Skip to main content

J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

American

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.

2
1
to
2
1
2
44
1
5
8
5
4
2
3
47
180
103
85
66
2
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
Period: 1950s
Creator: J.E. Caldwell & Co.
1950s J.E. Caldwell Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
Ruby and diamond ring by J.E.Caldwell & Co. Set with twenty round old cut natural unenhanced Burmese rubies in open back claw settings with a combined approximate weight of 2.00 cara...
Category

1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1950s J.E. Caldwell & Co. 14K Yellow Gold & Enamel Money Clip and Watch
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Featuring circa 1950s, 14K yellow gold and enamel money clip and watch that was gifted in 1956 as a famed RCA Victor (later, RCA Records) Award of Merit to an RCA sound engineer. It features the company’s iconic vintage “Nipper...
Category

1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

J.E. Caldwell Enamel Natural Pearl Diamond Gold Swan Brooch Pin
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Adorable swan brooch created by J.E. Caldwell in the 1950's! Features an amazing 15.56-ct baroque natural freshwater pearl that eventually inspired the designer to make this brooch. ...
Category

1970s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Freshwater Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Related Items
Antique Natural Pearl, Platinum and Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian natural pearl and 9 karat yellow gold, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set pin brooch; part of our diverse antique Victorian b...
Category

1890s Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Natural Pearl, Platinum and Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Antique Natural Pearl, Platinum and Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Free Shipping
H 0.37 in W 0.62 in L 0.77 in
Vintage 1950s Sapphire and Emerald Diamond and Platinum Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.47 carat sapphire and 0.50 carat emerald, 0.77 carat diamond and platinum twist ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collections. Th...
Category

1950s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum

Kieselstein Cord Citrine Pearl Diamond Enamel Gold Brooch Pin
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1991, Kieselstein Cord 18k gold brooch, set with center 21mm citrine, surrounded with 8-8.5mm pearls, each with 1 diamond on the top, a...
Category

1990s American J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Mid Century 1950s Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Mid century circa 1950s ring, with two ruby cabochons (stones are abraded) and approx. 1.60ctw in diamonds. Ring size - 6.5, ring top is 1...
Category

20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Rare 18ct Gold Enamel "Special" Diamond Grade Hunter Pocket Watch Waltham, 1898
By American Waltham Watch Co.
Located in London, GB
A Rare 18CT Gold Enamel Special Grade Diamond-Set Antique Hunter Pocket Watch Signed Waltham Mass Circa. 1898 - only 8 of this model type are known to exi...
Category

19th Century American Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Gold

Rare 18ct Gold Enamel "Special" Diamond Grade Hunter Pocket Watch Waltham, 1898
Rare 18ct Gold Enamel "Special" Diamond Grade Hunter Pocket Watch Waltham, 1898
Free Shipping
H 1.19 in W 1.19 in D 0.6 in Dm 1.19 in L 1.19 in
Franck Muller Vintage Ladies Watch 1750 S6 BAG in Platinum
By Franck Muller
Located in Berlin, DE
Franck Muller Vintage Ladies Watch Reference: 1750 S6 BAG Material: Platinum Movement: Manual winding Diameter: 25x35mm Dial: Silver Bracelet: Le...
Category

Late 20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Natural Pearl Green Enamel Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
1890's Green enamel winged brooch with natural graduated pearls. There is a hook on the back to ad a pendant or small dangle watch. Circa 1890-1900 5 natural gray pearls...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

J.E. Caldwell & Co. Art Deco Old European Diamond Twin Bypass Ring in Platinum
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
J.E. Caldwell & Co. Art Deco Old European cut diamond twin bypass ring set in platinum. The centerpieces of this ring are two Old European cut diamonds both accompanied by GIA repor...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Rare Antique Pocket Key Watch French 1800s with Painted Enamel Dial
Located in London, GB
Rare Antique Pocket Key Watch French 1800s with Painted Enamel Dial in Working Order An exceptional example of French craftwork estimated from the mid-1800s with delicate enamel painting on the dial and bespoke Roman numerals. Pocket watches have long been a token of style and refinement, even in today’s modern era. During the mid-1800s, this would have been a status symbol as manufacturing had increased so that it was more widely available. Everyone from businessmen to international travelers would have relied on a precise pocket watch to measure the train schedules, daily paper, and end of the work day. In this case, the unique painted enamel on the dial and custom Roman numerals would mean a man of means owned this watch. Instead of relying on a more standard manufactured piece, this would have been hand-finished, demonstrating more wealth. What makes this particular timepiece so rare is the polychrome decoration of a city on the water. When you look closely at the dial, you’ll find detailed decorations of a cartouche and flora motifs perfectly offsetting the silver casement. Both of the keys are attached to a metal chain, and the appearance of the monogrammed FB is evident on the cover metal. A French inscription on the interior reads: “Echappement a Cylindre Aiguilles Quatre Rubiz.” The keys refer to the critical winding and lock set for maintaining the watch. You can also see the makers mark numbered 9356 11509. ------------------------------ Condition Report: In worker order and high quality, considering it is an antique pocket watch. There are minor age-related marks on the silver casement and some fading that will be cleaned and polished before shipping. No damage to the enamel or hands. We service all pocket watches...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Hunter Pocket Watch, Elaborately Painted Enamel, The Dial Marked Omega
Located in London, GB
A very rare decorative beautiful enamel cultured seed pearl, full-faced Hunter pocket watch, with OMEGA stamped on the dial circa. 1894 -1912, probably aimed at the export market. The ingenuity of the artisan enamelers behind this lavishly decorated pocket watch is what stands out the most. The enamel seems to be painted on either side with old masters—a figure of a woman in period dress on one side and the other side with a reproduction of “An Allegory of Venus and Cupid and A Triumph of Venus” by painter Agnolo Bronzino (1503-1572). The painting displays the ambivalence, eroticism, and obscure imagery that are characteristic of the Mannerist period and is exquisitely executed. When the watchmaking industry began to boom in the 19th Century, pocket watches became the must-have tool for everyday people seeking function and style. By 1894, the most discerning customers wanted to have the very best pocket watch available, and the name OMEGA was synonymous with luxury and quality. We know the dial is in the OMEGA style and not the original, but still of some beauty and age because the forerunner of OMEGA, La Generale Watch Co, was founded at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1848 by Louis Brandt, who assembled key-wound precision pocket watches from parts supplied by local craftsmen. He sold his watches from Italy to Scandinavia by way of England, his chief market. In 1894, his two sons Louis-Paul and César developed a revolutionary in-house manufacturing and total production control system that allowed component parts to be interchangeable. Watches developed with these techniques were marketed under the OMEGA brand of La Generale Watch Co. By 1903 the success of the OMEGA brand led La Generale Watch Co to spin off the OMEGA brand as its own company, and the OMEGA Watch Co was officially founded in 1903. There are also two important periods for enamel pocket watches: the first quarter of the 1600s and the two decades from 1800 to 1820. From 1800 onward, requests started coming in from China. This era saw the emergence of pocket watches and replicas made for export, some with complicated musical movements and mechanical actions whose functions were exaggerated and made visible so that buyers could marvel at their intricacy. This is an absolutely gorgeous decorative piece and is sold on its skilful enamel paintings. Enamelling is the process of decorating metallic plates in order to turn them into works of art, which takes an exorbitant amount of time to do. The pocket watch boasts an impressively large 5 cm diameter. The pale cream off-white enamel has the Swiss OMEGA symbol with Roman numerals and is signed OMEGA 1882. The circular banding design around the face of the watch is symbolic of OMEGA pocket watches of that period. The gold gilt Hunter casing is also inscribed with the OMEGA symbol. The front and back of the pocket watch are both framed with cultured seed pearl stones throughout, adding a unique touch to this lovely pocket watch. ------------------------------ Condition Report: Very Good. The enamel is intact with no signs of any deterioration. Minor scratching inside the case. 5 cm (Diameter). Our certified British Horological Institute member watchmakers inspect each watch before shipment, including final servicing, cleaning, and polishing. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Provenance: Private collection. From a well-known independent reputable antique...
Category

Early 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Enamel

Cartier Pearl Diamond Gold Circle Brooch Pin
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18k gold circle brooch by Cartier, with 4.4mm pearls and approx. 0.36ctw in diamonds. Brooch is 33mm in diameter. Marked Cartier and 750. Weight - 9.9 grams.
Category

20th Century French J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

18ct Gold Hunter Watch " American Watch Company " Waltham Mass USA c.1880
Located in London, GB
18ct Gold Hunter Watch " American Watch Company " Waltham Mass USA c.1880 This double hunter watch was made before the name change of the company to "the American Waltham Watch Company" in 1885. It has beautiful hand engraving of flowers and leafwork with engine turning, in pristine condition and a three quarter plate movement. The outer case springs open with a touch of the top button. A double hunter pocket...
Category

1880s Central American Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold

Previously Available Items
J.E. Caldwell Sapphire and Diamond Flower Ring, American, circa 1950
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
J.E. Caldwell sapphire and diamond flower cocktail ring. Set with thirteen round old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphires in open back claw settings with an approximate combined ...
Category

1950s American Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1950's J.E. Caldwell 1.81 Carats Diamond Platinum Three Stone Engagement Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Three stone ring centers a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.61 carats - F color and VS clarity Basket set and flanked by cathedral style shoulders - bar set with tapered bague...
Category

1950s Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

J.E. Caldwell Baguette Diamond Platinum Stacking Band Rin, circa 1950
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band style ring centers a baguette cut diamond flanked by two tapered baguette cut diamonds Diamonds are very well-matched F/G color with VS clarity and weigh approximately 0.26 car...
Category

1950s Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Peridot and Diamond Bracelet, Signed “J.E. Caldwell”
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Classically designed and beautifully styled, this platinum bracelet contains seven emerald cut peridots and fourteen baguette diamonds. The peridots weigh approximately 50 carats com...
Category

1950s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Peridot, Platinum

Gia H Color 2.25 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA H color 2.25 carats Asscher cut diamond and platinum engagement ring by J E Caldwell circa 1956. Centering upon an Asscher-square-cut diamond weighing 2.25 carats, accompanied by...
Category

1950s American Modernist Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

J.E.Caldwell 1950's Diamond, Sapphire and Gold Link Bracelet
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold bracelet with diamonds and sapphires by J.E.Caldwell. The bracelet contains 12 round cut diamonds with an approx...
Category

1950s American Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

J.E. Caldwell Diamond Platinum French Post Earrings
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Cape May, NJ
These exquisite antique JE Caldwell diamond and platinum earrings are sure to light up any event. They exude a carefree attitude as they dance and sparkle w...
Category

1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

J.E. Caldwell Mid-20th Century Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An American Mid-20th Century platinum ring with blue sapphires and diamonds by J. E. Caldwell. The ring has 8 square-cut blue sapphires with an approximate total weight of 3.20 carats, 14 round diamonds with an approximate total weight of 1.00 carats, G/H color, VS clarity, 10 marquise-cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of .80 carats, G/H color, VS clarity, and 6 baguette diamonds with an approximate total weight of .36 carats, G/H color, VS clarity. Circa 1950's. The esteemed American jeweler from Philadelphia known for its Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewels, was founded in 1839 by James Emmott Caldwell. The firm supplied carriage trade Philadelphians with stylish European jewelry, silver, and objets d'art. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the firm began to create beautiful gem-set, hand fabricated Art Nouveau jewels. Its pieces are among the finest examples of American Art...
Category

1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Blue Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

J.E. CALDWELL & CO. Sapphire and Diamond Brooch
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful mid-century white gold brooch by J.E. Caldwell. Set with one and one-third carat of round brilliant cut diamonds, this brooch can seem subtle at first. However, since it is...
Category

1950s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

J.E. CALDWELL Retro Period Cover Watch
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A gorgeous post war period cover watch from the city of brotherly love. Set with three beautiful French cut rubies, and a half carat of round brilliant cut...
Category

1940s American Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

J.e. Caldwell & Co. jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of J.E. Caldwell & Co. jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All