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.
Seaman Schepps Blue Zircon and Diamond Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Created in the late 20th century, this blue zircon and diamond bracelet by Seaman Schepps is set in 18K white gold. The broad bracelet of freeform, abstract design is set with circul...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps 14 Karat Yellow Gold Turquoise And Bakelite Cuff Bangle
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
This Seaman Schepps architectural bracelet from the 1950s is a true testament to the unique design aesthetics of that era. Crafted in 14k yellow gold and featuring elements of bakeli...
Turquoise, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$2,316Sale Price|20% Off
Natural SI/HI Baguette Diamond Cuff Bangle Bracelet 14 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite bangle is handset with 0.70 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$17,201
W 2.6 in L 2.21 in
Blue Sapphires Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Waves Cuff Bracelet Made In Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Breath-taking cuff bracelet inspired by the harmonious grace of ocean waves handcrafted in 18 karat white gold. Depicting waves throughout each of the stems, the bracelet is dotted w...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Pearl and Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Seaman Schepps Classic Turbo Shell Bracelet, measuring 8 1/8 inches in length and 3/4 inch wide, 14k Yellow Gold with Grayish Pink Turbo Shells and 9 M.M Culture Pearls. C...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,500 / item
Opal Diamond Bracelet Cuff
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning bracelet handmade in 18K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 7.84 carats sapphire, 13.91 carats opal and 1.67 carats diamonds. Pair this with your favorite evening dres...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished 14mm Scallop-Edged Cuff Bracelet, Enhanced with 1.54 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,297Sale Price|24% Off
W 2.17 in L 2.17 in
14Karat Solid Yellow Gold Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet For Women
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Sleek, bold, and timeless — 14Karat Solid Yellow Gold Open Cuff Bangle Bracelet For Women blend of minimalism and elegance. Designed for the modern woman who loves clean lines and un...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,600 / item
Enamel Diamond Blue Sapphire Bracelet Cuff
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A beautiful enamel bracelet cuff handmade in 14K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 3.0 carats sapphire and 2.72 carats of sparkling diamonds. Clasp...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, Enamel
$6,355 / item
H 2.01 in W 2.33 in
Sacchi Black and White Diamonds Gemstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Modern Bracelet
By Sacchi Gioielli
Located in Rome, IT
Satin Yellow Gold Modern Bracelet embellished with Black and White Diamonds, from Sacchi’s Anemones Collection, hand-crafted with lost-wax casting technique. Lost-wax casting, one o...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,500 / item
Blue Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Bracelet Cuff
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning statement cuff handmade in 18K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 17.23 carats blue sapphire and 9.49 carats rose cut diamonds. Clasp Closure FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS st...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
$4,995Sale Price|28% Off
14k yellow gold Lapis and Turquoise Flexible Cuff Bracelet with diamond halo
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold with 2 Checkered Board Cut Cabochon Lapis and Turquoise weighing 12.25cts. and 60 round full cut diamonds weighing .65pts. on a Flexible cuff bracelet.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990’s 14k Yellow Gold Wide Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Exuding minimalist glamour, this vintage 14k yellow gold cuff bracelet from the 1990s makes a bold, contemporary statement. The bracelet takes the form of a substantial wide cuff that wraps regally around the wrist. With a substantial width of 0.88 inches (2.2 cm), the cuff has an undeniable presence and eye-catching appeal. Rendered in rich 14k yellow gold, the cuff showcases the eternal beauty of the warm, buttery precious metal. The minimalist design allows the natural radiance of the gold to take center stage. The outer surface has a bright polished finish that catches the light beautifully, while the interior side has a satin brushed finish for a subtle contrast in textures. Despite its striking, oversized width, the cuff remains comfortable to wear thanks to the hollow, open design on the back side. This ingenious construction allows the cuff to have an impressive weight of 35.14 grams without feeling heavy or cumbersome on the wrist. With an open design that slips over the wrist, the circumference is 7” which fits most wrists. Perfect for day or night, this iconic 1990s piece epitomizes understated luxury with its timeless combination of 14k gold and a chic, minimalist aesthetic. A bonafide statement maker, this wide cuff bangle...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Blue Sapphire White Gold Flexible Bracelet
Located in Berlin, DE
Astonishing blue sapphire and white gold bracelet. The bracelet is very flexible and therefore adapts to different wrist sizes. Total weight of sapphires: 19.55 carats. Chic and spor...
Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Wood Cuff
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Wood Cuff. 5.5 inch inner circumference with a 1 1/8" opening for your wrist to put the cuff on. The beautiful wooden cuff features 7 twisted gold lin...
18k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Yellow Gold, Diamond and Multicolored Stone Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, amethyst, green tourmaline, pink tourmaline, aquamarine, citrine and diamond bracelet, Seaman Schepps, circa 1990s. Fashioned as four rows of carved multi g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 'Nantucket Lightship' Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Seaman Schepps Nantucket Lightship cuff bracelet crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Taking its inspiration from the Nantucket basket,...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Ebony Wood Cuff
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Solid ebony wood cuff with accenting 18K yellow gold rope twists. Signed by Seaman Schepps.
18k Gold
Elegant Seaman Schepps White Gold Pearl and Diamond Flexible Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely flexible, pearl and diamond cuff by Seaman Schepps is as elegant as it is comfortable to wear. The nature of the flexible links, with the open back design, allow for a ra...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps 18 Karat Yellow Gold Aquamarine, Sapphire, Diamonds Jazz Cuff
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A Jazz Cuff in Aquamarine, Sapphire, and Diamond set in 18K Yellow Gold. Signed Seaman Schepps. "Jazz" cuff bracelet, designed in high-polished 18k yellow gold accented by round fac...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Multistone 1950s Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
The "50's Cuff" is the Seaman Schepps 21st century version of a mid 20th century style. The wide bracelet is totally covered with semi precious stones in a variety of shapes and size...
Amethyst, Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Oversized Gold Three-Link Cuff
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Greenwich, CT
You will be forever linked-in when wearing this chunky Seaman Schepps yellow gold cuff. With three intertwined and oversized links, this statement cuff is a chic and architecturally...
18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Fabulous 1950s Gold Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, 14k, by Seaman Schepps, American. A very stylish example of American jewelry fashion, this yellow gold fifties bracelet from the esteemed New York jewelry house, Seama...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Multi Gemstone Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. The high polished 18 karat yellow cuff is adorned with 90.76 carats of faceted a...
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Gemstone Gold Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. The high polished 18 karat yellow cuff is adorned with cabochons of chalcedony, ...
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Moonstone, Topaz, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Gold "Five Link” Cuff Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. High polished links of 18 karat yellow gold adorn your wrist in a classic cuff ...
18k Gold