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.
1890s Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Gold
1890s Belle Époque Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Pearl, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
1910s American Edwardian Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
14k Gold
Late 20th Century J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1920s European Belle Époque Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Yellow Gold
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold
Late 19th Century Russian Belle Époque Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Early 19th Century British Regency Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Agate, Chalcedony, Yellow Gold
1880s German Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Silver
1930s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s British Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Agate
21st Century and Contemporary J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century American Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s American Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Rock Crystal, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century American Victorian J.E. Caldwell & Co Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 14k Gold