(1839 - present)
Venerable American jeweler from Philadelphia known for its Art Nouveau and Deco jewels. In 1839, James Emmett Caldwell began to supply wealthy Philadelphians with stylish European jewelry, silver, and objets d'art.

Previously Caldwell had trained as a silversmith in New York City. Upon opening, 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 and Co. After fires ravaged the city in that same year, the store was rebuilt at 902 Chestnut Street.

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the firm began to create beautiful gem-set, hand fabricated Art Nouveau jewels. Its pieces are among the finest examples of American Art Nouveau jewelry; they feature finely chased surfaces, unusual gemstones, as well as typical Nouveau motifs: curvaceous women, vines, garlands, flowers, and insects.

In 1916, J.E. Caldwell relocated to a more fashionable and affluent part of town, at the corner of Juniper and Chestnut Street.

Throughout the 1920’s, the firm produced fine pieces of Art Deco jewelry for which it is still known. Since then, it has continued to offer high quality jewels according to the current styles.