J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
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 American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s American Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Ruby, 14k Gold
20th Century European J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Ruby, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Gold
21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
1990s American J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century American J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Gold
1990s American J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
1960s Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s North American Belle Époque Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Cufflinks
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum, Gold
Ouch. Great for a man or a woman. Presented in Original J. E. Caldwell box.