Swanson Jewelers was founded by Carl Swanson in September 1938. Carl had always dreamed of owning his own watch company after immigrating to Canada and then the US from Sweden. Through the 1920s and into the 1930’s he worked as an apprentice as well as head watchmaker in several Boston establishments, determined to someday open his own shop.

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. During the 1950’s the store flourished with the addition of Carl’s son, Bob, who earned the title of Certified Gemologist and subsequently, Certified Gemologist Appraiser along with wife Audrey. In 1988 the business moved to even larger quarters at it’s present location across from the Town Hall.

Current operation of the business includes Carl’s grandson, David, a Certified Gemologist Appraiser who has been with the firm since 1986 and granddaughter, Karen, a Registered Jeweler who joined the business in 1989.