J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
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.
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
1930s French Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Agate, Onyx, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Bronze
1950s Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
14k Gold, Gold
1920s French Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Amazonite, Jade, Onyx, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
1980s European Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
1980s French Retro Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Agate, Rock Crystal
1920s French Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1930s French Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Late 20th Century J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
18k Gold
1930s Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Art Deco J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Sterling Silver
1890s Victorian Antique J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Yellow Gold
1920s American Art Deco Vintage J.E. Caldwell Co. Desk Accessories
Brass
