Born in Manhattan, Seaman Schepps worked odd jobs as a child to help support his family. In addition to work and school, he was passionate about art from an early age. Working as a traveling salesman, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and finally, settled in Los Angeles, California.

Seaman Schepps (1881 – 1972) originally commenced the loan business in his name, and in April, 1904, incorporated the business under the State laws of California, trading the Schepps & Harris Jewelry Co. Schepps opened his new store at 621 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California in December 1908, a few days’ before Christmas.

On April 15, 1910, J.T. Harris and S S Schepps dissolved the partnership. So, Schepps continued the business at 861 S Broadway. In 1913 he moved to 321 S Seventh street, where he obtained the jewelry concession in the store of Watson-Milton co. Subsequently he closed out the jewelry department in the latter store.

However, in January 1915 Schepps, dealer in jewelry and curios, filed a petition in bankruptcy. According to the Jewelers’ Circular “no information as to the cause of the petition is obtainable from Mr. Schepps”.

New York Jeweler Seaman S Schepps (1881 – 1972)

In 1921, Schepps opened a shop on 6th Avenue in the heart of New York City, but the Great Depression led to the closure of the store after eight years. However, it was during this time that Schepps decided to abandon the antiques trade and pursue a jewelry business. His love of art and artistic talent manifested themselves in the development of exclusive designs that combine unique ideas, bold colors, and interesting textures.

After embarking on a months-long journey with his wife, he spent four months in Asia. It was there that he found the inspiration and resources to create extraordinary jewelry. While in China, he purchased materials for jewelry making—coral branches, jade, ivory, and wood.

Recognition

In 1934, Schepps reopened his shop on Madison Avenue. His jewelry was admired by high society, including the Rockefellers, the Du Ponts, and the Duchess of Windsor. Many of his clients were patrons of the arts, theater figures, and stars of stage and screen. His jewelry also inspired renowned jewelers such as David Webb.

Jewelry created by Schepps frequently appeared in fashion magazine Vogue in the 1940s and 1950s.

In the early 1950s, the Seaman Schepps jewelry brand reached the peak of its popularity. Schepps created unexpected combinations, fusing diamonds, precious metals, synthetic materials, ebony, mother-of-pearl and glass. Schepps’ talent was highly recognized—he won several awards for excellence in jewelry design.

Awards for Excellence in Jewelry Design

In November 1954, his necklace of brilliant cut diamonds, chosen by the Selection Committee for Diamonds Awards for its exquisite design and flexibility, graced the cover of Jewelers’ Circular. Noteworthy, Schepps was one of the 1954 Diamonds USA Award winners, along with Spaulding & Co., Tiffany, Nat Koslow, Raymond Abrahams, and Elgin.

From that time on, Schepps regularly received the prestigious national and international jewelry awards for creative excellence in jewelry design. Noteworthy, the designer was already over 70 years old. He retired from his jewelry business at the age of 88.

Following his death in 1972, his daughter Patricia Schepps Vaill (1919 – 1993) took over the family business. She ran the firm for sixteen years until her retirement in 1988.

Jewelry by Seaman S Schepps