at Ithaca College. Karen also saw the need for expanding her gemology knowledge and earned her Registered Jeweler from the AGS title in 1993. She continues to balance her time working in the store and raising two children with her husband Richard.
In 2004, David's wife, Lee-Ann Swanson earned her Certified Sales Associate title from the AGS after attending numerous educational conferences along with David. Lee-Ann may be seen at the store part-time but more often she is at home raising their three children.
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