Skip to content
J. E. Caldwell Edwardian Sugarloaf Sapphire and Diamond Ring
$11,500
This Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring set in platinum was created by J.E. Caldwell, Philadelphia. It centers a sugarloaf cabochon sapphire, weighing approximately 1.75 carats, within a navette form surround with foliate motifs set with old mine-cut diamonds, flanked by old mine-cut diamond shoulders, with millegrain accents, above an open gallery with swag motifs. This delicate little ring of graceful shape with finely worked platinum serves as a glittering mini showcase for the vibrant blue sapphire.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item #: R-21175
Artist: J.E. Caldwell, Philadelphia
Country: United States
Circa: 1900
Materials: 1 sugarloaf cabochon sapphire (weighing approximately 1.75 carats); 42 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 1.40 carats); Platinum
Signed: J.E.C. & Co., I6037
James Emmott Caldwell (1813-1881) trained as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker in New York City before founding his own business in Philadelphia in 1839. The firm acquired a national reputation by winning competitive silver commissions and participating along with Tiffany & Co and Starr & Marcus as one of the three American jewelers to exhibit at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876. Along with Bailey, Banks & Biddle, the firm was a favorite of Main Line Philadelphians, and is known for its refined Edwardian and Art Deco platinum jewelry. A stereoscopic view of Caldwell's opulent store with soaring ceilings and windows reveals it as a two story emporium of precious goods. Visible in the sepia toned image are jewelry-filled long glass cases with velvet stools,and arrrayed with sculptures including busts, herms and full length figures, while behind the glass counters are tall vitrines filled with objets. The image is available in the digital collection of the New York Public Library at https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e0-a924-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99