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.
1920s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Early 1900s American Belle Époque Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1890s Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Gold
1920s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Citrine, Diamond
20th Century American Retro J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century American Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1970s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Diamond
Early 20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Enamel
2010s American J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
14k Gold
1920s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Artist J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Gold Plate
20th Century Swiss Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1920s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
1930s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Gold, Enamel
1920s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Early 20th Century Edwardian J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Platinum
1920s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
1950s American Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Blue Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum
1970s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum