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 Half Link Wood and Pink Moonstone Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant and unusual pink moonstone and wood (probably ebony) half link earrings by Seaman Schepps. The pink moonstones are a wonderfully warm color that plays off beautifully with th...
Moonstone, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 1970s Aquamarine Pearl White Gold Ear Clips
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
These gorgeous 1970s ear clips were designed and manufactured by the renown American jeweler Seaman Schepps. The 18 karat white gold earrings are centrally set with 2 white and extre...
Aquamarine, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,400 / set
Seaman Schepps Gold Swirl Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Two half circles hug each other in these 14 karat gold earrings by Seaman Schepps. Each half circle has several striations for a bit of texture. The earrings have clip backs that can...
Gold, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Diamond and Rock Crystal Half Link Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Exquisite Seaman Schepps classic half link earrings made of diamonds and rock crystal. They are set in 18 karat white gold. Clip backs can easily be converted to posts. Signed and nu...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Gold and Diamond Round Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stylish design of striated gold bands going in three directions highlighted by two rows of diamonds. The earrings are slightly domed. The backs are clips that can be converted to po...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hammered Gold and Diamond Ear Clips
Located in Darnestown, MD
Finely made, hammered gold oval shape earrings surrounded by fine diamonds. The stones are VS-1 quality. The gold dome has a hammered texture; it measures half an inch deep. The earr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Clear Crystal Clip on Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Dallas, TX
Seaman Schepps Rock Crystal and Gold Braided Earrings. 50.1 Grams Marked Seaman Schepps 750 1699 1.25 inches length 1 inch width 18K yellow gold
Crystal, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Iconic Wood and Yellow Gold earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Seaman Schepps Famous 18K yellow Gold and Wood Earrings, measuring 1 3/8 inches in length and 3/4 inch wide and weighing 29 Grams. Having Omega clip backs to which a post ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Diamond Swirl Earring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous pair of diamond earrings. 6.97 carats of marquise cut diamonds 18k white gold Approximately 1.25 inches long, just under an inch at its widest point. A must have --...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Rock Crystal and Twisted Gold Drop Earrings
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Twisted Yellow Gold and Rock Crystal Drop Earring This elegant earring measures and inch and a half long. The top cushion is shaped Rock Crystal that measures half an inch w...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Citrine, Rock Crystal, Topaz, Crystal,...
Seaman Schepps Vintage Turbo Shell Ruby Sapphire Gold Earrings
By Patricia Schepps Vaill for Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage Seaman Schepps turbo shell earrings, crafted by Patricia Shepps, with ruby and sapphire cabochons. Earrings measure...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Seaman Schepps Multi Stone Hoop Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Seaman Schepps, New York. Iconic American style, Iconic Seaman Schepps design… these fabulous earrings are jewelry perfection. Color, size, and style all come t...
Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Garnet, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Onyx,...
Graff Diamond Dome Ear-Clips
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
Graff Pair of White Gold and Diamond Dome Ear-clips This pair of earrings are oval domes of 48 round diamonds approx. 16.20 carats., edged by 64 small round diamonds approx. 1.75 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1970s French Ruby Diamond Flower Ear Clips
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Ear clips made in France set with old mine and Old European Cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.90 carats, and 42 rubies weighing approximately 2.25 carats. The diamonds are set in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Large 1970s Mapamenos Classic Grecian Gold Ear Clips
By Mapamenos Natepas
Located in New York, NY
Distinctive 1970s Mapamenos-Natepas 18K gold ear clips worked in an abstraction of a classic Grecian motif with their form and highly unusual texture creating a subtle play of light ...
18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell and Lapis Lazuli Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
From Seaman Scheps, a pair of 18 karat yellow gold, turbo shell and Lapis Lazuli earrings. Each set with a white turbo shell, terminating in a Lapis Lazuli cabochon accented by gold ...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.19 in L 1.19 in
Seaman Schepps 1960's Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Burst Cluster Vintage Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as clustered burst motifs with 5.5 mm round pearls throughout. White in body color with moderate iridescence and excellent luster. Set in gold wire cups. Completed by posts ...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Black Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Shrimp Earclip Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Seaman Schepps onyx shrimp earrings crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The larger-sized "Shrimp" earrings feature four twisted rope accents on top of carved, polished black onyx shrimp...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Half Hoop Large Clip on Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Seaman Schepps large shrimp style yellow gold clip-on half hoop earrings circa 1990. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #E-DJ130H. Scroll down for specifications. Seaman Schepps manufactures this earring design in other sizes. The ones shown here are the larger scale model...
Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 1960's Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Burst Cluster Vintage Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as clustered burst motifs with 5.5 mm round pearls throughout. White in body color with moderate iridescence and excellent luster. Set in gold wire cups. Completed by posts ...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Rose Wood and Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in London, England
A beautiful pair of vintage Seaman Schepps rose wood earrings set in 18k yellow gold. The earrings have been handcrafted and predominantly feature as ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Emerald Cabochon Gold Earring Mother of Pearl
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Emerald Cabochon Gold Earring Mother of Pearl This exquisite pair of earrings are beautifully crafted in 14 Karat Ye...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold White Jade Large Shrimp Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Larger-sized "Shrimp" earrings, in 18k yellow gold and carved white jade. Twisted rope border wrapping across four sections. Solid polished gold back with clip-style French backs. ...
Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 3.20 Carat Ruby Yellow Gold Shell Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage Seaman Schepps shell earrings in 18k yellow gold with cabochon rubies. Secure clip and post design 4 cabochon red rubies, appro...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of Rock Crystal & 14 Karat Gold Shell Ear Clips by Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This pair of carved rock crystal and 14 karat yellow gold ear clips were made by Patricia Schepps Vaill of Seaman Schepps. The ear clips comprise of a pair of carved rock crystal shells which have been attached to a gold back plate with the addition of some twisted yellow gold 'bands' and a pair of yellow gold 'end caps'. The pair are marked for manufacture by Patricia Schepps Vaill of Seaman Schepps, the founder's daughter and president of the company after her father's death. Schepps are known for their sea inspired jewellery...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Gold Black Onyx Shrimp Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Larger-sized "Shrimp" earrings in 18k yellow gold, featuring four twisted rope accents on top of carved, polished black onyx shrimp design, with solid polished gold frame. French cl...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Lapis Lazuli Earrings Shrimp 18K Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
A sophisticated take on a classic hoop design, compliments of iconic American jeweler Seaman Schepps. Sensuously styled sections of lapis lazuli alternate with a twisted rope design,...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Gold Rock Crystal "Quad" Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Square-shaped "Quad" earclips in 18k yellow gold, designed with four faceted square-shaped rock crystal intersected by gold bars with a round-cut diamond center. Clip backs (posts ma...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold