Emerald & Sapphire Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

Where do I start with this breathtaking set? It's absolutely amazing and the deep emerald green and sapphire blue navette rhinestones are so glamorous! I love the style of the large flower- shaped clip earrings and the curved "shrimp" brooch is one of my all time favorite Sherman styles. You will see this design documented time and time again in my posts.

This sparkling set was purchased online for what I feel was nearly a "steal" and originated in Toronto. It always amazes me that so many beautiful sets are still available to purchase and I'm so pleased that they are (my hubby may feel differently though LOL!!). The deep vibrant colors are striking and the condition is mint, not a mark on either the rhinestones or on the back of any pieces. I don't know how they did it, but the earrings are extremely comfortable, yet feel secure when worn. Definitely a sign of high quality and attention to detail. 

The necklace I have photographed with this set is large and was purchased from a jewelry dealer in my area. All rhinestones have the aurora borealis finish and sparkle as the light hits them. The necklace is set in gold plate while the brooch and earrings are set in rhodium. All pieces are clearly marked Sherman.

I love the emerald green shades and know that with the upcoming holiday season (can you believe it's almost October!!) these pieces will definitely be worn and enjoyed! 

Champagne & Turquoise Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

One of the best deals I have made on eBay was for this magnificent "pinwheel" or "porcupine" shaped Sherman brooch with large clip style earrings. This beautiful set was listed with a starting bid of only $39.99 and believe it or not, I was the only bid! Unfortunately for the seller, the camera that was used did not do this beautiful set justice. My jaw hit the table when it arrived, I couldn't believe how exquisite it was in person.

The sparkling slender champagne navette rhinestones are mixed with a champagne aurora borealis that reflect an almost turquoise color. The domed setting is curved taking full advantage of the light on all sides creating a breathtaking array of reflection. The matching earrings are slightly curved and are so comfortable when worn, you can barely tell you have them on.  

The second set which is done with the same color combination, also includes a nice amber colored rhinestone and is made in a leaf design. The pretty drop earrings were purchased separately but are a perfect match in color and design. This set wasn't quite the bargain the first one was but well worth purchasing.

Both sets documented today are in excellent condition, everything is clearly marked Sherman and all pieces are set in shiny gold plate.

It never hurts to check online for bargains and sometimes the best deals can be made when you take a risk by bidding on an auction that doesn't have a great photo.  Those of you familiar with Sherman quality and designs can count on a beautiful piece if it's signed Sherman and the condition is excellent. The first set documented today proves that the picture isn't always the most important consideration when bidding. I'm certainly glad I took a risk that day!!!

Sherman Black Japanned Rhinestone Settings

One of the most sought after styles of Sherman rhinestone jewelry is that which is set in the black japanned or "gun metal" casings. The majority of Sherman jewelry was set in shiny rhodium plate followed by gold plate, however the japanned settings are by far the most rare. Usually seen on pieces with deeper colored rhinestones like black, red and fuchsia, this unique color setting can make even the palest shades pop by providing a black outline around the rhinestones.

The coating on a Japanned setting is done by applying a derivative of coal tar to create a matte or glossy black colored finish.  First used when manufacturing mourning jewelry, this process soon found its way into many lines of rhinestone jewelry. 

The three examples I am documenting today show both the glossy and matte finish. The amazing earrings feature more than a 2" drop and combine both marquise and round cut smoke colored rhinestones. This is the only glossy japanned setting I have seen to date but fingers crossed, I find a brooch, bracelet or necklace to match them someday.

The round open-style brooch features the more common matte finish of japanned setting, however the champagne colored rhinestones which are an unusual choice, come to life with the black outline. Like the earrings, I hope to match this lovely brooch with either earrings, a necklace or bracelet sometime down the road (wouldn't all three be nice LOL!!).

Lastly, the jet black "shrimp" brooch with clip earrings is a striking combination of black rhinestones with the matte finish of black japanned setting. Again, these "shrimp" or "pinwheel" designs are by far my favorite Sherman style.

All items documented today are clearly marked Sherman and in very good to excellent condition.

As collectors, it is sometimes wiser to invest your money in a few very collectable pieces rather than several more common pieces. Investing in any Sherman japanned jewelry is indeed a wise investment certain to more than hold its value!

 

Joan Rivers Classics Tomorrow's Collectible Jewelry

It seems like every time you turn around there is another celebrity on either QVC or the Canadian Shopping Channel promoting and selling their own line of costume jewelry.  Without mentioning any names, I've seen fake stones so large they look dull and tacky to other lines where the jewelry looks like it will fall apart the minute the 30-day money back guarantee is up. Overall, I'm not a big fan of the modern costume jewelry but I have taken note of Joan Rivers' line which has a very good chance of becoming collectible sometime down the road.

Joan Rivers Classics Collection can be purchased on both QVC and TSC as well as online. Her jewelry is made with Swarovski crystals and her settings are either rhodium or 22kt gold plated. Some of her designs are a bit too modern for my taste but I do think there will be a following of collectors long after pieces of her jewelry are retired. I happen to have a few that I have photographed for this post that I like to wear when I'm going for a more casual look. 

The line bracelets have lots of sparkle with stones that are individually claw set which is the mark of excellent quality.  The settings have retained their shine with no wear to the platting and they each feature a double safety lever on the push style clasps. They look nice when worn in groups, as Joan refers to as "Life Stripes". One other nice option modern costume jewelry offers is pierced earrings. The ones photographed are lever backs and match the widest line bracelet perfectly. My mom has this set along with an identical one in greens that I know she wears often.

This cherry pin is one of my favorite designs from Joan's line although I do wonder how long the pave set stones will stay in place.  Fingers crossed this one doesn't get dropped. The enameling on the other hand is very well done. Mom has this pin as well although I'm not sure how often she wears it.

The last two items from Joan Rivers Classics Collection that I believe will continue to climb in price are anything with Russian eggs and the sets with interchangeable color stones. The bee pins are also highly collectible. This pair of earrings along with the bee pin have the check-board cut rhinestone color options. 

As any collector of jewelry knows well, it is important to keep the original boxes and authenticity cards when you purchase any of the modern costume jewelry. It not only ensures the preservation of the jewelry and all of its components but will keep your pieces at the top of the list for jewelry collectors of the future. 

I'm sure that there are several other high-end modern costume jewelry lines that will continue to increase in value.  If you have a favorite that you are now collecting, please leave a comment and let us know. 

Striking Fuchsia Rhinestone Sherman Demi

Well, what words can describe the gorgeous vibrant shades of fuchsia and aurora borealis rhinestones that make up this magnificent Sherman demi-parure. Sets like this go fast and I was fortunate to get to a flea market in my area early where a well-known jewelry dealer was setting up her table. She had several other pieces of Sherman jewelry but I just couldn't resist adding such a vibrant set to my collection.  

Individual pieces are nice to have but when you have the opportunity to acquire a matching set in any of the highly sought after colors, it's worth the extra investment to buy it.  Sadly, as prices continue to increase, pieces of sets like this one are often sold separately. Once a matched set gets separated, it's nearly impossible for any collector to put them back together. Over time, more and more pieces of this magnificent jewelry get absorbed into collections all across North America and abroad reducing the number of available Sherman jewelry that comes up for sale. 

For now, this lovely set will stay together even though the brooch and earrings are not my favorite style but leaving them behind just wasn't an option. Storing everything in an original "Jewels of Elegance" metal case increases the value even more. I've seen these empty cases sell for $30 + online and nothing protects your rhinestone jewelry better when its in storage.

All pieces documented today are in absolute pristine condition, set in shiny rhodium plate and clearly marked Sherman.

Whether you are going out to at a nice restaurant or to a formal Christmas or New Year's Eve party, this beautiful set will look elegant on everything from that little black dress to a tailored classic pant suit.  Wear your Sherman, it's much too pretty to keep hidden away! 

Ultimate Sherman Jewelry Rigid Cuff Bracelet

So it's time to bring out the "big guns" which is what these magnificent Sherman rigid cuff bracelets are. Probably the most exquisite and highly collectable of all Sherman rhinestone jewelry, these bracelets are easily breaking the $1,200 mark on eBay.  I remember about two years ago watching a dark purple one with matching earrings and necklace go for around $700 and thinking that was ridiculous!  Well silly me, that same set would probably fetch somewhere around $3,000 + today.

These were manufactured in low numbers and that is reflected in what it must have taken to create one of these masterpieces.  They are huge at a full 1 1/2" wide and this particular style (there are two that I have seen) is double tiered.  This one is made in three separate "rigid" sections hinged together with a large hidden box-style clasp.  The rhinestones are a medium to dark blue aurora borealis in both angled marquise and round cuts, absolutely breathtaking. I can only imagine the social events these would have been worn to back in the 50's or 60's.

I know that many of them came from the Western region of Canada and that is where this one originated.  I was told that it had cost around $100 in the early 60's and had spent several years in a safety deposit box in Vancouver before being purchased by a local jewelry dealer. She kept it in her own collection for many years and through a conversation we were having one day at a flea market mentioned she was thinking about selling it. So it pays (or doesn't it LOL!!) to let local jewelry dealers know what you collect because the odds of me trying to duke it out on eBay for one of these is pretty darn low. This dealer who has sold to me before, knowing I was a collector, took me aside and offered this beautiful cuff bracelet to me at a price I couldn't refuse!  I honestly didn't think I would ever have the pleasure of seeing one in person let alone own one but here it is in all its glory. 

The pretty drop earrings I have paired it up with would have perfectly matched that $7,000 + necklace and bracelet I wrote about a couple of posts back if they had been in fuchsia.  For this bracelet though, the blue is a perfect companion and I love the unusual blue crystal drops. Striking!

All pieces documented today are clearly signed Sherman, set in shiny rhodium plate and are in very good, if not excellent condition.

Now if only I could get invited to that social event of the year so I would have a chance to wear them!!!

Crystal Bib Necklaces with LeC & Sherman Beads

A lot of the vintage jewelry I have collected over the years has been purchased at flea markets, yard sales and online but every now and then, I have the opportunity to acquire some very special pieces for my collection.

A couple of years ago, I was casually browsing in an antique store in my neighborhood where I found a new inventory of costume jewelry on display. The owner told me a bit about the origin of this beautiful jewelry and I was saddened to hear it had belonged to a lovely lady I had known.

Her name was Edie and I knew she had passed away only a month or so before.  Probably somewhere into her 80's, Edie had been charming, fun loving, spoke her mind and had a quick wit that would crack up everyone around her.  She had been an independent woman who had taken care of herself having never married or had children, well ahead of her time. She had worked at Eaton's her entire life and had remained attractive and vibrant well into her retirement. She was fit and trim, dressed with exquisite taste and style and never had a hair out of place.  Her jewelry was beautiful and I remember well admiring it whenever I would see her. Most was probably purchased at Eaton's while she worked there so her jewelry was of excellent quality and condition. I was so shocked to find it at an antique store surprised that anyone who had known her would dispose of it that way.

I was told by the store owner that her niece had inherited her jewelry and I expect that after picking out the genuine gold and gemstones had discarded the rest. I had him point out everything that had been Edie's so I could decide which items I would buy being so appreciative of the opportunity to purchase it at all. There were pieces of Sherman, a rhinestone duet, beaded necklaces, Coro thermoset and rhinestone demi parures. 

This post is devoted to the gorgeous beads she had owned.  The Sherman faux pearl and rootbeer beads were well loved and believe it or not, I can still smell her perfume on them. The collars are exquisite and I can't help but wonder what event she had purchased such elaborate crystal bibs for. The last set with earrings is my absolute favorite to date having been manufactured by LeC which was a high end division of Boucher jewelry. This set is so heavy and of such superior quality (check out that magnificent clasp!), it rivals, and at the risk of ticking off every Sherman collector out there, perhaps surpasses anything I have seen in Sherman beaded parures.

From time to time, pieces of Edie's jewelry will be noted in my posts where it will be fondly referred to as "An Edie" so if you notice that description popping up from time to time, it's not some unknown jewelry manufacturer. Edie's jewelry is now a very valued and appreciated part of my own collection and I can't help but smile when I see it remembering the delightful woman who had once owned it.

UnSigned Sherman FACT or FICTION? Conclusion

When I first started this series, I really wasn't sure if I would be able to decide one way or the other whether or not all pieces of Sherman jewelry were permanently stamped.  Up until recently, I was on the bandwagon of "Every piece was signed, no matter what!!" After giving it a lot of thought and examining my own collection, I'm ready to stick my neck out and put my own opinion in writing.

If you read the first post on this topic, I photographed a delicate Sherman paper hang tag that was attached to some of their jewelry after it was manufactured.  If all pieces were already permanently signed, why would these tags be necessary at all?  We all know they exist even though it would have been redundant to attach them to signed pieces. However, they would have been ideal to identify jewelry that was either unsigned or where permanent signatures were not a practical option due to design.  

In Post II, I examined two unusual identical brooches (with the exception of color), one signed, the other with no signature and in Post III, I showed that Sherman jewelry was produced using a combination of inconsistent permanent signing methods.

As collectors, we now have the benefit of "20/20 hindsight" fully aware of how critical that permanent signature is when buying or selling Sherman jewelry. Over time, it is expected that matched sets get separated, hang tags get discarded, pieces get broken or misplaced, display cases disappear etc.

It is highly unlikely that anyone during the 40's, 50's or 60's could have foreseen that "second hand" costume jewelry would be sold over and over at exceptionally high prices and need to be positively identified each and every time, especially 50 years later.  Back then, they would have anticipated establishing authenticity once for what they would have expected to be the only time. Being sold only at high-end department stores and by reputable independent jewelers would have provided even further proof of authenticity to the original purchaser.

It is my personal belief that all Sherman jewelry left the factory with one or any combination of the following:

1.  Embossed signature on the piece itself;

2.  Signature plate securely soldered on the item;

3.  Attached threaded signed paper tag; or

4.  Presentation in the "Jewels of Elegance" metal or cardboard storage case with matching signed pieces.

In the book "All that Glitters" which is a reference and value guide for Jewels of Elegance by Sherman, Valerie Hammond states that she was assured by members of the Sherman family that no "Unsigned" jewelry was produced by Sherman at any time.

If you stop and think about it though, all you have to do is change the word "Unsigned" to "Unidentified", and suddenly it all makes perfect sense.

I hope you will weigh in by leaving your own comments on this topic for others to ponder. Believe me, I can take the criticism!!!

UnSigned Sherman FACT or FICTION? Part III

Welcome to Part III as we investigate the ongoing debate of whether Sherman manufactured UnSigned jewelry. In today's post we will take a close look at rhinestone bracelets and necklaces to examine how the permanent stamped signatures were done. 

First though, I have to admit that my inventory of bracelets is limited to one particular style which I seem to buy over and over in different colors. I no longer have any with the fold-over clasp so this post will be devoted to the box-style only. Beaded bracelets on memory wire were covered in Part I.

I have taken three bracelets out of my collection for this post, all three are signed Sherman. Two different versions of the box-style clasp have been photographed, two vertical, one horizontally attached.  You will notice that two clasps are clearly embossed with the Sherman signature, the other is plain.  

In order to determine authenticity on a bracelet that has a plain box style clasp, we look for the signature somewhere else on the back of the bracelet which is how the third one is signed. We can now determine that not all bracelets had a soldered back plate with stamp and not all bracelets had embossed clasps. I have seen versions where a bracelet is double stamped exhibiting both and it makes me wonder if it's possible that a bracelet could have been produced at the opposite end of the spectrum by Sherman without a stamp at all. 

The necklaces I have photographed are also marked in different ways, one on the back of the center drop, the other on the end of the rhinestone link chain.  

Having inconsistent styles of signing jewelry surely makes room for error when producing pieces by joining separate components which is how Sherman jewelry was manufactured. Obviously, there were plain box style clasps used as well as stamped ones, unsigned rhinestone links for necklaces and other links with the name plate securely soldered into place.   

As a collector, I check eBay for pricing and to see what Sherman items are being offered for sale. It's a great source for completing sets and becoming more familiar with Sherman designs and styles.  About six months ago, I noticed a gorgeous rhinestone bracelet done in fuchsia with several tear-shaped drops listed with a necklace done in the identical style, same color, same swarovski drops, absolutely no question they were a set. To my amazement, I read the description only to find that the bracelet was signed while the necklace was NOT.  Now, there is no way on earth this necklace and bracelet were manufactured at different times or by different companies. Obviously the serious collectors agreed since this gorgeous demi went for over $7,000!!! 

Time and time again I have seen elaborate known Sherman necklaces show up on ebay, some signed, some not but absolutely no question that they are identical other than the missing stamp.  I have even seen the unsigned ones show up with Sherman hang tags still attached.  If these same necklaces were showing up with other stamps, than I think we would have to conclude that some other factory was producing these.  So far, I haven't seen anything even closely resembling these gorgeous styles so I guess for now, we will have to continue to wonder.

 

UnSigned Sherman FACT or FICTION? Part II

Today's post continues with the never-ending debate regarding "Unsigned" Sherman jewelry and I have a feeling there will be a Part III and Part IV coming up, maybe even a Part V.

Continuing from Part I, let's now examine brooches.  The two that are pictured (please pardon my reflection and that of the light fixture in the backs, these are both so shiny!) are exact replicas of one another; in design (they are actually stacked, made with three entirely separate components joined together to create dimension and height), weight (each weighs exactly 32 grams on an electronic scale), plating, polish, quality and attention to detail. One is signed Sherman, the other has no signature.  No collector or expert would pick the unsigned one out of a lineup uncertain of it's origin, especially after handling it. If you spotted it across the room at a flea market or at a yard sale, you would swear it was a Sherman and make a run for it LOL!!  

Unfortunately for me, it's the purple one that is unsigned although the perfectly matched earrings are signed Sherman.  Both the earrings and brooch were acquired from the same person who swore they were purchased together years ago securely tucked inside their original "Jewels of Elegance" case.  Don't forget that 50 years ago, the authenticity of it being a Sherman (if they did manufacture it) would only be intended to be proven once at the retail level. As I mentioned in my last post, it would have been highly unlikely at that time to foresee how collectible it would become decades later as a "second-hand" item. As collectors and dealers alike know, not having that permanent Sherman stamp decreases its value by about one half, possibly more, regardless of its quality, even with the signed earrings.

One explanation could be that the three components (don't forget it's stacked) for the unsigned piece were purchased from B. A. Ballou & Co. in Rhode Island which is where Sherman settings were manufactured. The rhinestones are Swarovski whose rhinestones were used in the production of the very finest costume jewelry by several high-end companies, including Sherman.  Perhaps this unknown company used the same process of excessive heavy rhodium, highly polished plating, joined the exact same three "separate" components in this unusual way and hand set the exact same colors of rhinestones that Sherman used when manufacturing the matching  earrings at the exact same time. After all, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to combine deep amethyst marquises and chatons with mauve aurora borealis. Unfortunately, fifty some years later, we will never be able to prove where this pretty brooch originated.

As a collector, I have examined jewelry from several companies who were manufacturing rhinestone jewelry during the time Sherman pieces were being produced in Montreal.  I have owned  pieces of Coro, Trifari, Vendome, Jay Flex, Triad, Weiss, Boucher, Continental, Richelieu, Miriam Haskell, Sarah Coventry, Lisner and Le Couture just to name a few.   The majority of these companies operated in the USA and were not overly familiar (and never were) or threatened by the jewelry being produced in Canada.  I am sure they were all very successful in their own right without secretly copying and producing perfect Sherman look alike jewelry. To be quite honest and I hope I don't offend anyone, none of the companies mentioned were able to produce anything that even closely resembled Sherman quality with their name on it let alone secretly churning out perfect "unsigned" copies. Boucher, LeCoutier and Miriam Haskell created outstanding jewelry, however their rhinestone designs were so unlike Sherman, it's hard to believe we would ever be confused by them.  So, if not a top notch jewelry factory creating these perfect impostors, then who?

If anyone or any factory was able to produce the quality, weight, color, heavily polished rhodium plating and unique multi-stacked designs mimicking Sherman creations, then we owe them a huge round of applause.  I wish they would step forward and take a bow because they deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievement in excellence. To be honest, if they do exist, I wish I knew who they were so I could collect more of their superior rhinestone jewelry!! Funny how their secret identity has been safe for all these years!!!

 

UnSigned Sherman FACT or FICTION? Part I

I'd like to begin by telling everyone that I am not an expert, I have never interviewed any former employees of the Sherman factory or their family members and that I am not an aggressive jewelry dealer.  I am a collector of vintage jewelry and have been for several years.  As my collection grows, so does my experience.  I do sell Sherman as well as other brands from time to time enabling me to invest in more elaborate pieces, that is the extent of my "dealer" status.  

This blog was created to journal my collection and opinions for my 2 1/2 year old daughter.  For those of you who have checked my profile and noticed my age, the answer is "Yes, she is my natural daughter", no medical intervention, just a perfect little miracle on her own.  I probably should start a blog about the stresses of being an older, first-time mom LOL :))

Getting back to topic, Sherman is my favorite brand of costume jewelry so you will see his designs documented more than any other.  When I first started collecting, I bought several jewelry books hoping to educate myself about collecting vintage jewelry but I still made mistakes, buying too high, unknowingly buying damaged or altered pieces or buying poor quality. Most mistakes were only made once though and I now feel confident voicing my opinion on the ongoing debate of whether or not any jewelry left the Sherman factory without that so highly sought after Sherman stamp clearly marked on each and every piece.  

Up until recently, I would have argued with the most experienced jewelry dealer that "Yes, each and every piece, no matter what the design or practicality would have had a clear, permanent identifying mark on it, absolutely NO exceptions!!!!"

If you stop and actually think about that statement, does it really seem logical for the time Sherman  jewelry was manufactured?  This jewelry was distributed decades before "Sherman Mania" would drive serious collectors to pay thousands of dollars for an elaborate "used" set that may have originally retailed for only $15.  I know that during the 50's or 60's, $15 was a moderate investment but surely not equal to what thousands translate in to today.  Not even Gustave Sherman could have predicted the incredibly high prices that his pieces are currently being sold for. If he or his staff had had the gift of foresight, then I truly believe that each and every piece would have been permanently marked. 

During the time of production, Sherman designs were available at high-end department stores and reputable independent retailers. No one purchasing it would have debated with a clerk at either whether or not a piece was truly a Sherman if it was presented in the "Jewels of Elegance" storage case, had a delicate threaded "Sherman" hang tag or was clearly stamped on the piece itself. 

Starting with the earrings, I have seen the Sherman stamp on the backs of the screw back, on the back and sides of the clips and also on the back part of the earring where the clip snaps down. I have included a picture of that particular pair for this post to clearly show that there were "unsigned" plain clip findings in the factory at some point during production.  This particular pair of earrings is made with a combination of beads and spacers common in other pieces that are signed differently.  I know they are Sherman, the back of the cluster portion of the earring says so, but the clip findings don't. How far fetched would it be that these same "unsigned" clip findings may have been used in the Sherman factory on earring fronts that did not bear a signature?

This same pair of "Signed" earrings was sold to me with a beaded bracelet that uses the exact same combination, color and style of beads and spacers.  If you look at the design of this bracelet, how practical at the time of production would it have been to create a fixed stamp on memory wire? Would they create a tiny permanent signed rhodium plated hang tag to be incorporated into the bead design?  At the time when this bracelet was sold for only a few dollars, probably not very practical.  Instead, it would have made more sense to use one of the tiny fragile hang tags with thread to identify it as a Sherman at the retail level. Who could have predicted at that time that this same bracelet might be sold over and over, especially 50 years later and need to be positively identified? Of course the hang tag would have been removed the first time it was worn and most likely destroyed.

For now, my opinion is that this bracelet was indeed produced at the Sherman factory to match the signed earrings. Some of you would argue that point saying the bracelet design is too "common", and that's okay.  I know that it is of the highest quality produced at that time, is a perfect match to the signed earrings and whether it's a "true" Sherman or not, I plan to wear it proudly.

 

I'm just getting started but I can see that this topic is going to need more than one post so consider this part I. Before I close, I do want to state for the record that I do have Valerie Hammond's book "All that Glitters" on Sherman jewelry and I have enormous respect for the research and effort that went into producing such a wonderful book.  We have waited a long time for this and I want to thank Valerie for doing it for us.  I know that Valerie actually interviewed former employees of the Sherman factory and family members who swear that nothing was produced without a signature. I will give my comments on that in a later post.

For now, please feel free to state your opinion and experiences. I look forward to hearing from you as we continue to explore this hotly debated topic in future posts.  

Stunning Peacock Blue Green Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

Just home from a week of holidays and was checking on eBay to see what was new since leaving the computer 5 days ago.  Listed with only a couple of more days to go is an exquisite Sherman peacock blue/green rigid cuff bracelet. Right now it is over $720 which would be a steal but this beauty will get a lot of attention as the auction close draws near, even in the last 10 seconds for those who like to bid using a "snipper" program.  For anyone unfamiliar with this software, it takes the pressure off of bidders by doing the bidding for them, even in their absence when there are only about 7 seconds left in the auction. That way, no one has a chance to overbid before the auction ends. This bracelet should more than double in price between now and closing and could break the $2,000 mark if enough collectors are serious about adding it to their collections.  I won't be one of them but isn't it nice to dream! If you want to check it out, you can do an eBay search by item number using 360085796934.

From my own collection, the bracelet I am documenting today is breathtaking in it's own right, made with 8 separate and solid rhinestone clusters that are looped together on the back.  This creates a super flexible, elegant look as it drapes nicely down over the wrist.  The stones are large and so is this bracelet!  It measures 7 3/4" in length and is 1 1/4" at its widest point.  The colors range from the softest aquamarine blue to the deepest peacock blue/green aurora borealis in both marquise and round cuts. It may not have all the glamour of the rigid cuff bracelets, but it's definitely a close second!

The pretty necklace and clip-style earrings are in the same color family and combine the exact same rhinestone cut combinations although in a more uniform pattern.  

As usual, all pieces are clearly marked Sherman and are in excellent condition set in super shiny rhodium plate.

I've noticed over the past couple of weeks that prices on Sherman jewelry are starting to climb again marking the end of another Summer. Now with the kids back in school and most vacation time behind us, more and more collectors will be sitting down at their computers looking for beautiful Sherman pieces to add to their growing collections, not to mention the new collectors that are joining all the time.  For those of you who can afford to collect only the best Sherman jewelry, I'll be watching as the bid on that beautiful peacock cuff bracelet climbs over the next few days. Good luck to you all!!