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.
Estate Seaman Schepps Lightship 18K Yellow Gold White Agate Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps 18K yellow gold and white agate Lightship necklace The necklace is in 18K yellow gold and 14mm white agate round beads. An ideal accessory for a joyful summer. The Lig...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Pearl 3 Strand Necklace w/ Synthetic Spinel Gold Clasp
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Genuine Cultured Potato Pearls - Near Round Bead Shape -Cream Color w/ Pink Overtone - Range from 5.4-10.52mm (approx.) (1) Synthetic Spinel - Emerald Cut - P...
Pearl, Spinel, Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps pearl necklace, with ruby and rock crystal clasp
By Seaman Schepps
Located in London, GB
An elegant and highly characteristic three-strand cultured pearl necklace by Patricia Schepps Vaill for Seaman Schepps, featuring a sculptural clasp set with a cabochon ruby within a...
Pearl, Rock Crystal, Ruby, White Gold
1990s–2000s Seaman Schepps Garnet and Shell Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Roma, RM
A distinctive multi-strand necklace by Seaman Schepps, dating to the 1990s–2000s, composed of multiple strands of rich purple garnet beads and centered by a sculptural shell clasp ac...
Garnet, 18k Gold
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
Seaman Schepps 1940 Art Deco Necklace 14Kt Gold 40.54 Ctw Diamonds & Aquamarine
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Convertible necklace brooch designed by Seaman Schepps. Very rare and highly collectible piece, created at the Seaman Schepps atelier in N...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Lapis Gold Link Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An instant classic, compliments of iconic jewelry designer Seaman Schepps. Hand carved links of lapis lazuli alternate with identical links of 18k yel...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold
$17,200Sale Price|20% Off
Seaman Schepps Aventurine Bead and Yellow Gold Rondelle 36.50 Inch Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A rare to find beaded Aventurine long necklace designed by Seaman Schepps. The Aventurine beads are separated by hand crafted 14K yellow gold rondell...
Aventurine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Seaman Schepps Ruby Beads Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted using 2 strands of Ruby beads with a 14k yellow gold clasp that features multi-color stones that include Diamonds, Peridots, Ruby, Kunzite and more. Signed by Seaman ...
Diamond, Kunzite, Peridot, Ruby, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Iconic Yellow Gold and Ebony Wood Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold and Ebony Wood Necklace, measuring 19 1/2 inches in length and 1 inch wide. The classic design made famous by Seaman Schepps.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$62,399Sale Price|20% Off
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
$55,960Sale Price|20% Off
Seaman Schepps 1970 Retro Necklace 14Kt Gold with 384.37 Ctw Rubies & Aquamarine
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Rare multi gemstones necklace designed by Seaman Schepps. Colorful vintage piece, created in New York city at the atelier of Seaman Schepps, back in the early 1970's. This beautiful...
Aquamarine, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage, Seaman Schepps Diamond and Multigem Pendant
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a rare piece designed by Seaman Schepps. One of his earlier designs from the 1950's, where he would meld together antique jewelry with a touch of his own design- Adding in th...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver, 10k Gold, 15...
Seaman Schepps 14K Gold Multi-Colored Gemstone & Pearl Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Queens, NY
Seaman Schepps 14K Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Gemstone Pearl Necklace, featuring one detachable brooch / clasp featuring a centered bezel set carved ruby pear shaped cabochon weighing...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Lapis Lazuli, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Yell...
Vintage Cartier Cultured Pearl Necklace Triple Strand 6mm 18k Gold Onyx Clasp
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Cartier triple stand cultured pearl necklace (circa 1960s to 1970s) finished with an 18k gold onyx inlaid clasp. Cultured pearls are ...
Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Turquoise Bead & Crystal Festoon Collar 2000s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A wonderful Turquoise Crystal Festoon Collar. Featuring rows and rows of beads punctuated with crystal stations. A stunning statement vibe for your look. An unsigned beauty. A rare t...
40ct Natural Aquamarine Yard Necklace 14kt 12511
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
15 natural aquamarines yard necklace Aquamarines Range: 8 x 6-6 x 5mm Clean Clarity - Transparent 0.30ct natural diamonds g-color vs-2 clarity 22 inches long 14kt white gold 10 ...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Multi Gem Gold Link Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and colorful link necklace of emerald, yellow sapphire, pink tourmaline, and tanzanite baroque shaped nuggets weighing a total of 415.70 carats, finished with caps and li...
$550
W 0.5 in D 0.07 in L 15 in
Handmade Mexican Sterling Silver Link Necklace with Lapis and Chrysicola Inlay
Located in Berkeley, CA
Handmade, detailed, carved, and inlaid link necklace with varying stones of lapis and chrysicola. This incredible necklace is made of Mexican sterling silver and stamped with the des...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
$12,550
W 0.44 in L 36.5 in
Victorian Lapis Lazuli 14 Karat Yellow Gold Fancy Link Antique Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fancy link chain comprised of groove scrolling links with swirling stations Stations center oval shaped lapis lazuli cabochons flush set on both sides Measuring 7.5 x 6...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7 Pearl Chain Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.3 Grams Necklace Length: 16" Pearl Type: Akoya Pearls Pearl Bead Diameter : 6 mm Stamped: "K18" Conditi...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Double Strand Pearl Necklace with 18K White Gold Clasp and Diamonds
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite double-strand pearl necklace combines timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. Featuring lustrous white, round cultured pearls averaging 10 mm in diameter, ...
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Red Garnet and Gold Multi-Strand Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add to your collection with this stunning Garnet and Gold necklace! Circa mid-20th century, this multi-strand necklace features 8 beaded rows ...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold
Jugenstil Estate Saltwater Akoya Pearl 150 Carat Diamond 18K White Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Japanese saltwater Akoya pearl necklace; these off white colored saltwater pearls are beautifully round with a slightly pink overtone. All methiciously hand knotted and finished with...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold Marquise Double Link Necklace
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Marquise Double Link Necklace finished at 17" with a snap clasp closure. The larger marquise links are approximately 1" long a...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Gold Link Cartier Necklace
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Yellow 18K gold chain by Cartier. Formed with oblique rectangular links which graduate gently towards the centre, signed Cartier. Condition: very good Date: contemporary Weight: 42...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Coral Fish Pendant
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This late 20th century Seaman Schepps 18k yellow gold and red coral fish pendant, designed as a stylized fish with a polished red coral body and detailed gold head, fins, tail, and b...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Pink Tourmaline, Sapphire, Cultured Pearl and Diamond Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Weston, MA
Composed of three strands of cultured pearls suspending a luscious cabochon pink tourmaline flanked by sapphires and diamonds, this ladylike choker casts a luminous glow on the skin....
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Pearl 3 Strand Necklace w/ Blue Topaz White Gold Clasp
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Genuine Cultured Potato Pearls - Near Round Bead Shape -Cream Color w/ Pink Overtone - Range from 5.4-10.52mm (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Topaz - Emerald Cu...
Pearl, Blue Topaz, Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Pearl Citrine Amber Baroque Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps "Baroque" bead necklace, featuring cultured pearls, citrine, amber and 18k yellow gold filigree beads connected by gold wire. Including ten 9-9.6mm cultured pearls wi...
Amber, Citrine, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Gold Multi-Gemstone Baroque Bead Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Seaman Schepps "Baroque" bead necklace, featuring polished and faceted semi-precious gemstones including fire opal, peridot, emerald, amethyst, rose quartz, aquamarine, tourmaline, a...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Cultured Pearl, ...
Seaman Schepps Shell Pendant with Citrine in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lucerne, CH
Playful pendant, stunning piece of jewelry created by the legendary designer Seaman Schepps. Created with captivating seashell in a beautiful shade of ochre and 18 Karat yellow gold,...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.18 in L 1.96 in
Seaman Schepps Shell Pendant with Aquamarine and Pearls in 18 Karat White Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lucerne, CH
Playful pendant, stunning piece of jewelry created by the legendary designer Seaman Schepps. Created with captivating seashell in a beautiful shade of grey and 18 Karat white gold, p...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Gold Chain Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps gold chain necklace One round-cut diamond of approximately 0.10 carat; 33 links, 18 karat yellow gold; marked Seaman Schepps, 750 Size: width 0.81 inch, length 21 in...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Blue Chalcedony Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Nesting Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Designer blue chalcedony and cultured pearl necklace by Seaman Schepps fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold. The nesting necklace is versatile and can be worn as two separate pieces or ...
Chalcedony, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Gold Genstone Diamond Floral Large Pendant on a Cord Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Exciting item for someone who loves color green, was born in may or loves to garden. This lovely Seaman Schepps pendant is certainly a conversation piece, made in solid 18K Yellow Go...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Six Strang Coral and Diamond Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Of 6 beaded coral strands, joined by a fluted coral and round brilliant-cut diamond clasp 18K Yellow Gold. 18 inches. The necklace is finished with a substantial clasp that is furt...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Yellow Gold and Mobe Pearl Clover Pendant and Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details; Circa 1950's. Featuring 14K yellow gold and mobe pear (14mm diameter) detail in the middle, clover motif. From the RETRO period. 2 in 1 brooch and pendant. Signed...
Pearl, Yellow Gold