Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin, Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin attributed to Seaman Schepps. Likely antique carved stone
Vintage 1940s American Brooches
Coral, 14k Gold
Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin, Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin attributed to Seaman Schepps. Likely antique carved stone
Coral, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Multistone Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning and most unusual multistone bracelet by Seaman Schepps. Lapiz lazuli; coral; cat's eye
Carnelian, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Turquoise, Cat’s Eye, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Monumental Coral and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Tampa, FL
A pair of distinctive Seaman Schepps mid century earrings featuring carved coral wrapped in twisted
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Seaman Schepps Multi Stone Hoop Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Seaman Schepps, New York. Iconic American style, Iconic Seaman Schepps design
Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Garnet, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Onyx,...
$30,760Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.88 in L 7.25 in
Seaman Schepps 1970 New York Rare Bracelet in 18Kt Gold with Red Coral and Pearl
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Statement bracelet designed by Seaman Schepps. Magnificent vintage colorful piece, created in New
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Gold Turbo Shell Turquoise & Coral Statement Earrings by Seaman Schepps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18K yellow gold signed Seaman Schepps turbo shell earrings featuring vibrant turquoise and
Turquoise, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral Gold Earclips
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
deep orange coral wrapped with gold rope, signed Seaman Schepps, hallmarked for Schepps, stamped 750
Coral, 18k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Coral Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, NY
A bold link bracelet of oversized rectangular links set with coral, in 18 karat yellow gold.
Unavailable
Seaman Schepps Coral Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold cuff bracelet by Seaman Schepps with 5 corals, measuring from 16mm x 12mm to 25mm x 18mm
Coral, Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Shell, Turquoise, & Coral Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Seaman Schepps turquoise, coral and shell bracelet in 18K yellow gold circa 1950's
Turquoise, Coral
Seaman Schepps White Coral Gold Cage Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of 18k gold Cage earrings by Seaman Schepps, set with white coral. Come with box. Earrings
Coral, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 1940s Basket Weave Coral Diamond Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of 1940s Seaman Schepps earrings from Basket Weave collection, set with coral and approx
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Giro Reversible Ceramic Coral Gold Doorknocker Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Brand new pair of Giro reversible and versatile earrings by Seaman Schepps. Set in 18k yellow gold
Coral, Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Onyx and Coral Sea Shell Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, NY
A pair of onyx earclips encased in 14 karat yellow gold rope work, enhanced by cabochon coral half
Unavailable
Trianon Coral and Gold Earrings
By Trianon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Trianon, the sister company of Seaman Schepps features vivid orange coral and rich 18k gold in this
Coral, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Bubble Coral Pearl Diamond Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair of brand new Seaman Schepps 18k gold Bubble earrings, with 0.28ctw G/VS diamonds, pearls and
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Seaman Schepps Aventurine Coral Pearl Gold Large Frog Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large 18k gold and carved aventurine frog brooch, crafted by Seaman Schepps, adorned with corals
Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral And Gold Large Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps Coral And Gold Large Link Bracelet Length: 7.75 inches. Crafted to be worn loose
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral 18k Yellow Gold Large Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps Coral 18k Yellow Gold Large Link Bracelet Five beautiful coral links with white
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A rare 14 karat gold and coral large curved link bracelet by Seaman Schepps from the 1950s. This
Coral, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral and Diamond Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
brilliant cut diamonds (approx. 5.00 carats). Gross weight approx. 70.9 grams. Hallmark for Seaman Schepps
Coral, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral and Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York City, NY
Chic and unusual yellow gold and coral cuff bracelet, from the "50's" collection by Seaman Schepps
Coral, 18k Gold
1950s Seaman Schepps Coral Gold Link Bracelet.
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A 14 karat yellow gold and coral bracelet, Circa 1950, Signed Seaman Schepps 14K. The bracelet is
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Seaman Schepps Coral Gold Curb Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gold. Seaman Schepps does not make the coral version of this bracelet anymore. The bracelet measures 7
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps coral 18k yellow gold shrimp earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chic vintage Seaman Schepps earrings showcasing luminous white coral set in rich 18k yellow gold
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.88 in W 1.75 in D 1.25 in
Seaman Schepps Coral Yellow Gold Clip Brooch Pin with Diamond 1960s
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Lovely sea-world brooch created by Seaman Schepps in the 1950s. Feminine and wearable, the clip is
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
"Seaman Schepps" Coral & Pearl Bead Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18k yellow gold earrings, cluster style, with coral and pearls, signed "Seaman Schepps"
Coral, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Orange Coral and Gold Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
This Seaman Schepps coral and gold link bracelet is crafted in the bold, sculptural style for which
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps White Coral Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Litchfield, CT
A tasteful twist on traditional shrimp earrings, Seaman Schepps trims these elegant white coral
Coral, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Monumental Coral Cage Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Litchfield, CT
Seaman Schepps cage motif earrings feature 18k yellow gold rope detail. The massive corals are delicately
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Vintage Coral Enamel Gold Shell Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage 14k gold shell earrings by Seaman Schepps, set with black enamel and coral
Coral, Gold, Enamel
Seaman Schepps White Coral Lattice Gold Clip-on Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, PA
earrings from Seaman Schepps.
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Turtle Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Seaman Schepps Brooch representing a title in yellow gold, the shell in coral set with cabochon
Coral, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Carved Coral, Pearls and Diamond Bracelet by Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Greenwich, CT
Bold designs... strong colors are some of the basis on which Seaman Schepps, has built its
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Red Coral Turquoise Pearl Diamond Gold “Koi" Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A charming design, compliments of iconic American jeweler Seaman Schepps. Hand carved red coral koi
Black Pearl, Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Red Coral Turquoise Pearl Diamond Gold “Koi" Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A charming design, compliments of iconic American jeweler Seaman Schepps. Hand carved red coral koi
Coral, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.25 in D 1.25 in
1950s Seaman Schepps Mother-of-Pearl Coral Yellow Gold Clip Brooch Pin
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Prominent and colorful brooch created by Seaman Schepps in the 1950s. It features a white mother
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Six Strang Coral and Diamond Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Of 6 beaded coral strands, joined by a fluted coral and round brilliant-cut diamond clasp 18K
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Flower 18K Yellow Gold Coral, Diamonds, South Sea Pearl Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
SEAMAN SCHEPPS, CULTURED SOUTH SEA PEARL, CORAL AND DIAMOND EARCLIPS Containing two pearls
Coral, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.83 in L 1.26 in
Seaman Schepps Jumbo Shrimp clip-earrings 18Kt Yellow Gold & Carved White Coral
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clip-earrings designed by Seaman Schepps. A vintage large pair, created in New York city
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps New York Clips Earrings 18Kt Gold with Pink Coral & White Pearls
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of ear-clips earrings designed by Seaman Schepps. Nice vintage pair made at the Seaman
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Coral Mother of Pearl Diamond, Morganite Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 26 round brilliant cut = 0.43cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1-2 Dimensions: bracelet measures 6.5-inches in length Weight: 122.16 grams
Coral, Diamond, Morganite, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.87 in L 1.06 in
Trianon Seaman Schepps Clip Earrings 18kt Gold with Carved Rose Wood and Coral
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Clip Earrings designed by Seaman Schepps for Trianon. Stunning colorful pair of clips-earrings
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Yellow Gold, Turbo Shell and Coral Earrings
By Patricia Schepps Vaill for Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 14 karat yellow gold, turbo shell and coral earrings. Patricia Schepps Vaill of Seaman
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
SCHEPPS Starfish Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in San Antonio, TX
S. Schepps Wooden/Coral Starfish Brooch
Coral
Seaman Shepps Shell & Coral Earrings
By Patricia Schepps Vaill for Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Exotic Shells mounted in 14kt Yellow Gold & Bezel set with a round Coral Bead. Signed
Coral, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Gold Stone Fish Pin
By Seraman Schepps
Located in Westport, CT
Seaman Schepps 14-karat gold coral diamond pearl sapphire eye fish pin circa 1950s Signed seaman
SEAMAN SCHEEPS Large Gold and Gem set Fish brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
Incredible, Large White Coral, 18K Yellow Gold Fish Brooch by Seaman Schepps, very detailed
Coral, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Angel Skin Coral Bead Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Angel Skin Coral Bead Necklace by Seaman Schepps. With 33x round light pink corals
Coral, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Trianon 18kt Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and White Coral
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Seaman Schepps for Trianon. A vintage classic three-dimensional ring
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in London, GB
A pair of Seaman Schepps coral earrings, mounted in 14ct gold, with clip-on backs, set with an oval
Coral, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral Seashell Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Seaman Schepps carved composite coral brooch in the shape of a seashell. The coral is highlighted
Coral, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Coral Pearl Baroque Bead Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps "Baroque" bead bracelet, featuring multicolored carved coral and round cultured
Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps White Coral Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
rondelles. Signed by Seaman Schepps Circa 1960's 17 3/4 inches long
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire
Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Coral Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Classic, Shell Earrings by Seaman Schepps in 18k yellow gold. Set with Coral Cabochons. The
Coral, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Shell Coral Gold Earclips
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami Beach, FL
These are the classic Seaman Schepps Shell ear clips mounted in 14k yellow gold.
14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Carved Coral and Turquoise Starfish Earclips
By Seaman Schepps
Located in San Antonio, TX
18k gold Earclips of carved white coral starfish, with bezel set turquoise and gold seaweed motif
Coral, Turquoise
Seaman Schepps Large Coral Gold and Turquoise Torsade Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Seaman Schepps Torsade Necklace, consisting of numerous braided strands of Coral beads
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Turquoise Coral and Gold Turbo Shell Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New Hope, PA
Classic Seaman Schepps turbo shell earrings are wrapped in gold and topped with bezel set turquoise
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Shell Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Houston, TX
Classic Seaman Schepps ring! This ring features a large seashell topped on one end with coral and
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Multistone Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Colorful multistone earrings by Seaman Schepps with a variety of stones that include: Lapis lazuli
Carnelian, Coral, Onyx, Turquoise, Cat’s Eye, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18 Karat Yellow Gold Turbo Shell and Coral Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
TURBO SHELL AND CORAL EARRINGS, 18K GOLD, SIGNED SEAMAN SCHEPPS. LENGTH 1.25. The shells of this
Coral, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Retro Design Multi-Gemstone Gold Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York City, NY
: turquoise, coral, carnelian, lapis, onyx, tiger's eye and chrysoprase. Hallmarks: Seaman Schepps maker's
Chrysophrase, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold
1999 Salvatore Ferragamo Limited Edition Marilyn Monroe Red Swarovski Heels 6B
By Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Ferragamo pump is a limited edition release from 1999, recreating the heels that Salvatore Ferragamo designed exclusively for Marilyn Monroe. The iconic actress wore the origina...
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings These glamorous earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels exude timeless sophistication. Featuring rich cabochon rubies framed by dazz...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari (Book)
By Bulgari
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This was the first book ever published on Bulgari, it is a lavishly illustrated exploration of one of Italy's greatest ever firms of jewellers. With the use of new photographs togeth...
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Opal & Multi Color Sapphires Earrings 18K Gold &S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Red Ruby, Blue Opal & Multi Color Fancy Sapphires Earrings Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Australian Blue Opals - 3 carat Natural Multi Color Sapphire...
Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Opal, Sil...
$15,720Sale Price|20% Off
AUSTRIAN HUNGARIAN 1915 Enameled Beetle Watch Ring In 18Kt Gold & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A rare Austrian-Hungarian watch ring. This is an extremely rare and unusual clock-ring, created in the early 20th century during the Austrian-Hungarian empire period, circa 1915. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
Diamond Bombe 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Ring, Circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite 1960s diamond bombe ring by Hammerman Bros. is a true testament to mid-century elegance and artistry. Crafted in a luxurious blend of 18K yellow gold and platinum, it ...
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Paris GIA Certified 7.89 Carat Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
By Cartier
Located in Stamford, CT
Sensational Early 1900's Cartier Paris diamond dangle earrings. These stunning earrings are set with 2 pear shaped diamonds with a total weight of 2.14cts. that dangle from custom cu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with emeralds and diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Prada Early 00's Strawberry Cocco leather sandals
By Prada
Located in Milano, IT
- Prada - Early 2000s Collection - Strawberry red crocodile-embossed leather sandals - Cross-strap open-toe design - Slim ankle strap with a gold-tone adjustable buckle - Contrasting...
Natural GIA Blue Sapphire Diamond Pear Drop Platinum Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
These stunning natural blue sapphire and diamond drop earrings are hand crafted in solid platinum. weighing 10 grams and measuring 24mm long x 11mm wide. Exposing a pair of prong-set...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
CHANEL silver metal 05A CRYSTAL CAMELLIA CHAIN Belt 85 90
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel mesh link belt in silver-tone metal showcases a striking flower motif, encrusted with clear and yellow strass and accented by a central faux pearl. A dangl...
John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
A rare John Galliano bias cut Carnation dress from the Dolores collection, Autumn-Winter 1995-96. Of Bianchini Férier ivory and black satin backed rayon acetate crêpe inset with int...
Hermes Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in Beton Matte Alligator. This mini Kelly bag is light gray with bone undertone (beton + concrete), and the n...
Harry Winston Diamond Cluster and Pear-Shaped Dangle Earrings
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with GIA certified dangling Pear-Shaped Diamonds. One weighing 6.14 carats, E color, VS2 clarity. The other weighing 6.02 carats, E color, VS1 clarity. The...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,600,000Sale Price|20% Off
Extraordinary GIA Certified 20.45 -Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Extraordinary 20.45-Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Ring A true showstopper, this 20.45-carat square radiant cut diamond is GIA certified, showcasing a sophisticated h color and VS1 clari...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Paris Bird Brooch
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat gold bird set with cabochon-cut turquoises and brilliant-cut diamonds (app. 2 carats) set in platinum; the eye and feathers are set with oval- and baguette cut-sapphires ...
Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
A scrappy, self-made artist who transformed turbo shells into decadent earrings and crystal chessmen into bold bracelets, Seaman Schepps (1881–1972) tirelessly worked his way up from the tenements of New York’s Lower East Side to become “America’s Court Jeweler.”
Born to immigrant parents who named him for the Seamen’s Bank for Savings that his mother could see from the hospital — or so the legend goes — Schepps dropped out of school at the age of 14 and never had any formal jewelry training. He later moved to California, where he opened his first jewelry shop in 1904. In 1921, he returned to New York to build on the success he’d begun to enjoy as a jeweler on the West Coast, but it wasn’t long before his Manhattan house, which counted Broadway stars and theater patrons among its clientele, was hit hard by the stock market crash of 1929. Schepps used this disruption to rethink his approach to jewelry, debuting a new store in 1934 on Madison Avenue, where he would make his mark in playful custom adornments.
While many high-end jewelers of his era focused on the purest and most valuable gemstones, Schepps chose his materials for their color and shape, elevating flawed stones others disregarded in collage-like formations involving unconventional materials such as fine wood, coral, seashells and flea-market finds. Passersby of his New York City shop could find a frog-shaped brooch carved from rosewood, a vintage snuff bottle broken into links for a bracelet and loose-drilled pearls plugged with diamonds. Schepps’s whimsical pieces found fans in fashion icons who appreciated his unique statements, including Doris Duke, Andy Warhol and the Duchess of Windsor.
Following Schepps’s death in 1972, his daughter, jewelry designer Patricia S. Vaill, ran the jewelry house for two decades before it was taken over by Jay Bauer and Anthony Hopenhajm of Trianon jewelry. Following the closure of the company’s Park Avenue store in November 2020, sales for Seaman Schepps is now based in its boutique location out of Palm Beach, Florida, where the legendary brand carries forth its founder’s spirited designs.
On 1stDibs, find a distinctive collection of vintage Seaman Schepps jewelry, including brooches, bracelets and other accessories.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.