J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
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.
1870s American American Empire Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Crystal, Bronze
1940s North American Regency Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century American J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Louis XVI J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Louis XVI J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Ormolu
1920s American American Classical Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
20th Century French Belle Époque J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
1920s American American Classical Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
20th Century French Belle Époque J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
20th Century French Neoclassical J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
1910s American Neoclassical Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
Early 1900s American American Classical Antique J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century American J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze, Copper
20th Century French Belle Époque J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century American American Classical J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Metal
1930s American Neoclassical Vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze, Nickel
Early 20th Century American J.E. Caldwell & Co. Lighting
Bronze, Gold Plate
