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Seaman Schepps Jewelry

A scrappy, self-made artist who transformed turbo shells into decadent earrings and crystal chessmen into bold bracelets, Seaman Schepps (1881–1972) tirelessly worked his way up from the tenements of New York’s Lower East Side to become “America’s Court Jeweler.”

Born to immigrant parents who named him for the Seamen’s Bank for Savings that his mother could see from the hospital — or so the legend goes — Schepps dropped out of school at the age of 14 and never had any formal jewelry training. He later moved to California, where he opened his first jewelry shop in 1904. In 1921, he returned to New York to build on the success he’d begun to enjoy as a jeweler on the West Coast, but it wasn’t long before his Manhattan house, which counted Broadway stars and theater patrons among its clientele, was hit hard by the stock market crash of 1929. Schepps used this disruption to rethink his approach to jewelry, debuting a new store in 1934 on Madison Avenue, where he would make his mark in playful custom adornments.

While many high-end jewelers of his era focused on the purest and most valuable gemstones, Schepps chose his materials for their color and shape, elevating flawed stones others disregarded in collage-like formations involving unconventional materials such as fine wood, coral, seashells and flea-market finds. Passersby of his New York City shop could find a frog-shaped brooch carved from rosewood, a vintage snuff bottle broken into links for a bracelet and loose-drilled pearls plugged with diamonds. Schepps’s whimsical pieces found fans in fashion icons who appreciated his unique statements, including Doris Duke, Andy Warhol and the Duchess of Windsor.

Following Schepps’s death in 1972, his daughter, jewelry designer Patricia S. Vaill, ran the jewelry house for two decades before it was taken over by Jay Bauer and Anthony Hopenhajm of Trianon jewelry. Following the closure of the company’s Park Avenue store in November 2020, sales for Seaman Schepps is now based in its boutique location out of Palm Beach, Florida, where the legendary brand carries forth its founder’s spirited designs.

On 1stDibs, find a distinctive collection of vintage Seaman Schepps jewelry, including brooches, bracelets and other accessories.

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Creator: Seaman Schepps
Seaman Schepps 1970 Fluted Rock Quartz Earrings 14kt Gold with 79.32cts Citrine
Seaman Schepps 1970 Fluted Rock Quartz Earrings 14kt Gold with 79.32cts Citrine

Seaman Schepps 1970 Fluted Rock Quartz Earrings 14kt Gold with 79.32cts Citrine

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Miami, FL

Fluted oval earrings designed by Seaman Schepps. Gorgeous and very unusual vintage pair created in New York city at the Seaman Schepps atelier, back in the 1970. These oval clips ea...

Category

1970s American Modernist Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage, Seaman Schepps Diamond and  Multigem Pendant
Vintage, Seaman Schepps Diamond and  Multigem Pendant

Vintage, Seaman Schepps Diamond and Multigem Pendant

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Chicago, IL

This is a rare piece designed by Seaman Schepps. One of his earlier designs from the 1950's, where he would meld together antique jewelry with a touch of his own design- Adding in th...

Category

1950s Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver, 10k Gold, 15...

Seaman Schepps Pair of Gold and Turquoise Shell Brooches
Seaman Schepps Pair of Gold and Turquoise Shell Brooches

Seaman Schepps Pair of Gold and Turquoise Shell Brooches

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Seaman Schepps Pair of Gold and Turquoise Composite Shell Brooches This pair of brooches has a shell motif of turquoise composite shells with 14k...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Seaman Schepps Diamond and Bone Half Link Earrings
Vintage 18K White Gold Seaman Schepps Diamond and Bone Half Link Earrings

Vintage 18K White Gold Seaman Schepps Diamond and Bone Half Link Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This vintage pair of signed and numbered Seaman Schepps half link bone and diamond earrings is the epitome of this maker's unique style. Renowned for creating perennially fascinatin...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Seaman Schepps GIA Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin
1960s Seaman Schepps GIA Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin

1960s Seaman Schepps GIA Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Miami, FL

This Vintage 1960's Seaman Schepps lapel brooch of natural inspiration weighing 19.35 grams exposes a GIA certified octagonal step-cut natural beryl very fine aquamarine weighing approx. 45.29 carats and measuring 23.76 x 21.44 x 12.98 mm, set within a yellow gold basket-shape frame. The prominent azure gemstone is embellished with botanic motif leaves and stems, with round-faceted diamonds simulating enchanting buds, weighing approx. 0.90 carats, graded G-H color and VS clarity. The reverse features double pins of identical length with rotating locks, bearing the designer's name Seaman Schepps on the hinged cylinder This designer lapel brooch remains in excellent condition. Pin Measurement: 40mm x 30mm Accompanied by GIA Aquamarine...

Category

1960s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Pearl Earrings
Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Pearl Earrings

Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Pearl Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Flushing, NY

Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Pearl Earrings Marked: Seaman Schepps Approximate Dimensions: 2.7 cm (Length) 2.5 cm (Width) 19.4 grams in weight.

Category

20th Century Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 1940s Retro Seaman Schepps Pin Set
Vintage 1940s Retro Seaman Schepps Pin Set

Vintage 1940s Retro Seaman Schepps Pin Set

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with Cabochon Rubies weighing a total of approximately 3.00 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.00 carat. Si...

Category

1940s Retro Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Seaman Schepps Pearl Diamond Brooch
Seaman Schepps Pearl Diamond Brooch

Seaman Schepps Pearl Diamond Brooch

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Seaman Schepps brooch; marked Seaman Schepps Three baroque south sea pearls, round-cut diamonds of approximately 6 carats, platinum Dimensions:...

Category

20th Century Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Seaman Schepps 14K White Gold 1970's Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Seaman Schepps 14K White Gold 1970's Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring

Seaman Schepps 14K White Gold 1970's Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

"This ring by Seaman Schepps is of cluster design, set with cabochon and variously-cut rubies, and a pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamond leaf 14k white gold Signed P.S.V. of Seaman ...

Category

20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1950s Seaman Schepps Ruby Beads Necklace
Vintage 1950s Seaman Schepps Ruby Beads Necklace

Vintage 1950s Seaman Schepps Ruby Beads Necklace

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted using 2 strands of Ruby beads with a 14k yellow gold clasp that features multi-color stones that include Diamonds, Peridots, Ruby, Kunzite and more. Signed by Seaman ...

Category

1950s Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Peridot, Ruby, 18k Gold

Seaman Schepps Sapphire, Diamond and Rock Crystal Ring, circa 1940
Seaman Schepps Sapphire, Diamond and Rock Crystal Ring, circa 1940

Seaman Schepps Sapphire, Diamond and Rock Crystal Ring, circa 1940

By Seaman Schepps

Located in London, GB

Sapphire, diamond and rock crystal ring, by Seaman Schepps circa 1940. A platinum and white gold ring vertically set with two hexagonal cabochon sapphires of differing sizes in collet settings with an approximate total weight of 4.00 carats, each encircled by a single row of forty eight round eight cut diamonds in bead settings with an approximate total weight of 0.70 carats, saddled over an inverted emerald-cut rock crystal, above an open gallery, flanked by tri-part shoulders, and on a square shank. UK finger size H 1/2. Seaman Schepps was born in New York City’s tenement-dominated Lower East Side in 1881, the son of Hungarian immigrants. Rising from these humble beginnings, he built a business that featured designs which drastically departed from the traditional modes of his day. These adventurous jewels came to define a new style that became popular with the elite of the 1930’s...

Category

1940s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum

Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Nephrite Jade Cage Earrings
Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Nephrite Jade Cage Earrings

Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Nephrite Jade Cage Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Palm Beach, FL

These Seaman Schepps Cage earrings feature polished cushion-shaped nephrite jade with a deep green hue cradled within 18k yellow gold rope-twist wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Seaman Schepps Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Earrings
Seaman Schepps Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Earrings

Seaman Schepps Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Pair of White Gold, Amethyst, Diamond and Pearl Clip-Earrings, each designed as a cluster of grapes, bezel-set old European-cut diamond fringe setting. 6 amethyst beads ap. 13.4 to 1...

Category

20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Chrysoprase Citrine Pearl Earrings
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Chrysoprase Citrine Pearl Earrings

Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Chrysoprase Citrine Pearl Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

A pair of 18k gold earrings by Seaman Schepps, adorned with chrysoprase, citrine, and 4mm pearls. The earrings have dimensions of 30mm by 23mm and are stamped with the Seaman Schepps...

Category

1970s Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Vintage Seaman Schepps Aquamarine Swirl Clip on 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
Vintage Seaman Schepps Aquamarine Swirl Clip on 18K Yellow Gold Earrings

Vintage Seaman Schepps Aquamarine Swirl Clip on 18K Yellow Gold Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in beverly hills, CA

Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Swirl Earrings showcasing faceted oval shaped aquamarine, accented by textured gold leaf petals. Total estimated w...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

c.1950s SEAMAN SCHEPPS Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
c.1950s SEAMAN SCHEPPS Yellow Gold Pin Brooch

c.1950s SEAMAN SCHEPPS Yellow Gold Pin Brooch

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Rare and special brooch created by Seaman Schepps in the 1950s. Inspired by Asian motifs. It is 2.25" high and 2" wide.

Category

1950s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Sculptural Vintage Clip-On Earrings
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Sculptural Vintage Clip-On Earrings

Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Sculptural Vintage Clip-On Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in New York, NY

Designer: SEAMAN SCHEPPS Title: These striking Seaman Schepps earrings showcase the brand’s iconic sculptural design, masterfully blending bold form with luxurious craftsmanship. Fas...

Category

20th Century Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Seaman Schepps Monumental Coral and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
Seaman Schepps Monumental Coral and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings

Seaman Schepps Monumental Coral and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Tampa, FL

A pair of distinctive Seaman Schepps mid century earrings featuring carved coral wrapped in twisted 18 karat yellow gold. Designed and crafted by Seaman Schepps, these signature ear...

Category

1970s American Retro Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Seaman Schepps Floral Brooch with Cabochon Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, & Diamonds
Seaman Schepps Floral Brooch with Cabochon Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, & Diamonds

Seaman Schepps Floral Brooch with Cabochon Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, & Diamonds

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Chevy Chase, MD

A beautifully handcrafted brooch designed by Seaman Schepps! The brooch features 17 old European cut Diamonds, set in 14K white gold, with cabochon cut Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubi...

Category

1940s American Art Nouveau Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Seaman Schepps Lapis Gold Link Necklace
Seaman Schepps Lapis Gold Link Necklace

Seaman Schepps Lapis Gold Link Necklace

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. Hand carved links of lapis lazuli alternate with identical links of 18k yel...

Category

2010s American Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold

Seaman Schepps Vintage 14k Gold and Citrine Large Brooch Fur Clip
Seaman Schepps Vintage 14k Gold and Citrine Large Brooch Fur Clip

Seaman Schepps Vintage 14k Gold and Citrine Large Brooch Fur Clip

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Bradenton, FL

SEAMAN SCHEPPS Fur Clip Brooch, crafted in 14K yellow gold free form brooch with large prong set light yellow oval cut Citrine Gemstone. Citrine approx. 23mm x 18mm, designed as a fl...

Category

Early 20th Century American Retro Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, 14k Gold

Seaman Schepps Heart Leaf Motif Clip On Earrings Turquoise Centers 14 Karat Gold
Seaman Schepps Heart Leaf Motif Clip On Earrings Turquoise Centers 14 Karat Gold

Seaman Schepps Heart Leaf Motif Clip On Earrings Turquoise Centers 14 Karat Gold

By Seaman Schepps

Located in Fairfield, CT

Seaman Schepps Heart Leaf Motif Clip On Earrings Turquoise Centers 14 Karat Gold The Seaman Schepps Turquoise Heart and Leaf Earrings are a classic example of a naturalistic approac...

Category

1950s Retro Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Seaman Schepps jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Seaman Schepps jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Seaman Schepps jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Seaman Schepps diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 60, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 172 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., and Verdura. Prices for Seaman Schepps jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,375 and tops out at $125,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $10,583.