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.
Sterling Silver Crystal Vanity Box J E Caldwell
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful sterling silver and crystal vanity box jar by J. E. Caldwell & Co., Victorian design period, circa early-20th century, America. Box is r...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$1,495
H 4.5 in W 7 in D 4.25 in
Wonderful Cut Crystal Glass Sterling Swag Oval Casket Vanity Dresser Jewelry Box
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful cut crystal star bottom / glass beveled top sterling silver 925 swag oval casket vanity dresser jewelry box.
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$784Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.75 in W 5 in D 3.75 in
Fine Hawkes Cut Crystal & Sterling Silver Ornithological Motif Box
By T. G. Hawkes & Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
T.G. Hawkes & Co. was founded in 1880 by Thomas Gibbons Hawkes in Tiffin Ohio. This exquisite cut crystal and sterling silver box by Hawkes features a beautifully detailed ornithol...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Ornate Antique Sterling Silver Pink Porcelain Vanity Powder Jar Trinket Box
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Gorgeous trinket box or powder jar featuring an ornate scroll and lattice design sterling silver overlay over a pretty pink porcelain. The mark on the bottom is not legible.
Sterling Silver
$1,663
H 3.55 in W 2.76 in D 3.15 in
Antique Silver BOX Decorative Box Sterling Silver Jewllery Box Casket Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Sterling Silver Jewellery Box with Hunting Scene Relief Decoration Antique Sterling Silver Decorative Box, Handmade Jewellery Casket, Collectible Home Décor A rare and highly...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$803
H 1.58 in W 4.73 in D 2.09 in
Antique Silver BOX Decorative Box, Sterling Silver EDWARDIAN CUT Crystal Pot N&H
Located in Wembley, GB
This is a fine quality Edwardian cut crystal dressing table pot, mounted with a sterling silver lid. The oval crystal body rests on a star-cut base and is exquisitely decorated with ...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver
$20,096
H 8.08 in W 13.59 in D 11.03 in
Vanity Box by Mappin & Webb in Coromandel with Sterling Silver
By Mappin & Webb
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Vanity Box by Mappin & Webb in Coromandel with Sterling Silver dated 1854. The vanity box is of rectangular form extensively veneered in exotic coromandel and edged throughout with brass, incorporating double brass stringing to both the lid and front with a raised escutcheon to the centre. Opening the vanity box reveals a complete fitted interior comprising seventeen glass bottles topped with engraved sterling silver lids hallmarked for James Vickery, London, 1854. The quality of silver mounted fittings reflects the mid nineteenth century standard expected from a luxury retailer such as Mappin & Webb. The front panel folds down to reveal wing compartments which pivot outward through 180 degrees. Within sits a comprehensive mother of pearl handled tool pad incorporating a shoehorn, penknife, thread hook, multiple pairs of scissors, tweezers, file, needle and pricker. Beneath the tool pad is a concealed compartment accessed by depressing the retailer’s plaque positioned along the rear edge of the case. The retailer’s plaque reads: Mappin & Webb, Sheffield 158 to 162 Oxford Street & Mansion House Buildings London. With the wings extended, additional concealed drawers can be accessed by removing the rectangular jars positioned to the rear and depressing the back edge of each compartment base, activating a spring loaded latch mechanism. The underside of the lid houses a removable mirror bordered with gold tooling, designed to stand independently on its bracket. Behind the mirror is a further concealed compartment suitable for storing correspondence or documents. A fully fitted mid nineteenth century coromandel vanity box...
Sterling Silver
$24,966
H 5.63 in W 5.28 in D 5.28 in
Puiforcat, Art Deco, Sterling Silver Crystal Jadeite Box, Paris, circa 1925
By Puiforcat
Located in Lausanne, CH
Art Deco period Puiforcat, a square covered biscuit box, cut crystal, sterling silver lid, jadeite handle. The piece is fully stamped and hall marked. The craftmanship is exquisite, ...
Crystal, Jade, Sterling Silver
$1,732
H 6.7 in W 13.59 in D 9.85 in
for Restoration Antique Hardwood Brass Vanity Box Sterling Silver Pieces Inside
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely and very rare Regency circa 1810 Rosewood with brass inlay Vanity box with sterling silver jars and contents in need of restoration. A very collectable and rare piece, the case is in need of restoration, the contents are perfect. The case has an old repair to one hinge, the whole piece needs washing back and french polishing, its been sitting in my warehouse for years waiting to be done so I have decided to just move it on to let someone else take up the mantle, restored this is a £2500-£3000 suite The contents are all crystal with sterling silver...
Silver
$3,200
H 6.5 in W 11.13 in D 8.25 in
Sampson Mordan & Co 1850’s Calamander & Brass Inlaid Vanity Box Sterling Silver
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely vanity box crafted out of Calamander with brass inlay. It is by the prestigious British firm Sampson Mordan & Co of London. The utensils feature mother of pearl handles and ...
Sterling Silver, Brass
$2,800
H 6.75 in W 13 in D 10.5 in
19th Century Rosewood Vanity Box w/Sterling Silver Accents Likley John Gough
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice example of a Victorian English vanity traveling case. It is crafted of rosewood and features glass containers with sterling silver tops and utensils with mother of pearl handl...
Sterling Silver
$285
H 3.15 in W 1.78 in D 1.78 in
Vintage Cut Glass Vanity Jar with Sterling Silver Lid–Crystal Trinket... 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful vintage cut glass vanity jar featuring a faceted crystal body and polished sterling silver lid. The jar includes a fitted glass inner stopper/lid and displays an elegant ge...
Silver
Silver and Enamel Box, E.F. Caldwell, New York, circa 1920
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Silver and enamel box, E.F. Caldwell, New York, circa 1920. Depicting the golfer Bobby Jones.
Enamel, Silver
Antique JE Caldwell American Modern Sterling Silver Desk Box
By Dominick & Haff, J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver box, ca 1920. Retailed by JE Caldwell in Philadelphia. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and gently curved with tapering tab. A handy and stylish r...
Sterling Silver