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 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
Amethysts, Topazes, Garnets, Peridots, Diamonds, 9 Karat Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful cocktail ring in 9k rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central amethyst, surrounded by flowery details in silver studded with little diamonds, topazes, garnets, ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Diamonds Amethyst Peridots Orange Light Blue Topaz Iolite Garnet Rose Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
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...
Topaz, Peridot, Iolite, Garnet, White Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Rose ...
$1,808 / item
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
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
$1,808 / item
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
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 1.5 carats. The diamond halo totals 48pts. Stones set in platinum. Fully hallmarked London 1971. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Face Di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 9 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 2.2 carats and either side of the gorgeous pink stone are baguette diamonds measuring 2pts each. The diamond halo totals 36pts. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Dubini Punta di Diamante Cabochon Amethyst Citrine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI ring from the 'Empires' collection features our signature bullet cabochons set in 18K yellow gold. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Punt...
Citrine, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian era Amethyst, Diamond and Peridot Suffragette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 Immerse yourself in history with this exquisite 18ct gold-stamped Edwardian suffragette ring, a true testament to the spirit ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three-stone 1.45 carat Oval Amethyst and Round Peridot Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This striking ring dazzles with its blend of hues and textures. At its heart rests a regal oval-cut amethyst weighing over one carat, its rich purple evoking nobility. On either side...
Amethyst, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mini GUM DROP™ Ring with Peridot and Diamonds
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
Mini 18kt white gold GUM DROP™ ring with peridot (approximately 8 cts) and 4 diamonds weighing 0.20 cts. Specifications: Length: 13/16" Width: 1/2" The GUM DROP™ Ring...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k 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 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 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
Three-Stone 13.42 Carat Citrine and Amethyst Ring, Signed Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An antique cushion cut citrine weighing 13.42 carats, flanked by a pair of trapezoid amethysts that weigh 2.43 carats in total and assembled in ideal proportions, compliments of icon...
Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine & Iolite “Mogul” Ring, Signed Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Part of the “Mogul” collection, compliments of iconic American jeweler Seaman Schepps. Mounted in 18 karat white gold and decorated with aquamarine (3.68 carats) and iolite (4.30 car...
Aquamarine, Iolite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Three Stone Aquamarine White Gold Ring Size 5
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Dallas, TX
Seaman Schepps Ring Three Stone Ring - . Classic White Gold Three stone Aquamarine Ring . Hallmarks: Seaman Schepps, 750, copyright, maker...
Aquamarine
Seaman Schepps 485 Park Avenue Collection Blue Topaz Iolite Gold Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Part of the "485 Park Avenue" collection, compliments of iconic American jeweler Seaman Schepps. Mounted in 18 karat white gold and decorated with blue topaz and iolite, 14.76 carats...
Iolite, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Gypsy Ring with Tourmaline and Citrine
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Wonderfully chunky gypsy ring by Seaman Schepps. The central stone is pink tourmaline with a citrine on either side. It is size 6 1/2 but can easily be sized.
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS White Gold Iolite Aquamarine 3 Stone Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York City, NY
Bold and vibrant 18K white gold, iolite and aquamarine 3 stone ring by Seaman Schepps. Currently size 5 (can easily be sized up or down). Features a...
Aquamarine, Iolite, 18k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Peridot Hot Pink Tourmaline Three Stone Gold Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, PA
This vibrant 18k yellow gold ring is by designer SEAMAN SCHEPPS. The bright Peridot and Hot Pink Tourmaline stones make this ring simply perfect for the spring-time. Stone Details: 1 Large 9CT rectangular faceted cushion cut peridot: 12x14mm 2 oval faceted hot pink tourmalines...
Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Three Stone Citrine Yellow Gold Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Citrine Ring by Seaman Schepps. With 3 cushion cut citrines. Total citrine weight: 8.70ct. Stone measurements: One 12x12mm stone: 6.70ct. And two 8x8mm ...
Citrine, 18k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Pink Tourmaline & Aquamarine White Gold Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Pink Tourmaline & Aquamarine Three-Stone Ring from Seaman Schepps. With one large cushion-cut pink tourmaline at a total weight of: 6.70ct. Two cushion-cut aquamarines: 2ct in weight each. This ring comes with its original Seaman Schepps box...
Aquamarine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Peridot & Iolite Three Stone White Gold Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Peridot & Iolite Three Stone Ring by Seaman Schepps. With 1 large cushion cut peridot at a total weight of: 6.70ct. Two cushion-cut iolite stones, with a total weight of: 4ct (2ct in weight each). This ring comes with its original Seaman Schepps box...
Peridot, Iolite, 18k Gold