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 Seaman Schepps Diamond Natural Coral 18K Yellow Gold Bombe Statement Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Rare, early Seaman Schepps diamond, natural coral and 18k yellow gold bombe statement ring 1930's Fabulous, large Seaman Schepps cocktail ring with a central oval natural coral measu...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 13.00 carat gemstone 18k yellow gold Antibes ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vibrant Antibes ring by Seaman Schepps showcases the designer’s iconic approach to bold color composition and organic gemstone arrangement. The design features 14 cushion cut ge...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 13.00 carat blue topaz 18k yellow gold Antibes ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vibrant Antibes ring by Seaman Schepps showcases the designer’s signature bold color composition and sculptural approach to fine jewelry. The design features 14 oval and cushion...
Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Amethyst and Peridot Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Seaman Schepps three stone flush mounted ring. The center stone is a peridot measuring 7/16" in width and from front to back. On either side is an amethyst measuring 5/16". The ring ...
18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Cabochon Sapphire & Accent Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstones: Sapphire Cabochon 22.4 x 19.5 x 12.7mm, Diamond 0.36cttw Size: 7.5-7.75 Weight: 20.88 grams Brand: Seaman Schepps Seaman Schepps is an American ...
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Sapphire, Diamond and Rock Crystal Ring, circa 1940
By Seaman Schepps
Located in London, GB
Sapphire, diamond and rock crystal ring, by Seaman Schepps circa 1940. A platinum and white gold ring vertically set with two hexagonal cabochon sapphires of differing sizes in collet settings with an approximate total weight of 4.00 carats, each encircled by a single row of forty eight round eight cut diamonds in bead settings with an approximate total weight of 0.70 carats, saddled over an inverted emerald-cut rock crystal, above an open gallery, flanked by tri-part shoulders, and on a square shank. UK finger size H 1/2. Seaman Schepps was born in New York City’s tenement-dominated Lower East Side in 1881, the son of Hungarian immigrants. Rising from these humble beginnings, he built a business that featured designs which drastically departed from the traditional modes of his day. These adventurous jewels came to define a new style that became popular with the elite of the 1930’s...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
1960s Seaman Schepps Diamond Emerald Flower Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in London, GB
Vintage diamond and emerald flower ring by Seaman Schepps. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with an appro...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Seaman Schepps 14K White Gold 1970's Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
"This ring by Seaman Schepps is of cluster design, set with cabochon and variously-cut rubies, and a pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamond leaf 14k white gold Signed P.S.V. of Seaman ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
13.00 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
13.00 Carats Impressive Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring Suggested Replacement Value $7,400.00 Total Natural Oval Turquoise ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This bold design ring makes a statement! The bombe and fluted center resembling a stylized shell, the ring was made in Italy with fine craftsmanship. It weighs 18.4 grams, and measur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Luxury 18K White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Belt Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Bold and glamorous, this 18K white gold cocktail ring is designed in an elegant belt-inspired silhouette adorned with vivid blue sapphires and brilliant pavé diamonds. Featuring over...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Diamonds Amethyst Peridots Orange Light Blue Topaz Iolite Garnet Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion ring in 18K rose gold mounted with special amethyst in the center and white diamonds, amethysts, peridots, orange and light blue topazes, iolites, garnets all around. Diamond...
Amethyst, White Diamond, Garnet, Iolite, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose ...
Classic Amethyst Topaz Peridot White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made in the manner of Chanel Coco baroque style, classic 18k white gold ring , set with amethyst, blue topaz and peridot. Ring size - 6, ring top - 21mm x 21mm. Marked: K18WG. Weigh...
Amethyst, Peridot, Topaz, White Gold
Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The total weight of the ring is 14.30 grams. The ring size is US 6. The diamonds weigh appx. 0.9...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Ring with Peridot and Citrine
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt yellow gold Emerald Cut ring with peridot (approximately 5 cts) and citrine (approximately 4 cts each). The Ring measures approximately 1 " across and 1/2" in height. The Emer...
Citrine, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal, Diamonds and Peridots
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal, diamonds and peridots. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Cut: Oval caboc...
Diamond, Opal, Peridot, 14k Gold
Boodles 18K White Gold Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Boodles
Located in Houston, TX
Estate 'Boodles' ring in 18K white gold ring featuring a cabochon blue sapphire with round brilliant-cut diamonds. There are 72 round diamonds that total 1.50 carats, G-H color and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
13.00 Carat Amethyst Art Deco Filigree White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
13.00ct rectangle amethyst Art Deco 1940's filigree 14k white gold cocktail ring. 1 bright medium purple Amethyst, approx. total weight 13.00cts, 17...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
13.00 Carats Natural Aquamarine and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
13.00 Carats Natural Aquamarine and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Ring Total Natural Aquamarine Weights: Approx. 11.40 Carats Aquamarine Measures: Approx. 17 x 13 mm Natural Round...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$962Sale Price / item|44% Off
Amethyst and Peridot 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Amethyst and peridot 14k gold ring. Purple gemstone Ring. Baguette cut engagement ring. Amethyst gold ring. Amethyst statement ring. Purple gemstone Ring. February birthstone ring. By Daizy Jewellery...
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and iconic design from the renowned Seaman Schepps, this vintage multi-gem cocktail ring is a radiant display of color, craftsmanship, and character. Expertly handcrafted in 1...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Ring 18k Gold Citrine
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Seaman Schepps ring made of 18k gold, featuring citrine. The design showcases a prominent faceted cut citrine at the center, held by distinctive gold prongs. Flanking the c...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 14K White Gold Diamond Cabochon Ruby Emerald Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Seaman Schepps 14K WG diamond ruby and emerald ring set with 16 brilliant cut diamonds 4 cabochon cut rubies & 4 cabochon cut emeralds Accent ring top is curved for a perfec...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Malachite Cocktail Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, PA
No doubt, this cocktail ring will add interest to your looks. Made by Seaman Schepps, this eye-catching bauble features a chunky band with an even chunkier centerpiece. Gorgeous mala...
Malachite, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Carved Aventurine Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Citrine
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Seaman Schepps. Beautiful colorful ring, created by the the jewelry house of Seaman Schepps in carved green aventurine. This rare cocktail ring is decorate...
Citrine, Aventurine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps 2.00ct Cabochon Cut Emerald Engagement Ring, Circa 1975
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Seaman Schepps ring showcasing cabochon emeralds and baguette-cut diamonds in an alternating pattern. The emeralds weigh around ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Ruby Diamond Bombé Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps ring featuring approximately 25 carats of cabochon rubies from Burma and approximately 0.75 carat of diamonds. The stones are set on 18 ...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Ring Diamond 18k Gold Band Estate Jewelry
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bold yet elegant band ring created by Seaman Schepps in the 1980s. Beautiful highly polished yellow gold shank crossed over with six diamond bars gives the band modernist and stylish...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps New York Cocktail Ring in 18Kt Gold with 54.30 Cts in Sapphires
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set cluster cocktail ring designed by Seaman Schepps. Gorgeous vintage piece, created in New York city at the atelier of Seaman Schepps, back in the early 1970. This cocktail ring has been crafted with impeccable details in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. Prong set on top, with a cluster of 10 cabochons oval cuts of blue sapphires with a combined weight of 54.3 carats. All gemstones are natural, with vivid color variations, Ceylon (Sri-Lanka) provenance and not heat. Weight: 23.95 Grams, (15.35 Dwt). Size: 6.5 and is sizeable. Measurements: From the top view 30 mm by 28 mm (1.18 x 1.1 Inches). Seaman Schepps Nantucket...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 1950 New York Very Rare 18Kt Gold Wired Ring Carved in Amber
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Rare vintage ring designed by Seaman Schepps. A modernist piece from the late American art deco period. Has been created in New York city, circa 195...
Amber, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 1960 Shrimp Cocktail Ring in 18 Kt Gold with Fluted Lapis Lazuli
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Seaman Schepps. An iconic piece, created by the American jewelery house of Seaman Schepps, back in the 1950-1960. This beautiful cocktail ring has been c...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Kunzite Topaz 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Substantial three stone ring centering a mixed cushion cut kunzite Transparent and vividly lavender pink in color while measuring 14.1 x 14.0 mm Basket set by split talon prongs an...
Kunzite, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold