With intricate and refined artistry, the jewelers at J.E.Caldwell & Co. have been handcrafting illustrious watches and adornments — including cocktail rings, engagement rings and link bracelets — for nearly two centuries. The American firm, which is among the oldest silver and jewelry companies in the United States, has found acclaim with collectors and buyers worldwide.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, J.E. Caldwell & Co. founder James Emmott Caldwell (1813–81) apprenticed as a silversmith and subsequently trained in watchmaking under the esteemed watchmaker Samuel Ward Benedict in New York City. Following his apprenticeships, Caldwell sought work in Philadelphia, initially securing a position with a wholesale jeweler before importing watches for a jewelry manufacturer. In the late 1830s, he established a storefront of his own, in a stately marble building on Chestnut street. Caldwell partnered with James M. Bennett thereafter in order to launch a jewelry shop nearby that they called Bennett & Caldwell. With the passing of Bennett, Caldwell partnered with a former employer, John C. Farr, and changed the company name, establishing the J.E. Caldwell & Co. of today.
In 1876, Philadelphia hosted the first World’s Fair held in the United States. Alongside the Gorham Manufacturing Company — a legendary but largely overlooked American silver firm — J.E. Caldwell showcased an array of stunning jewelry and silver objects at the event’s Centennial International Exhibition. In the early 1900s, J.E. Caldwell was contracted to fashion a presentation silver tea service — more than 160 pieces — for a newly commissioned battleship, the U.S.S. Pennsylvania. The brand’s exquisite silver wares traveled at sea aboard this battleship — and later, on the U.S.S. Valley Forge — for decades.
J.E. Caldwell & Co. became known for exquisite Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry. Ownership of the firm passed through the family over the years before changing hands to business interests outside of the family. Today a J.E. Caldwell & Co. retail location continues to operate in Philadelphia.
Find antique and vintage J.E. Caldwell & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.
| Average Sold Price |
| $4,189 |
| Styles |
| Related Creators |
J.E. Caldwell Moonstone and Ruby Suite
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This moonstone and ruby and tri-color gold suite of earrings and brooch by J.E. Caldwell of Philadelphia was made in the 1940s. The brooch is designed as the romantic pair of commedi...
Moonstone, Ruby
$120,000
Diamond Tiara by J.E. Caldwell
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in New York, NY
this breathtaking tiara is a vision of elegance and refinement. Crafted in 18K white gold and platinum, it features an intricate lattice-like design adorned with shimmering rose-cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
J.E Caldwell 18Kt Solid Gold Art Deco Ladies Watch with Diamonds and Sapphires
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.E Caldwell STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Yellow and White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 17mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Breguet Style Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 10mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement VAULT FIND This watch has been in a vault for nearly 50 years and the price includes a factory quality service by our finest watchmaker. This will of course delay shipping it out for a few days while we do the service and check it out. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This great looking classic watch for a woman...
Gold
Vintage Figural J. E. Caldwell Apple Shaped Sterling Silver Covered Box
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A terrific apple shaped covered box. In sterling silver and marked for J. E. Caldwell. A wonderful vintage box with great design! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in o...
Sterling Silver
J.E. Caldwell 1.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1950's J.E. Caldwell of Philadelphia diamond brooch. 30 round brilliant cut diamonds in a circular platinum setting. 30 round brilliant cut diamonds, G-H VS approx. 1.20cts...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum J. E. Caldwell Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum J. E. Caldwell Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring. This unbelievable Art Deco J. E. Caldwell black opal ring is crafted in platinum. This ring fe...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
$7,450
W 1.38 in L 1.5 in
J. E. Caldwell Art Nouveau Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Wolf Head Brooch
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized wolf head with dimensional features Engraved and grooved with flowing fur texture throughout Accented by round cut rubies flush set as eyes Weighing approximat...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
J. E. Caldwell & Co. Art Deco Diamond Drop Platinum Necklace
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Greenwich, CT
Intoxicating. This glowing J. E. Caldwell & Co. Art Deco pear shape diamond platinum drop vintage necklace is buzzworthy. With a 124 diamonds totaling a weight of approximately...
Diamond, Platinum
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Material | Creation Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $4,189 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $600-$14,750 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
