Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A late 19th century American lily of the valley diamond spray brooch, by J. E. Caldwell & Co., the realistically designed Lily of the Valley sprig set throughout with graduated rose-cut diamonds, to a knife-wire stem suspending a series of old brilliant-cut diamond flowerhead drops, all tied by a rose-cut diamond set ribbon, the reverse signed ‘J E C & CO’, stamped serial number ‘G2737’, cased, total old brilliant-cut diamond weight approximately 3.51 carats, length 7cm.



£4,000-£6,000

J. E. Caldwell
Originally established as Caldwell & Bennett in 1839 by James E. Caldwell and his partner James M. Bennett, J. E. Caldwell & Co. has been manufacturing and retailing fine jewellery in Philadelphia since 1841. During the mid 19th century the firm was the chosen by agents of the women’s magazine ‘Godey’s Lady’s Book’, best known for its hand-tinted fashion plates, to fill jewellery orders placed by its subscribers. After receiving so many requests for jewellery designs the editors began to include illustrations and descriptions of the latest jewellery fashions, suggesting that the purchases be made through J. E. Caldwell & Co.

Along with Tiffany, Starr & Marcus and others, J. E. Caldwell & Co. exhibited at the 1876 Centennial Exhibitions in Philadelphia. The exhibition was in celebration of the nation’s birthday and designed to display the progress of the United States in arts, industry, science and commerce.

Towards the end of the 19th century the firm manufactured beautiful Art Nouveau jewellery, set with unusual gemstones and of naturalistic design. They went on to create fine Art Deco jewellery throughout the 1920’s for which they are still recognised today.

To this day, J. E. Caldwell & Co. continues to operate from its Chestnut Street location in Philadelphia.

Please note that this lot is subject to importation VAT of 5% on the hammer price unless re-exported outside of the UK, as per our terms and conditions of business.

Please note that this lot is subject to importation VAT of 5% on the hammer price unless re-exported outside of the UK, as per our terms and conditions of business.