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.
Rare Substantial Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Pyramid Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Seaman Schepps 18K yellow gold Pyramid bracelet 20th Century Provenance: Estate of a prominent New York socialite This rare, stunning...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Walnut Wood Medium Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This bracelet from Seaman Schepps pairs polished 18k yellow gold links with carved walnut wood, creating a striking contrast of materials. Clasp: Hidden style clasp with a push clos...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps 18k Gold & Wood Curb Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Flushing, NY
A striking vintage Seaman Schepps bracelet, crafted in 18K yellow gold and wood and showcasing the celebrated American jeweler’s signature use of natural materials paired with bold, ...
18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 22K Yellow Gold Mousetrap Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A striking Seaman Schepps Mousetrap bracelet crafted in luxurious 22K yellow gold, showcasing one of the house’s most recognizable and playful designs. The bracelet is composed of fl...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Seaman Schepps Iconic Yellow Gold and Ebony Wood link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold and Ebony Wood Link Bracelet. The original Classic design made famous by Seaman Schepps! Measuring 8 1/2 inches in length and 1 inch wide.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Ebony Wood Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps classic link bracelet, featuring polished 18k yellow gold links alternating with carved ebony wood links. Clasp: One link is a hidden style box clasp with a push clos...
Other, 18k Gold
Seaman Shepps 18k Yellow Gold & Tiger-eye Curb Link Vintage Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The bracelet is a stunning piece of jewelry featuring interlocking links that are masterfully crafted from 18k gold and Tiger's Eye. The design creates a striking contrast, alternati...
18k Gold
Vinatge Large Seaman Schepps Coral 18K Gold Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Bold, vibrant, and unmistakably iconic, this Seaman Schepps bracelet showcases the designer's celebrated use of natural materials and oversized proportions. Crafted in luxurious 18K ...
Coral, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Yellow Sapphire Carnelian Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps Classic Link Bracelet, designed as a curb link bracelet of alternating carved red carnelian and pavé yellow sapphires-set 18K yellow gold links. Clasp: Hidden style c...
Sapphire, Carnelian, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 1970 New York Rare Bracelet in 18Kt Gold with Red Coral and Pearl
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Statement bracelet designed by Seaman Schepps. Magnificent vintage colorful piece, created in New York city by Seaman Schepps, back in the 1970. This one-of-a-kind flexible bracelet...
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps White Cacholong Classic Link 18K Gold Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
A bold interpretation of Large Seaman Schepps' iconic Classic Link collection, this striking bracelet showcases the designer's mastery of combining luxurious gold with unexpected mat...
18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18 Karat White Gold Crystal Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Designer: SEAMAN SCHEPPS Title: Seaman Schepps 18 Karat White Gold Link Bracelet Style: Link Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Dimension: 7 inch Weight: 87.3 Grams Condition: Vintage And Es...
18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k White Gold Ebony Rock Crystal Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps large link bracelet, featuring 18k white gold links alternating with three black ebony wood and three carved rock crystal links. One link is a hidden style clasp with ...
Rock Crystal, Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mauboussin Diamond Link Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
By Mauboussin
Located in Dallas, TX
Mauboussin Diamond Link Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold. The bracelet features approximately 2ctw of round diamonds. 6.5" Length, 0.25" Wide, 25.4 Grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Curata Italian 18k Yellow Gold Chunky Curb Link Statement Bracelet
By Curata Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Metal Purity: 18k Stamped Country of Origin: Italy Metal Weight: 72.8 grams Measurement: 20mm wide x 8" long (7 - 7.5" wrist) Closure: Slide Insert Finish: High Polish Certificate ...
Yellow Gold
Victorian Queen Victoria 22K Gold British Sovereigns Coin Bracelet
Located in Venice, CA
This 22k gold coin bracelet features six British sovereigns in 10k gold surrounds connected with double loops and a spring ring clasp. The coins range in date from 1877 through 1900,...
22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Deep 18k Rose Gold Link Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
This 1940's Deep 18k Rose Gold Link Bracelet is a timeless harmony of elegance and craftsmanship. Each link is meticulously crafted to capture the warm, romantic allure of rose gold,...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
Bold yet refined, this classic bracelet displays a traditional flattened curb link design crafted in 18K yellow gold. The high-polish finish enhances the fluid geometry of each inter...
Yellow Gold
Chunky Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Charm Bracelet.
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE this Chunky Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Charm Bracelet! It would make a fabulous, unique gift for any, and is sure to become a family he...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold and Agate Link Bracelet
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold and Agate Link Bracelet
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Alternating Yellow Gold and Cocobolo Wood Curved Link Bracelet
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
Elegant 18kt Yellow Gold and Cocobolo Wood curved link bracelet with self-link closure. The fabulous bracelet measure 7 1/2 inches but can be made to any measurement. The gold and Mu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Russian Imperial 5 Ruble Nicholas II 1898 22K & 18K Gold Coin Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Russian Imperial coin bracelet featuring five authentic 22k gold 5 ruble gold coins from 1898 with Emperor Nicholas II portrait, set in 18K yellow gold filigree links with bo...
Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 22 Karat Yellow Gold 102.1 Gm Cuban link Bracelet Unisex
Located in New York, NY
Solid 22 karat gold Vintage 22 Karat Yellow Gold 102.1 Gm Cuban link Bracelet Unisex , 8.75 Inches 22 Karat Yellow Gold Cuban Bracelet made of aut...
Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Vintage Iconic TIFFANY & CO Sterling Silver and Gold Heart Link Bracelet
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Iconic TIFFANY & CO Heart Link Bracelet Hand-crafted in Sterling Silver with 18K Yellow Gold accent links. Featureing repeating Open Heart-shaped links ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
18k Yellow Gold Wide Mesh Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
1.75 Inch wide 1970's 18k yellow gold mesh bracelet with a pattern of textured and high gloss links. Hidden built in catch and double side lock safety's. 7.5 inches in length. 18k y...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold White Ceramic Boat Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This iconic Seaman Schepps Boat Link Bracelet seamlessly blends 18k yellow gold with three elongated and curved high-polish white ceramic links. The bold, sculptural links offer a lu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Coral Large Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The classic large link bracelet by Seaman featuring 18k yellow gold links alternating with carved coral links. One link is a hidden style clasp with a push closure mechanism and safe...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k yellow gold muti-baroque bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vibrant multi-baroque bracelet by Seaman Schepps showcases the designer’s signature celebration of organic form, color, and texture. The design features an eclectic arrangement ...
Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold White Ceramic and Gold Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps bracelet crafted in 18K yellow gold and white ceramic, showcasing the brand’s signature sculptural link design. Measuring 7.25 inches long, it drapes comfortably on th...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Orange Coral and Gold Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
This Seaman Schepps coral and gold link bracelet is crafted in the bold, sculptural style for which the house is known. Designed in the large version, it features substantial carved ...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Large Rock Crystal & 18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Dallas, TX
Seaman Schepps Large Rock Crystal & 18K Yellow Gold Link Bracelet. The bracelet features hand carved rock crystal links. The bracelet's length can be adjusted by two removable links....
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Lightship Gem Charm Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps "Lightship" charm bracelet in 18k yellow gold, suspending five Nantucket basket charms of different designs: filled with cabochon rubies, the cover set with a single b...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yell...
Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Red Carnelian Medium Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps medium link bracelet, featuring 18k yellow gold links alternating with carved red carnelian links. One link is a hidden style clasp with a push closure mechanism and ...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Ebony Amber Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps large link bracelet, featuring 18k yellow gold links alternating with three black ebony wood and two carved amber links. One link is a hidden style clasp with a push c...
Amber, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Blue Chalcedony Large Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps large link bracelet, featuring 18k yellow gold and blue chalcedony. Ten curved curb style links include five light blue chalcedony alternating with five polished gold...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Mouse Trap Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 22k & 18k yellow gold. Signed by Seaman Schepps Size 8 inches
18k Gold, 22k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Citrine Yellow Sapphire Wood Branch Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, citrine, yellow sapphire and wood bracelet, Seaman Schepps. Designed as a three segments of branching wood alternating with three clusters of cabochon citri...
Citrine, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold