J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
With intricate and refined artistry, the jewelers at J.E.Caldwell & Co. have been handcrafting illustrious watches and adornments — including cocktail rings, engagement rings and link bracelets — for nearly two centuries. The American firm, which is among the oldest silver and jewelry companies in the United States, has found acclaim with collectors and buyers worldwide.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, J.E. Caldwell & Co. founder James Emmott Caldwell (1813–81) apprenticed as a silversmith and subsequently trained in watchmaking under the esteemed watchmaker Samuel Ward Benedict in New York City. Following his apprenticeships, Caldwell sought work in Philadelphia, initially securing a position with a wholesale jeweler before importing watches for a jewelry manufacturer. In the late 1830s, he established a storefront of his own, in a stately marble building on Chestnut street. Caldwell partnered with James M. Bennett thereafter in order to launch a jewelry shop nearby that they called Bennett & Caldwell. With the passing of Bennett, Caldwell partnered with a former employer, John C. Farr, and changed the company name, establishing the J.E. Caldwell & Co. of today.
In 1876, Philadelphia hosted the first World’s Fair held in the United States. Alongside the Gorham Manufacturing Company — a legendary but largely overlooked American silver firm — J.E. Caldwell showcased an array of stunning jewelry and silver objects at the event’s Centennial International Exhibition. In the early 1900s, J.E. Caldwell was contracted to fashion a presentation silver tea service — more than 160 pieces — for a newly commissioned battleship, the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. The brand’s exquisite silver wares traveled at sea aboard this battleship — and later, on the U.S.S. Valley Forge — for decades.
J.E. Caldwell & Co. became known for exquisite Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry. Ownership of the firm passed through the family over the years before changing hands to business interests outside of the family. Today a J.E. Caldwell & Co. retail location continues to operate in Philadelphia.
Find antique and vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.
1890s Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Yellow Gold
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
14k Gold
Late 20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Yellow Gold
1950s Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
14k Gold, Gold
Early 19th Century British Regency Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Agate, Chalcedony, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Jade, Onyx, Pearl, Brass, Gilt Metal
1880s German Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Silver
Early 20th Century Russian Art Nouveau J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Gold, Enamel
1930s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Swiss Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Brass
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Desk Accessories
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel