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.
1940s American Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Citrine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century American Retro J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Topaz, Tourmaline, Peridot, Garnet, Diamond, Citrine, Aquamarine, Amethy...
1980s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
20th Century Italian Contemporary J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Victorian J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1960s French Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s American Modern Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum