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.
J. E. Caldwell Antique Diamond Cluster Ring, American, circa 1910
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
J. E. Caldwell antique diamond cluster ring. Set vertically to centre with three round old cut diamonds in open back rubover settings and ...
Diamond, Platinum
Ornate Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Ornate diamond cluster ring, circa 1920. A platinum ring set with one central round old cut diamond in a claw setting weighing 2.09 carats, I colour, SI2 clarity, flanked by two roun...
Diamond, Platinum
Belle Époque diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Belle Époque diamond cluster ring. Vertically set with four cushion shape old mine diamonds in open back rubover settings with a combined approximate weight of 2.60 carats, further a...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Vintage diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with one cushion shape old mine diamond, I colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 1.50 carats in an ...
Diamond, Platinum
Chaumet Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1935
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
Chaumet diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a round old cut diamond, J colour, VS2 clarity, with an approximate weight of 1.19 carats in an open back claw setting, flanked by si...
Diamond, Platinum
Mellerio Art Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1925
By Mellerio Paris
Located in London, GB
Mellerio Art Deco diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.40 carats, surrounded by a single row of twelve cushion shape old cut diamonds in open back grain settings with a combined weight of 1.00 carats. The total approximate diamond weight is 2.40 carats, to an elegant octagonal cluster...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.37 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum - Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1930s 2.37 carat diamond and platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning fine and impressive 1930s diamond ring...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1900, 1.00 Ct Total
Located in Napoli, IT
Edwardian Sensual and sinuous ballerina design ring, Platinum hand crafted as unique, 1900 ca Fine openwork with a timeless Edwardian design, set with vertical trio of Diamonds encir...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.25Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.25 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold ring with platinum settings; part of our diverse diamond cluster rings collection. This stunning, fine and impressive diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting. The pierced decorated, circular setting is ornamented with an impressive feature 0.60ct Old European cut diamond, encircled with nine Old European cut diamonds. The bifurcated, swept ring shoulders are embellished with six pavé set Dutch cut diamonds, integrating with the main setting and blending seamlessly with the plain hallmarked ring shank. The outer surface of the ring shank is hallmarked with the French 18k gold mark (eagle's head) and the platinum mark (dog's head). This 1920s Old European diamond cluster ring...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Approx. 1.00 Carat
Located in Plantation, FL
A finely crafted Art Deco platinum diamond cluster ring dating to the 1920s, showcasing a beautifully proportioned Old European cut center diamond framed within an elegant geometric ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.55 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.55 carat diamond and platinum three stone cluster engagement ring; part of our diverse collection of 1920s jewelry. This stunning, fine and...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.43ct Diamond & Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique and contemporary 1.43 carat diamond and platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impress...
Diamond, Platinum
