Finding a jeweler in a city like DC feels like a high-stakes gamble. Honestly, you're usually stuck choosing between a massive corporate chain that treats you like a transaction number or a boutique that is so pretentious it feels like you need a background check just to see a ring.
Then there is Afram Jewelers Washington DC.
It’s tucked away at 1427 H St NW. If you blink, you might miss it. But this little shop has outlasted basically everyone else in the downtown corridor. It isn't just another store; it is a survivor. Since 1971, this family-owned spot has seen the city change from a sleepy government town to the high-speed hub it is today.
The Mystery of the Two Aframs
Before you go hunting for them, there is one thing that confuses everyone. If you search the name online, you’ll find a massive operation in Corpus Christi, Texas.
That isn't them.
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The DC shop is a standalone, family-run legacy. It was started by A.J. Afram, a man who built his reputation on being a master watchmaker. He didn't have a massive marketing budget. He just had a record book where the first few entries were literally “no sale” and then a $5 watch strap.
Today, it’s run by his daughter Miriam and her husband Sam Morataya. It is small. It is personal. It is the kind of place where they actually remember your name if you come in twice.
Why This Shop Actually Matters
Most people think they need to go to a "big name" to get real expertise. That’s usually a mistake. At Afram Jewelers Washington DC, the people behind the counter are actually the ones doing the work.
Sam is an Omega-trained master watchmaker. That is a huge deal. Modern Swiss watches aren't just gears; they are microscopic mechanical marvels. If you take a high-end Rolex or Omega to a random mall kiosk, you are asking for disaster. Sam actually understands co-axial movements and the weird quirks of vintage pocket watches.
Miriam is a GIA Graduate Gemologist. She’s the one who looks at the diamonds. When you’re doing an appraisal or a custom engagement ring, you aren't talking to a salesperson on commission. You’re talking to someone who spent years studying the molecular structure of stones.
What they do best:
- Swiss Watch Repair: They specialize in the heavy hitters—Rolex, Omega, Hamilton.
- Custom Design: They take your "grandma's old ring" and turn it into something you’d actually wear.
- On-the-Spot Estimates: They give free estimates every day. No hidden fees or "we'll call you next week" nonsense.
- Appraisals: Miriam handles these on Thursdays usually, but you’ve gotta call first because she’s busy.
The 2020 Incident You Probably Didn't Know
Real talk: 2020 almost killed this business. Between the pandemic lockdowns and some serious damage during the civil unrest in June 2020, they took a massive hit. Professional robbers—not protesters, mind you—targeted the shop with blowtorches.
They lost a lot. It was devastating.
But they stayed. They cleaned up the glass, fixed the walls, and moved to their current, larger location on H Street. That kind of grit is rare in the luxury world. It tells you something about the people running the place. They aren't here for a quick buck; they are part of the DC fabric.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Go
Don't expect a 24/7 operation. They keep "old school" hours.
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Saturday, Sunday, Monday: Closed.
Yeah, being closed on Saturdays is a bummer for people who work 9-to-5s. But that’s the trade-off for getting a small family business. They prioritize quality over volume.
Also, they don’t really sell "new" watches anymore. The internet killed that market for small shops because they can't compete with the grey-market prices you see on Instagram. Instead, they focus on repairs and high-end refurbished pieces. It’s a smarter move. You get a vintage Hamilton or a restored Swiss piece that actually has character.
How to Get the Most Out of a Visit
If you’re heading to Afram Jewelers Washington DC for a custom piece, don't just walk in and say "make me something pretty."
Bring your ideas. Bring the old gold you want to melt down. Miriam and Eva (A.J.'s niece who has been there for 35+ years) are great, but they are most effective when you have a vision.
Pricing is surprisingly transparent. A gold ring sizing might run you between $120 and $200. Soldering a break in a chain is usually $40 to $60. Compared to the "luxury" boutiques in Georgetown, these prices are incredibly fair.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your watch: If your automatic watch is losing more than 10 seconds a day, it’s time for a service. Don't wait until the oils dry up and the gears start grinding.
- Book the appraisal: If you have inherited jewelry, call on a Wednesday to see if Miriam is available for a verbal appraisal on Thursday.
- Verify the location: Make sure you go to 1427 H St NW. Don't go to the old New York Ave address or you'll be staring at a different building.
- Bring Cash or Credit: They take cards, but small businesses always appreciate the directness of a straightforward transaction.
This isn't just a place to buy a shiny object. It is a place where the people behind the counter actually care about the history of the piece you're holding. In a city that often feels temporary, Afram Jewelers is one of the few things that is actually permanent.