J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
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.
1910s Swiss Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Early 20th Century Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1970s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Freshwater Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Enamel
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
19th Century American Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Enamel, Gold
1950s Swiss Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Steel
Early 20th Century Edwardian J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Swiss Edwardian Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Silver
1950s Swiss Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Stainless Steel, Steel
1990s American J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Nouveau J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Silver
Late 19th Century American Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Peridot, Platinum
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Brass
Early 20th Century American Edwardian J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1950s American Modernist Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum