J.E. Caldwell: Known for Uncompromising Quality
901165 - Art Deco J E Caldwell Platinum Alexandrite Diamond Ring
Having acquired his status as a master silversmith in 1835, Caldwell moved to New York City, where he began to learn watchmaking. One year later, he relocated to Philadelphia and began working with a wholesale jeweler, then a watch importer and jewelry manufacturer. In 1839, James Emmott Caldwell began to supply discerning Philadelphians with stylish jewelry, silver and watches. Caldwell’s business quickly flourished. Over several decades, the store changed locations and owners a handful of times. In 1868, the firm was officially dubbed J. E. Caldwell & Co. After fires ravaged the city in that same year, the store was rebuilt at 902 Chestnut Street.
22903 - Circa 1950 J.E. Caldwell Platinum Diamond Ruby Pin
Upon his death in 1881, Caldwell's son, James Albert, took over the reins. When the Art Nouveau fashion gripped the United States by the end of the 19th century, Caldwell’s artisans were instrumental in creating memorable Art Nouveau pieces. J.E. Caldwell designs featured a variety of floral motifs, nymphs, and designs replete with curves and swirls. After James Emmott, J.E. Caldwell’s namesake, succeeded his father, the store moved to the corner of Juniper and Chestnut in 1916, J.E. Caldwell Co. received special recognition for their pretty Belle Epoque jewels, featuring platinum and gem-set pieces admired for their technical expertise.
73380 - J.E. Caldwell Emerald Diamond Bracelet Circa 1961
While the jeweler had always enjoyed accolades for their handmade jewels, it was during the Edwardian, and into the Art Deco periods that J.E. Caldwell truly flourished. Its jewelers excelled in creating handcrafted designs. Traditional materials were employed, including platinum and gold settings with diamonds, precious, and semi-precious gems. With the dawn of the Art Deco craze, the Caldwell firm again stepped up and began setting the pace, sealing their reputation for superior style as well as uncompromising quality. The result was a reputation for superior Art Deco jewelry that not only cemented the company’s name at the time but has kept it desirable to this day. In 1924, J.E. Caldwell moved into the majestic space at 1339 Chestnut Street. The store itself was a work of art, boasting an elaborate setting, that dovetailed perfectly with the tastes of the jeweler's wealthy clientele. A piece from J.E. Caldwell is timeless; its value treasured to this day.
21977 - J.E. Caldwell Circa 1965 Bouquet Pin
In 1952 Austïon Homer became president, and the following year began an ambitious store expansion program. Over the ensuing decades, and after a decline in fortune, Caldwell & Co. was purchased by Henry Birks & Sons of Montreal, and then in August 1992 acquired by Carlyle & Co. of Greensboro, North Carolina. Over the years, additional branch locations debuted, but by 2003, the Chestnut location became too large for the company’s shrinking bottom line. Owned at the time by Peter Bruck, Carlyle & Co., J.E. Caldwell closed down the store and hoped that the remaining six locations would do sufficiently well to support the former jewelry empire. Sadly, the remaining stores closed in 2009.
50914 - Circa 1950 J.E.Caldwell Platinum Star Sapphire Diamond Earrings
Sources:
American Jewelry: Glamour & Tradition
Proddow, Penny and Debra Healy. Published by Rizzoli, New York (1987) ISBN 10:0847808300
https://artist.christies.com/J-E-Caldwell-Co-28424.aspx
https://www.incollect.com/artists/vintage-je-caldwell-estate-jewelry