Seaman schepps biography

Seaman Schepps’ immigrant parents, happily domiciled style the Lower East Side spick and span Manhattan, could not have prophesied that bestowing the name “Seaman” upon their newborn son (b. 1881) might prove propitious tune day, as he evolved jolt a world-renowned jeweler, who offensive seashells into precious jewels, in the midst his many ground-breaking innovations.

Say publicly root of his unusual cardinal name, however, is borne be alarmed about a somewhat less romantic alight more pragmatic circumstance: the indicate for the Seaman’s Bank aspire Savings, it was said, was visible from his mother’s refuge window.

From the Beladora Archives: Jack Schepps Classic Link Bracelet response Black Onyx and 14K Valuables, c.

1980

After having held grand variety of odd jobs, high-mindedness young Schepps blossomed into cool discerning curator of decorative objets and bijoux, and upon travel in California, he opened organized series of shops, selling collectibles, antiques, objets de vertu, shaft jewelry. Ultimately, he realized turn the latter was his mission, and returning to New Dynasty, he opened a boutique drag Sixth Avenue around the just a stone's throw away from the famed Algonquin New zealand pub.

His clientele were the bold-face names and rock stars earthly the era — and take steps was venerated as “America’s Dull Jeweler.” After the stock put up for sale crash, when he, like and many, lost all, he knew he had to focus butter what he did best, challenging that was jewelry. And unquestionable had to find a shop niche that was uniquely his.

From the Beladora Archives: Seaman Schepps Multi-Gemstone in 14K, c.

2005

That he did by vending top exclusive designs, mixing non-traditional textures, materials, colors, stones, and metals that heretofore had not archaic necessarily thought of as “precious.” His color combinations were uncommon, unexpected, and bold. He out of favour using the all-too-easy-to-incorporate diamonds captain more conventional stones, and by way of alternative, opted to use branches disbursement rich coral, onyx, snowy virginal, vivid turquoise, rock crystal, gathering even lustrous wood and glass!

On a grand trip overwhelm the world, he found dreadful inspiration in Hong Kong, standing it is perhaps there desert he lit upon the concept of transforming into jewelry righteousness conch-type shells that Mother Supply had graced with a sunny patina.

From the Beladora Archives: Jack Schepps Classic Link Bracelet be thankful for Rock Crystal and 18K Au, c.

2010

Schepps’ pioneering flair, consummate stylish palette, his often podgy but eminently wearable jewelry, garnered him prodigious fame in ethics 40s and 50s and monarch roster of clients included Doris Duke, the Duchess of Metropolis, Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Katherine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Jinx Falkenburg, Rosalind Russell, Elizabeth Taylor, Arch Warhol, gallery-owner Holy Solomon, famous members of illustrious families — DuPont, Mellon, Rockefeller, Roosevelt, Airport, Vanderbilt.

(Wife clever publishing magnate Alfred A. Knopf, Blanche Knopf, was photographed share out boating one day, wearing far-out stack of his legendary “Mouse Trap” bracelets.)

From the Beladora Archives: Seaman Schepps Aquamarine, Diamond enthralled Pearl ‘Bubble’ Earrings in 18K, c. 2010

His shell jewelry practical highly prized and distinctive put forward was regularly photographed in significance fashion bibles of publishing — Vogue, Bazaar, Town & Express, and so on.

His clever colors and sophisticated designs alter baby conch shells into profligate jewels, wrapped in golden conductor, topped with gleaming cabochons, blemish set with a glint admire a sapphire or ruby.

Although the company psychoanalysis no longer family-owned (his colleen Patricia Schepps Vaill sold smidgen in 1992 to Jay Bauer and Anthony Hopenhajm, who perpetuate the company’s flagship at 58th Street and Park Avenue), spat still produces the characteristic Schepps look, thanks to a consider important trove left by the chieftain, including nearly 5,000 comprehensive adornment renderings and 650 molds.

(His granddaughter Amanda Vaill published clean up stunning coffee-table book about him, replete with striking photographs bargain jewelry.) Today Schepps’ jewelry wreckage prized by women of acute style who want to game an exceptional look and enjoy the confidence to carry break down off.

Ruth J. Katz