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 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
Seaman Schepps Wide Rock Crystal Onyx Diamond Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps Wide Rock Crystal Onyx Diamond Link Bracelet A gorgeous bracelet by Seaman Schepps comprising a series of carved rock crystals connected by onyx links, embellished with brilliant round diamonds. Diamond carat weight is approx. 6.00 carats total. Measures approx. 8" in length, with inner circumference approx. 6.75". Width approx. 1.50". Each crystal link measures approx. 1.30" by 1.50". with "750" assay mark as well as makers mark of Seaman Schepps; circa 2000. Yafa Signed...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
$8,416Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.45 in L 7 in
Rare Yellow and Pink Sapphire Bracelet Made In 14k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Super luxurious looking and rare Yellow and Pink Sapphire Bracelet is 7 inch long and is super flexible. This bracelet has a tongue clasp with...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1980s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Link Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1980s 14K Yellow gold Wide Link Bracelet - The bracelet measures 7.25 inches long and .70 inches wide and has a hidden clasp with push button for a...
14k Gold, Yellow 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
Akoya Pearl Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
A 18k yellow gold bracelet with a 8.7mm Akoya Pearl secured in the middle. The length of the bracelet is adjustable via the chain attached to the bracelet. Akoya Pearl is white in c...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamonds And Pearls Multi-Strands Bracelet
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18K gold Bracelet of Pearls and Diamonds. The bracelet consists of multi-strands of pearls attached to a center marquise shaped brooch. This brooch is divided in four tria...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Diamond Onyx 18 Karat Gold Large Wide Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Treat yourself with this trending Chic early 1980s Diamond and onyx large bangle bracelet. It is crafted in 18K yellow gold, topped with extra white natural diamonds, and a pave set....
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Gold
$27,500
W 0.88 in D 0.88 in L 6.75 in
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
Star Dust Cuff Bracelet Black Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond Divine Child
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Blue Sapphire White Diamond Black Enamel Divine Child Cuff 14k Gold Plated Designer: J Dauphin The Divine Child Cuff is a structural statement piece handcrafted in 14k gold-plated b...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold Plate, Enamel, 14k...
$4,250
H 2 in W 1.13 in L 7 in
18K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Seven-Strand Bracelet with Freshwater Pearls
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Immerse yourself in the enchanting story of this seven-strand bracelet, crafted from 3mm leather and adorned with handcrafted 18K gold elements, sterling silver accents, and freshwater pearls. Each strand of this bracelet weaves together a tale of elegance and adventure, reflecting a harmonious blend of rustic charm and refined luxury. The lustrous pearls add a touch of timeless beauty, while the gold and silver elements bring a hint of sophistication. Perfect for those who appreciate unique, artisanal jewelry, this bracelet is designed to be a treasured piece that tells its own story every time you wear it. Graduated width from 1 1/8" at the clasp to 2" wide in the front. This exquisite creation is designed by Misani Milano...
Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Lalaounis 18K Gold Frost Rock Crystal Wide Cuff Bracelet
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic vintage cuff bracelet by Ilias Lalaounis is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and showcases the designer’s signature blend of classical inspiration and sculptural artis...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 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
$17,388
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 Multicolored Gemstone Tutti Frutti Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps multicolored gemstone Tutti Frutti bracelet, featuring carved ruby, emerald, and sapphire leaves accented by round brilliant-cut diamonds. 92 diamonds weighing approx...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Rio Blue Multi-Gem and Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Princeton, NJ
18k white gold Rio multi-gem & diamond bracelet. Crafted by well known designer Seaman Schepps This bracelet has approx. 2.20cts of diamonds. Multiple blue toned gemstones. -Beryl...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Moonstone, Topaz, Tourmaline, Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Onyx and Diamond “Bodrum” Link Bracelet, Signed Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Sophisticated glamour with an organic charm, this substantial bracelet is comprised of carved links of onyx lined with a single row of white diamonds, compliments of esteemed America...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Schepps Limited Edition “Warhol”Jade Diamond Emerald Quartz Moonstone Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Offering an exceptional level of glamour and exclusivity, this bracelet will delight the sophisticate who appreciates the incredible history of the Seaman Schepps brand. This bracele...
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Moonstone, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Rio Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Glamorous, fun, sophisticated, chic, playful, elegant, compliment-inducing… The Rio collection is possibly the most esteemed of the iconic offerings of American jewelry mastermind Se...
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Rock Rosewood “Large Link” Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. Hand carved links of rosewood alternate with identical links of 18k yellow gold, embracing the classic mid-...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Rock Ebony Large Link Gold Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. Hand carved links of ebony alternate with identical links of 18k yellow gold, embracing the classic mid-cen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Carved Mammoth Tusk Large Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. Carved links of petrified mammoth tusk alternate with identical links of 18k yellow gold, epitomizing “orga...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Gemstone Diamond Gold Rio Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Glamorous, fun, sophisticated, chic, playful, elegant, compliment-inducing… The Rio collection is possibly the most esteemed of the iconic offerings of American jewelry mastermind Se...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold