Seashells by the Seashore

Rising to prominence in the 1930’s, Seaman Schepps (1881 – 1972) defied all previous ideas of what jewelry should look like, diverting from the traditional, and juxtaposing platinum and diamonds with luminous accents of color, as well as man-made and natural materials. Like these recently purchased 18 karat yellow gold, ruby and sapphire shell earrings – one of Seaman Schepps’ more renowned designs inspired by the early works of Verdura.

As “America’s Court Jeweler,” Schepps developed a high profile client list including Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, the Duchess of Windsor, and members of Du Pont, Mellon and Rockefeller families. His jewelry stood for style and originality more than wealth, with cover features in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

To continue his legacy his daughter Patricia Schepps Vaill made jewelry in her father’s style, often using elements from pieces he had designed. Today’s designs draw on archives containing over 5000 detailed renderings and 650 molds. Vaill developed a new look in jewelry aimed at appealing to a younger clientele.