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.
$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
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 & Co. Art Deco Desk Clock circa 1930s with Engraved Dial
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.E.Caldwell, Philadelphia STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Desk Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Nickel Finish CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 8 Inch Square MOVE...
Vintage Gold-Plated Diamond Head Pocket Gas Lighter By S. T. Dupont, Paris
By S.T. Dupont
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Gold-Plated Diamond Head Pocket Gas Lighter By S. T. Dupont, Paris S.T. Dupont Vintage Diamond Head Gold 20µ Ligne 1 Small Gas Lighter A beautiful ...
Gold Plate
Vintage Crystal Band Tiara 1990s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A elegantly sleek Vintage Crystal Band Tiara from the 1990s. A continuous row of closely set crystal stones forms a seamless band. The perfect finishing touch for your wedding day o...
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold
Located in London, England
A truly elegant Edwardian old cut diamond tiara set in silver and gold, circa 1910. This beautifully handcrafted tiara is composed of a number ...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Cartier Desk & Travel Clock – Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition – 1980s
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Desk & Travel Clock – Cathay Pacific Pilot Edition – 1980s A rare and highly collectible Cartier desk and travel clock with a unique aviation provenance. Issued by Cathay Pacific Airways to long‑haul pilots, this piece was designed as a refined bedside or desk companion during stopovers. Featuring the airline’s stamp on the caseback, it combines Cartier elegance with genuine historical significance. Key Details • Model: Cartier Desk & Travel Clock • Era: Mid‑1980s • Case Size: 50mm x 50mm • Case Material: Brass • Dial: Signed Cartier Paris • Hour Markers: Black Roman numerals • Hands: Classic Cartier style • Crown: Set with original blue cabochon stone • Movement: Quartz • Functions: Time (alarm no longer operational) • Mechanism: Foldable travel case design Condition Report Case: Shows visible marks and scratches from travel use, adding authentic character and provenance. Dial: Clean and well preserved with strong Cartier signature and legibility. Hands: Original and in excellent condition. Crown: Blue cabochon intact and original. Overall: A well‑travelled piece with honest wear, consistent with its history and purpose. Working Order Quartz movement recently fitted with a new battery. Timekeeping is accurate and reliable. Alarm function no longer operational and reflected in pricing. Our View This is far more than just a travel clock — it is a piece of aviation history. Cartier objects with documented airline provenance are rarely seen, and the connection to Cathay Pacific pilots makes this particularly special. The classic Roman dial, blue cabochon crown and foldable design give it unmistakable Cartier identity, while its honest wear tells a story of real use across the globe. A rare opportunity to acquire a unique and meaningful Cartier collectible that stands apart from typical luxury desk clocks.
Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780
Located in Altrincham, GB
A spectacular Georgian tiara, gorgeously crafted and fitted in a royal blue velvet box. Its composed of countless natural and seed pearls, I can't imagi...
Pearl, Base Metal
Cartier Baignoire Oval Gold-Tone Roman Numeral Travel Desk Clock with Box
By Cartier
Located in University Place, WA
A Cartier travel desk clock in the oval Baignoire silhouette, featuring a white dial with black Roman numerals, blue sword-shaped hands, the hidden Cartier signature within the numer...
Metal, Gold Plate
Antique Arts and Crafts Silver Plate Tiara Head Ornament
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This extravagant tiara in the Arts and Crafts taste was created out of silver plated copper in the last decade of the nineteenth century out of silver plated copper. The metal shows ...
Silver
Cartier Art Deco Sterling Silver and Enamel Miniature Desk Timepiece circa 1920s
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful miniature desk timepiece, rectangular case with blue enamel, accented by silver bands, centering a circular brushed silvered dial with gilt Arabic numerals, dial signed Cartier, case signed European Watch and Clock...
Sterling Silver
1950s Cartier Vintage Gold Eight Day Desk Clock
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This aesthetically captivating authentic circa 1950 Cartier eight-day desk clock is made with a solid 14K yellow gold case. It is rendered in artfully textured gold, adding a glitter...
14k Gold, Gold
$1,486Sale Price|25% Off
Empire Tiara 1810 fire gilt metal and flowers in brilliant cut crystal
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
This empire tiara was made out fire gilt metal in 1810. Empire Tiara 1810 fire gilt metal and flowers in brilliant cut crystal The tiara features a pierced border designed as a d...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
$3,963
H 4.65 in W 6.62 in D 1.74 in
Antique Empire Tiara Comb Hair Ornament Head Ornament Silver Guilt Gilt Metal
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning hair comb was hand crafted in France in 1810 ca. The tiara is made out of fire gilt brass. The top of the comb is made put of polished fire gilt metal. Underneath the p...
Silver, Gilt Metal
Bronze Tone Tiara with Faux Pearls, Beads and Rhinestones
Located in London, GB
Fabulous bronze tone tiara featuring white and bronze faux pearls, black beads and rhinestones. It has an unusual twig design. Measuring maximum width at the front 5.8 cm / 2.28 inc...
Antique Victorian 12K Yellow Gold J. E. Caldwell Thimble
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 12K Yellow Gold J. E. Caldwell Thimble. This beautiful piece is crafted in 12k yellow gold. This thimble is beautifully engraved and in amazing condition....
Yellow Gold
J.E.Caldwell & Co. Art Deco Gilt Brass 8 Day Manual Winding Desk Clock 1920s
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: J.E. Caldwell & Co STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Gilt Brass CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 3 inch Cushion Shape MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual W...
Brass