Seaman Schepps Jewelry
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.
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Creator: Seaman Schepps
Seaman Schepps Chalcedony Pearl Yellow Gold Seahorse Brooch Pin
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful Seahorse brooch by Seaman Schepps.
Made of carved chalcedony and 18k yellow gold, featuring pearl. Stamped with Seaman Schepps maker's mark, a hallmark for 18k gold and a serial number.
Measurements: 2" H x 1 1/4" W. The weight is 25.9 grams.
About the designer
Applying unconventional materials in jewelry making have been a signature of Seaman Schepps style. Since 1940s, such media as exotic wood, shell, rock crystal along with the precious stones have found a perfect place in the whimsical Schepps creations. Most of the time his pieces are chunky and featuring oversized details. The brand has specialized in making massive bangles, large curbside link necklaces and sculptural brooches.
Vintage Seaman Schepps jewelry...
Category
1970s Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Chalcedony, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Gold, Diamond and Emerald Leaf Clip-Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps Gold, Diamond and Emerald Leaf Clip-Brooch
7 old European and transitional-cut diamonds ap. 1.55 cts.,
8 rectangular step-cut emeralds ap. 2.00 cts.,
signed Seaman S...
Category
1940s Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Gold
Seaman Scheeps Vintage Classic Turbo Shell Earclips
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Bethesda, MD
Classic turbo shell earclips from the 1960s by Seaman Schepps. The silvery-white shells with pink overtones are caressed in gleaming gold wire with a cabochon ruby terminal. Signed 'P.S.V. of Seaman Shepps...
Category
1960s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Ruby, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Yellow Gold, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Torino, IT
Glamourous Tutti Frutti Ring in Yellow Gold with 3 cabochon cut gems: Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. The three gorgeous gems are set with 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds to give sparkle an...
Category
Late 20th Century American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Vintage Gold Wood Curb Link Bracelet Duo/ Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous wood and 18k gold Seaman Schepps set comprises of a curb link necklace that separates into two bracelets.
Stamped with Seaman Schepps maker's marks and a hallmark for 18k...
Category
Early 2000s Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Multi-Strand Green Beryl Bead Necklace with 18KYG Diamond Catch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Seaman Schepps multi-strand faceted green beryl bead necklace with 18k yellow gold and diamond clasp.
This necklace features 3 strands of ...
Category
20th Century Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Beryl, Diamond, Green Beryl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Six Strang Coral and Diamond Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Of 6 beaded coral strands, joined by a fluted coral and round brilliant-cut diamond clasp
18K Yellow Gold.
18 inches.
The necklace is finished with a substantial clasp that is furt...
Category
20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Clear Crystal Clip on Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Dallas, TX
Seaman Schepps Rock Crystal and Gold Braided Earrings.
50.1 Grams
Marked Seaman Schepps 750 1699
1.25 inches length
1 inch width
18K yellow gold
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Crystal, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps 14K White Gold 1970's Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
"This ring by Seaman Schepps is of cluster design, set with cabochon and variously-cut rubies, and a pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamond leaf
14k white gold
Signed P.S.V. of Seaman ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Carnelian Seaman Schepps Hoops
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Carnelian Hoops by Seaman Schepps. Stamped Seaman Schepps 750.
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Aquamarine Swirl Clip on 18K Yellow Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in beverly hills, CA
Seaman Schepps 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Swirl Earrings showcasing faceted oval shaped aquamarine, accented by textured gold leaf petals. Total estimated w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Retro Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 14K White Gold Cluster Sapphire and Ruby Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps earrings of cluster design, set with cabochon sapphires and faceted and cabochon rubies, enhanced by round brilliant-cut diamonds, circa 1970s.
Signed P.S.V. of Seaman...
Category
20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Multistone Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning and most unusual multistone bracelet by Seaman Schepps. Lapiz lazuli; coral; cat's eye; jade; onyx and carnelian are set in round, oval an...
Category
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Onyx, Turquoise, Cat’s Eye, Carnelian, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Ruby Cabochon Diamond Gold Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14k gold brooch by Seaman Schepps, with three diamonds - approx. 0.45ctw and ruby cabochons (multiple stones have chips). Brooch measu...
Category
20th Century American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Seaman Schepps Diamond, Crystal Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite brooch by Seam Schepps, crafted as a carved crystal with brilliant diamond accents mounted in 18k white gold, signed Seaman Schepps.
Appr...
Category
1980s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold
Signed Seaman Schepps Cabochon Rubellite Tourmaline Clip-On Earrings in 18k
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
An unusual pair of large cabochon rubellite tourmaline clip-ons by the iconic jewelry house Seaman Schepps. These two large and well-matched size and color cabochon rubellite tourmal...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Tourmaline, Rubelite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Earrings Rock Crystal 18 Karat Gold Large Square Cage
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of vintage Seaman Schepps rock crystal earrings set with rock crystal crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Weight: 33.3 grams
...
Category
Early 2000s American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Seaman Schepps Diamond Pe 18 Karat White Gold Drop Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Lustrous South Sea pearls exhibiting a soft silvery grey with pink and purple opalescence are suspended from similarly-shaped diamond tops. The earrings have a sophisticated and impo...
Category
20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Multi-Colored Stone Pearl Necklace
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
14K W/gold multi-colored stone diamond clasp/pendant pearl necklace. Old mine, old European cut diamonds weighing approx. 2.6 cts, J-K VS-SI, cab ruby weighing approx. 12.8 cts, cab ...
Category
20th Century American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Pearl
Seaman Schepps Amber Gold Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
18k gold and amber link bracelet by Seaman Schepps . Bracelet is 7" long, wearable lenth is approx. 6.5". Width - 26mm. Marked: 6279, Seaman Schepps, 750, Shell mark. Weight - 55.2 ...
Category
20th Century American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Amber, Gold
Seaman Schepps Multi-Color Cabochon Gemstone Earrings and Necklace Set
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps, son of immigrants, grew up in New York's Lower East Side and was renowned for his chunky retro and 1950's jewelry. Rare original stones have been an inspiration throu...
Category
20th Century American Modern Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Seaman Schepps Clematis Rock Crystal Flower Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps Clematis flower brooch in 18kt yellow gold with hand-carved rock crystal with mother of pearl underneath, sapphires, cultured pearls, diamonds and emeralds.
Category
Late 20th Century Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold,...
Seaman Schepps Yellow Sapphire, Wood Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Exceptionally crafted by Seaman Schepps, comprising a vintage link bracelet crafted with interlocking links made of 18k yellow gold embellished with yellow sapphires and black wood, ...
Category
1990s American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Sapphire, 18k Gold
1960s Seaman Schepps GIA Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Brooch Pin
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
This Vintage 1960's Seaman Schepps lapel brooch of natural inspiration weighing 19.35 grams exposes a GIA certified octagonal step-cut natural beryl very fine aquamarine weighing approx. 45.29 carats and measuring 23.76 x 21.44 x 12.98 mm, set within a yellow gold basket-shape frame. The prominent azure gemstone is embellished with botanic motif leaves and stems, with round-faceted diamonds simulating enchanting buds, weighing approx. 0.90 carats, graded G-H color and VS clarity. The reverse features double pins of identical length with rotating locks, bearing the designer's name Seaman Schepps on the hinged cylinder This designer lapel brooch remains in excellent condition.
Pin Measurement: 40mm x 30mm
Accompanied by GIA Aquamarine...
Category
1960s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Crystal Onyx Diamond Convertible Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Crystal Onyx Diamond Detachable Earrings in 18k White Gold.
A gorgeous pair of detachable on-the-ear clips by Seaman Schepps comprising reeded rock crystals and flute...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold
8.68 Carat Sapphire Ring, Signed Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Graduated pyramids of sapphires are assembled in simple, magnificent splendor, part of the Portofino collection, compliments of iconic American jeweler Seaman Schepps. The stones wei...
Category
2010s American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin, Seaman Schepps
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Large Coral and Adventurine Stickpin attributed to Seaman Schepps. Likely antique carved stone elements set onto 14k gold.
1940's USA. Excellent Condition. Unsigned.
Length 3.75&qu...
Category
1940s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Coral, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Emerald Ruby Diamond Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A Seaman Schepps floral brooch in 18kt yellow gold with cabochon emerald, sapphires and rubies, highlighted with diamonds. Made in the United States, circa 1970s.
Category
1970s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k 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...
Category
1960s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Seaman Schepps Sapphire, Diamond and Rock Crystal Ring, circa 1940
By Seaman Schepps
Located in London, GB
Sapphire, diamond and rock crystal ring, by Seaman Schepps circa 1940. A platinum and white gold ring vertically set with two hexagonal cabochon sapphires of differing sizes in collet settings with an approximate total weight of 4.00 carats, each encircled by a single row of forty eight round eight cut diamonds in bead settings with an approximate total weight of 0.70 carats, saddled over an inverted emerald-cut rock crystal, above an open gallery, flanked by tri-part shoulders, and on a square shank. UK finger size H 1/2.
Seaman Schepps was born in New York City’s tenement-dominated Lower East Side in 1881, the son of Hungarian immigrants. Rising from these humble beginnings, he built a business that featured designs which drastically departed from the traditional modes of his day. These adventurous jewels came to define a new style that became popular with the elite of the 1930’s...
Category
1940s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
Seaman Schepps 9.45 Carat Moonstone White Gold Portofino Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Graduated pyramids of moonstone are assembled in simple, magnificent splendor, part of the Portofino collection, compliments of iconic American jeweler Seaman Schepps. The stones wei...
Category
2010s American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Seaman Schepps Wide Rock Crystal Onyx Diamond Link Bracelet
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps Wide Rock Crystal Onyx Diamond Link Bracelet
A gorgeous bracelet by Seaman Schepps comprising a series of carved rock crystals connected by onyx links, embellished with brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond carat weight is approx. 6.00 carats total. Measures approx. 8" in length, with inner circumference approx. 6.75". Width approx. 1.50". Each crystal link measures approx. 1.30" by 1.50".
with "750" assay mark as well as makers mark of Seaman Schepps; circa 2000.
Yafa Signed...
Category
Late 20th Century American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
c.1950s SEAMAN SCHEPPS Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare and special brooch created by Seaman Schepps in the 1950s. Inspired by Asian motifs.
It is 2.25" high and 2" wide.
Category
1950s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps White quartz Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Measuring just hint under 1 inch in diameter, the earrings are designed as a large cabochon of white quartz, framed in brilliant white diamonds and tipped with blue sapphire "pr...
Category
2010s American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Quartz, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
SEAMAN SCHEPPS Men's Dress Set
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Distinctive 18K gold men's dress set, made and signed by Seaman Schepps. Consisting of double-sided cufflinks and four studs. Raised cushion-shaped carved polite with faceted diamo...
Category
1990s American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
18k Gold
The Unicorn Tappestry
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Carved crystal and 14k yellow gold wire unicorn brooch
Category
American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Ceylon Sapphire Ring by SEAMAN SCHEPPS
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Unique design spectacular Retro ring by American designer Seaman Schepps, 10 oval ceylon sapphires approximately 40 carats 3 diamonds 0.50 carats
Category
Mid-20th Century American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Sapphire
Seaman Schepps Shell Pendant with Citrine in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Lucerne, CH
Playful pendant, stunning piece of jewelry created by the legendary designer Seaman Schepps. Created with captivating seashell in a beautiful shade of ochre and 18 Karat yellow gold,...
Category
20th Century North American Artist Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps 2.00ct Cabochon Cut Emerald Engagement Ring, Circa 1975
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Seaman Schepps ring showcasing cabochon emeralds and baguette-cut diamonds in an alternating pattern. The emeralds weigh around ...
Category
1970s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps Ruby Diamond Bombé Ring
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Seaman Schepps ring featuring approximately 25 carats of cabochon rubies from Burma and approximately 0.75 carat of diamonds. The stones are set on 18 ...
Category
1980s Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps 18k Yellow Gold Chalcedony Jumbo Shrimp Earrings
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Larger-sized "Shrimp" earrings in 18k yellow gold, featuring an intricate caged design of eight twisted gold wires holding a matching pair of carved light purple chalcedony. Clip-sty...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Chalcedony, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Ring Diamond 18k Gold Band Estate Jewelry
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bold yet elegant band ring created by Seaman Schepps in the 1980s. Beautiful highly polished yellow gold shank crossed over with six diamond bars gives the band modernist and stylish...
Category
1980s American Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Emerald Sapphire Gold Earring Mother of Pearl
By Seaman Schepps
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Seaman Schepps Turbo Shell Emerald Sapphire Cabochon Gold Earring Mother of Pearl
This exquisite pair of earrings are beautifully crafted in pla...
Category
1960s Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Seaman Schepps Fluted Scrimps Earrings in 18Kt Yellow Gold with Carved Rose Wood
By Seaman Schepps
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of clip-earrings designed by Seaman Schepps.
A vintage pair made in New York city, United States in the early 1970's. They was crafted in solid 18 karats yellow gold and suited...
Category
1970s American Modernist Vintage Seaman Schepps Jewelry
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seaman Schepps jewelry & watches for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a range of Seaman Schepps jewelry & watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Seaman Schepps jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Seaman Schepps diamond jewelry & watches, from our inventory of 60, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 172 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider jewelry & watches by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co., and Verdura. Prices for Seaman Schepps jewelry & watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,375 and tops out at $125,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $10,583.
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