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.
Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin, Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin attributed to Seaman Schepps. Likely antique carved stone elements set onto 14k gold. 1940's USA. Excellent Condition. Unsigned. Length 3.75" W...
Coral, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Platinum 4.50ct Diamond Brooch SS27-121525
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, PA
This Seaman Schepps brooch is filled with intricate details. Set with sparkling Diamonds totaling 4.50 carats, this dazzling piece will continually catch the eye. Its crafted from Pl...
Diamond
Seaman Schepps Aquamarine, Diamond Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps aquamarine, diamond and" synthetic ruby" brooch in platinum and base metal. Circa 1945. The brooch features rectangluar step cut aqua...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Seaman Schepps 1970 New York Grapes Brooch In 18Kt Gold With Wood & Carnelian
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Rare brooch designed by Seaman Schepps. A jeweled colorful piece, created in New York city at the atelier of Seaman Schepps, back in the 1970's. This beautiful brooch has been craft...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Seaman Schepps Vintage Asian Divinity Gemset Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Napoli, IT
A stunning vintage brooch 1940 circa, signed Seaman Schepps Rare example of the early Seaman Schepps jewelry, hand crafted of solid 18 Kt Amaz...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
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:...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Gemstone Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Seaman Schepps brooch exemplifies the house’s celebrated flair for bold color and imaginative design. Handcrafted in 18K yellow gold, the piece spans approximately 1.75 ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Pearl and Diamond Gold Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant Retro broch by Seaman Schepps from the mid-20th century. The floral brooch is set in 14 karat gold, an indication of its age. Schepps did not change to the use of 18 karat go...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
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...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
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...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
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.
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
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...
Turquoise, Gold
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...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
Citrine, 14k Gold
18kt gold Cammeo Pendant Brooch
Located in Capri, IT
18kt gold Cammeo Pendant Brooch Dama cammeo pin that can be used as a pendant too totally handmade in italy
18k Gold
Rare Large Seventies Seaman Schepps Brooch Mounted with Gold and Sapphire
By Patricia Schepps Vaill for Seaman Schepps
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 14k, by Seaman Schepps, American. Sometimes bigger is much better. This fabulous seventies Seaman Schepps brooch is as Palm Beach as spending the summer in Nantucket. ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
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...
Turquoise, Gold
$42,240Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.75 in L 1.63 in
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Aquamarine Diamond Floral "Cousins" Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. Aquamarine and Diamond "Cousins" Brooch in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Circa 1964, featured on page 38 of The Jewels of Jean Schlumberger. The b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$10,976Sale Price|20% Off
W 2.5 in
Art Deco Style Vintage 10.50ct Diamond Double/Single Brooch Platinum
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning high jewelry art deco style brooch that can split into two brooches. Approximately 10.50 carats of round and baguette cut diamonds. Approximately...
Diamond, Platinum
8.60 Carat Emerald And Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
Striking vintage style brooch from our special Haruni atelier holding a 8.60 carat emerald at its centre set in yellow gold, surrounded by 108 del...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Amythest, Diamond and Pearl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Delicate Edwardian Amythest, Diamond and Pearl Brooch from the early 1900's. Unsigned but high quality American manufacture. Platinum t...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond & Aquamarine Brooch, French, Circa 1920s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Art Deco Diamond & Aquamarine Brooch — Platinum and 18K gold, French Origin, c1920’s A superb Art Deco brooch in platinum and 18K gold (tested), designed in a bold geometric nav...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Brooch/Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian pearl and diamond brooch on offer at Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III. The br...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamonds & Rubies Dog Brooch in 18kt Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
This charming dog brooch is expertly crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a whimsical design brought to life with pavé-set natural rose cut diamonds (approximately 0.30 carats) an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Aquamarine and Diamond Flower Brooch in Platinum
Located in Wailea, HI
1940's Aquamarine and Diamond Flower Brooch in Platinum Five Calf's Head Cut Aquamarines Weighing 4.50 carats (approximately) Sixty Eight Diamonds Weighing 2.40 carats (approximately...
Aquamarine, Platinum
Retro Aquamarine & Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Retro Aquamarine & Diamond Brooch A 14 karat two tone gold brooch set with a large center emerald cut aquamarine accented by round cut diamonds Meas...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Carved Carnelian, Citrine and Chrysoprase Frog Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
This whimsical brooch designed by Seaman Schepps in a fun stylized carved carnelian frog set with two round cabochon cut chrysoprase and nine oval and round mixed cut citrine. Mounte...
Citrine, Chrysophrase, Carnelian, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Lapis Emerald Frog Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps whimsical lapis frog brooch set with emeralds and 18k yellow gold. The carved lapis body is a vibrant rich blue lapis color with gold specks ...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro SEAMAN SCHEPPS 14K yellow gold Large Citrine Fur clip Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Large SEAMAN SCHEPPS Retro Fur Clip Brooch in 14K yellow gold, 2-pin clasp flower & leaf over a bunch of 9 oval Citrine, Open back setting Approximate Measurements: Overall...
Citrine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Citrine Leaf Brooch c. 1980s
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Seaman Schepps 18K yellow gold citrine brooch set with diamonds & 7 carved citrine leaves. Along the vine of leaves are 5 brillant cut diamonds in E-F color & VS-SI clarity,...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Chessman Brooch 18K
By Seaman Schepps
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This wonderful Chessman Brooch is by no other than Seaman schepps. This brooch is done in walnut wood and is decorated with Citrine, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, and has a Tsavorite ey...
Citrine, Peridot, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Multicolored Gemstone Clematis Flower Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps clematis flower brooch, featuring five carved rock crystal "petals" over a thin layer of rhodochrosite and centering a cluster of sapphires, diamonds and pearls at cen...
Sapphire, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Rock Crystal, Rhodocrosite, 18k Gold,...
Seaman Schepps' Famous Frog Brooch in 8K Carved Carnelian and Sapphires
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Aspen, CO
This is the largest size they made, 63.5 mm (2.5 inches), the width of .75 inches, and .75 inches deep. Well carved in the shape of a frog, (in Asia the frog symbolises good luck and...
Carnelian, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Platinum Diamond And Pearl Double Clip Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the timeless allure of the Seaman Schepps Platinum Diamond and Pearl Double Clip Brooch, a masterpiece that marries the elegance of pearls with the brilliance of diamonds in ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Seaman Schepps Warrior & Horse Gold Wooden Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps gold wooden brooch An armored warrior on a horse, featuring citrine, amber, and pearls; 18 karat yellow gold; marked Seaman Schepps, 75...
Amber, Citrine, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Yellow Gold Sapphire Emerald & Diamond Cabochon Grapes Brooch Pin
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Baltimore, MD
Seaman Schepps Yellow Gold Sapphire Emerald & Diamond Cabochon Grapes Brooch Pin Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 21.15 grams Dimensions: 47.5 x 36mm Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Gold and Black Onyx Artichoke Clip
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A gold and black onyx artichoke clip designed by Seaman Schepps. The carved black onyx in the form of an artichoke, applied with diamond-shaped go...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold
Sold
W 1.65 in L 3.45 in
Seaman Schepps New York Brooch 18kt Gold with 82.45 Ctw Diamonds and Gemstones
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Jeweled brooch-pendant designed by Seaman Schepps. An elegant and sophisticate organic pendant-brooch created in New York city by the American jewelers Seaman Schepps, back in the 1...
Citrine, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold