At first glance, downtown Nantucket’s 47 Main Street doesn’t look like your typical fine jewelry boutique; in fact, it was once home to Charles H. Jaggar’s Drug and Chemical Store beginning 1855 and later, Pitman and Congdon’s Pharmacy (surprising, considering the still-operating Nantucket Pharmacy at 45 Main Street also stood alongside it for decades). But thankfully, the historic building’s homeowner for the last nearly two decades, American jeweler Seaman Schepps, has restored the property to its original glory—and written its own Nantucket story along the way.

Having a relationship with the island for the last 25 years, Seaman Schepps is a nearly 120-year-old brand that started with one mere object: a seashell.

*A shell pendant and amulet from Seaman Schepps’ Spring and Summer 2023 Collection (Courtesy of Seaman Schepps)*

“Seaman Schepps (the artist) highlighted materials that are not only worn to a gala or a palace but can be worn every day,” the owner of Seaman Schepps, Anthony Hopenhajm, exclusively tells Little ACK Book. “What he did was chronicle this balance between high and low: he took a simple seashell, embellished it with gold and some stones, and it became the shell to wear at a social event. It was this idea of a simple gold bracelet but let’s alternate gold links with walnut wood ones.”

Seaman Schepps expansion to Nantucket (aside from its founding in New York and outpost in Palm Beach), then, came naturally. “There is no place that can be more hospitable to somebody using shells than on Nantucket,” says Hopenhajm. “It was a natural place for us to go, and we’re very happy to have a home there.”

*Seaman Schepps Lightship Basket Charm Bracelet (Courtesy of Seaman Schepps)*

While Seaman Schepps is already known around island for its interpretation of the iconic Nantucket basket charm (it boasts a certain proprietary fabrication where the woven gold threads reveal subtle gaps between them for a handcrafted effect), the brand has also become known for its Nantucket-exclusive product.

*One of three designs for Seaman Schepps newest City Charms (Courtesy Seaman Schepps)*

Among its newest releases for this season are three different designs of City Charms that salute the history and heritage of Nantucket: one depicting a Nantucket lighthouse, another showing a whale, and lastly, a map of the island with a mobile compass. The 18K yellow gold charms are available in three different sizes (25mm, 35mm, and 40mm) and only in-store. “Nantucket is a place that’s very dear to many people’s hearts and they love to have something of the island,” says Hopenhajm. “They want something that reminds them of who they are and is beautifully made.”

*One of Seaman Schepps newest releases: a custom Signet Ring (Courtesy Seaman Schepps)*

Additionally, the jeweler is introducing Signet Rings, which may be customized with any stone, metal, and family crest (that can be designed from scratch, if desired).

Aside from new pieces, the Main Street boutique offers a curation of estate jewelry, as well as fine home goods like stone flower pots and objets d’art that make for perfect host gifts. And, of course, there will always be seashells.

Inside Seaman Schepps Latest Jewelry Collection, Nantucket-Exclusive Pieces