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.
Vintage Figural J. E. Caldwell Apple Shaped Sterling Silver Covered Box
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A terrific apple shaped covered box. In sterling silver and marked for J. E. Caldwell. A wonderful vintage box with great design! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in o...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Enamel 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Tiffany & Co. Enamel 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case is a charming yet practical piece that combines Tiffany’s iconic craftsmanship with a touch of playful elegance. Crafted fr...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Travelers Suitcase 925 Sterling Silver Pill Box Case
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Suitcase Pill Box is a charming nod to the world of travel and adventure. Crafted with precision, this miniature suitcase is made from lustrous ...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Makers Bamboo Motif Sterling Silver Trinket Box
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
A refined Tiffany & Co. Makers trinket box crafted in sterling silver, featuring an elegant engraved bamboo motif that wraps gracefully around its form. The hexagonal silhouette...
Sterling Silver
Pill box with 4 compartments engraved in 925 sterling silver
Located in Perugia, IT
Pill box with 4 compartments engraved in 925 sterling silver Dimensions: mm 53 x 53 x 14 Weight g 63 Square shape with floral pattern engravings on the front, all the rest of the bo...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Round Silver Pill Box
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant plain round silver pillbox is stamped 800. It is accompanied by an Italian stamp in use since the mid 1930's. The box has been in use and has some very light superficia...
Silver
1908 British Cigarette Box solid Sterling Silver / 67 gr
By William Henry Sparrow
Located in SE
Fine British Edwardian period Cigarette or cigar box, with rounded corners, ergonomically convex shapes and gilt interior. Hand - engraved with with floral ornaments on both sides an...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Heart Box Jewelry Dresser Pill Patch Box
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A WONDERFUL ANTIQUE VICTORIAN HEART SHAPE BOX WITH A STERLING SILVER REPOUSSE ENGRAVED TOP OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY WITH A CRYSTAL BOTTOM. THE SILVER JEWELRY, KEEPSAKE, DRES...
Silver, Sterling Silver
J. E. Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia Antique Jewellery Box
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage red leather jewellery box of rectangular form, finished with a crosshatch-textured exterior and gilt decorative edging to the lid. Th...
Sterling Silver Perfume Bottle with Sterling Silver Round Pill Box
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Mid-Century and American made, this personalized duo services its owner well as an nostalgic and elegant way to transport finer luxuries. Carry a favorite scent along in this 3 x 1-1/2 inch sterling perfume bottle outfitted with secure screw top and cap cover. The perfume bottle has it's a smooth original, few minor slight dings and is stamped sterling silver. The accompanying piece is a 1-7/8 inch round , personalized pill or snuff sterling silver container...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver "Albert Einstein" Key Ring/Pill Box/Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Sterling Silver with Brass Accents "Albert Einstein" Key Ring/Pill Box/Hidden Compartment that Opens and Closes with Magnetic System. Could Be Worn as a Pendant or a Key Chain. This ...
Sterling Silver
Greek Sterling Silver Heart Pill Box With JN Monogram # 19627
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Greek Sterling Silver Heart Pill Box With JN Monogram - This Greek heart shaped pill box in sterling silver has a JN Monogram etched on top. Gold wash inside the box. Size: 42.98 ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette Silver Box
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This delightful vinaigrette was hand crafted out of sterling silver in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. It is hallmarked in inside the lid and on the base with a bust of ...
Sterling Silver