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 18K Gold 7.80 Carat Citrine Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A striking signed Seaman Schepps cocktail ring crafted in polished 18-karat yellow gold. The ring centers upon a substantial cushion-cut citrine weighing approximately 7.80 carats, d...
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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 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
Mid-Century Sardinian Coral 18K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
A superb example of mid-century Italian goldsmithing, this original 1950s Retro cocktail ring perfectly embodies the bold elegance and sculptural glamour of its era. Handcrafted in s...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Suzanne Belperron Ring of Rock Crystal and Diamonds
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant and rare Suzanne Belperron Ring of Rock Crystal and Diamonds from the 1930's. Iconic design of hand carved rock crystal of bombe form with an inserted panel of bright pave di...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Platinum, 18k Gold
$971Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby, sapphire ring in 14k gold.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby ring in 14k gold. Sapphire 14k gold ring. Blue, red gemstones ring. July and september birthstone ring. Total weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Material: 14 k gold. Central st...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An Art-Deco ring, it is comprised of a Vivid Green Emerald-Cut 1.65 carat Emerald, with White Diamonds embellished around the Emerald as well as on the shank weighing 0.32 carat. T...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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
$971Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lily calla 14k gold ring with ruby and diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lily calla gold ring. 14 kt gold ring with ruby and diamonds. Pear ruby gold ring. Flower gold ring.Genuine ruby ring. Red ruby ring. Ruby vintage ring. Delicate ruby ring. Ruby ring for woman. Natural ruby ring. Floral gold ring. Minimalist ruby ring. Ruby engagement ring. Ruby promise ring. Gift for her. ruby Birthstone Ring...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,059Sale Price / item|40% Off
14k Gold Ring with Cabochon Ruby
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold ring with cabochon riby. July birthstone ruby ring. Ruby cocktail ring. Red ruby ring/ Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 3 gr depends from size Set with ruby, color -red Ov...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
18k Yellow Gold Carved Coral & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Plantation, FL
A masterful example of Mid-Century jeweling artistry, this bold cocktail ring centers on a beautifully carved natural coral, its fluted lobes rising in a graceful dome of warm burnt-...
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,942Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone. Weight: 3 g. Depends from size Central stone: Natural ruby Weight: arprox 1.20 - 1.40 ct, oval cut. Clarity: T...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$971Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt gold ring with ruby and diamonds. July birthstone ring. Oval ruby ring. Vintage Inspired Ring with Ruby Metal: 14k solid gold Total weight: 4.45...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
H. Stern Sunrise 18k Gold Citrine Diamond Cocktail Ring
By H. Stern
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: H. Stern CIRCA: 1980s MATERIALS: 18K Gold GEMSTONE: Citrine, Diamond WEIGHT: 15.2 Grams RING SIZE: 6 MEASUREMENT: Top - ¾" x ⅝" HALLMARKS: H.S, 750 ITEM DETAILS: A vintag...
Citrine, 18k Gold
$971Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 k gold ring with ruby and diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold ring with genuine ruby and diamonds. 14 karat gold Total weight: 4.45 g. depends from size Gemstones (all are tested by professional gemmologist): Genuine ruby: 1. Ov...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 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 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
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
Seaman Schepps Modernist 1970s 18K Gold 45 TCW Cabochon Amethyst Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
This incredible ring is the largest Seaman Schepps ring we have seen to date, likely a one-of-a-kind, with wonderful provenance to a celebrated Washington DC and Newport, RI socialit...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 18 Carat Sapphire Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa late 20th Century, 18k, by Seaman Schepps, American. This spectacular Seaman Schepps ring features an 18.81 carat antique cushion cut sapphire...
Citrine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Seaman Schepps Ceylon Sapphire Unheated Cushion Cut Gold Diamond Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
This ring is a Real Master Piece of art by Seaman Schepps. Unbelievable approximately 30ct Ceylon Sapphire Unheated Cushion Cut Ring 30ct center stone 6 carat total Matched pair of Ceylon Sapphire Cushion Cut Side Stones...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Shell Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Houston, TX
Classic Seaman Schepps ring! This ring features a large seashell topped on one end with coral and on the other, turquoise. It is set in 14K yellow gol...
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold