Deb's Gallery of Sherman & Other Vintage Jewelry

Pretty in Pink Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2010-06-08T15:32:00.000-03:00

It's been raining for two days now so I thought these pretty pink with aurora borealis Sherman rhinestone jewelry sets would be cheerful.

These large dangling pink rhinestone earrings are probably one of my favorite pair thus far. They were plucked off eBay using the instant Buy-it-Now option for a reasonable price. They are in magnificent, unworn condition. The heavy rhodium plating doesn't have a mark on it and the clips are tight. Using a combination of marquis and round shaped pink and pink aurora borealis (these reflect more of a blue) rhinestones, these measure a whopping 3 1/2" from top to bottom. I love the two-tier domed setting giving these a sparkling 3D affect.

The matching feather-like Sherman brooch is just under 2 1/2" wide and is also made in a stacked, two-tier fashion. Again, the rhodium plating is perfect with no scratches. This was purchased from the same seller after it expired on eBay without a bid. I don't know if both pieces had been originally purchased together or matched up later but they perfectly compliment one another.

The last set documented today is also pink with pink aurora borealis, however the reflection on these pieces has a more grey affect. The pretty round Sherman brooch was purchased from an antique store at a fraction of what it is worth. The open center is raised creating an almost dome affect. Sherman combined round and marquis-shaped rhinestones when designing this lovely piece.

The necklace and earrings were purchased from a local dealer at a very good price and had belonged to the wife of a prominent business owner in town.

The necklace features one large marquis shaped center rhinestone with smaller graduated marquis shaped stones on either side. Behind that are two rows of baguette rhinestones alternating with round rhinestones. Features the typical "J" hook clasp allowing for a custom fit.

The earrings are an identical match to the brooch and are just over 7/8".

All the stones in the necklace are aurora borealis while the earrings and brooch combine pink aurora borealis with pink rhinestones. Everything is set in heavy rhodium plate that is in excellent condition and all pieces are signed Sherman.

The display box is an original "Jewels of Elegance by Sherman" jewelry case which are becoming harder and harder to find.

Matching Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2010-06-03T16:44:00.000-03:00

If you read my last post on the pretty apple green Sherman rhinestone jewelry, you will remember that most of it was purchased separately and then matched up later. I did the same thing when I was searching for drop earrings to go with the lemony yellow bracelet and brooch that I purchased together.

Because I live in a small town, it's much easier for me to match up Sherman jewelry online where there are many more pieces to choose from. I have matched color online several times but again, like I have said before, it's tricky from monitor to monitor not to mention, you have to consider the quality of the cameras that are used to photograph the piece as well. When in doubt, your best option is to contact the seller directly and ask for a more detailed written description of the color as well as more pictures. Most sellers are more than happy to provide whatever information you are asking for, eager to make a sale.

The two sets I am documenting today show that matching a piece you already own is possible with a bit of patience and time. The red earrings were purchased a couple of years ago and are stunning with the siam red and aurora borealis stones all done in black japanned settings. The four rhinestone chains hang freely creating a dazzling array of sparkle. This large brooch with the same flower pattern as in the clip portion of the earrings, surfaced on eBay about 3 months ago and I was thrilled to win that auction, providing a great match to the lone earrings. The brooch is made of four raised flower clusters and is done in the same black japanned setting.

The purple brooch was documented much earlier in my posts and was purchased online several years ago. Since that time, I had not seen anything even close to this style come up online. A couple of months ago, I was doing some research and stumbled across Penelopes Pearls online vintage jewelry store where I found Sherman earrings listed with the exact same colors! I raced upstairs to find the brooch and compared the two. I couldn't order the earrings fast enough and even called her home to make sure the earrings were still available LOL!! I received a call back within 30 minutes (talk about great service!) and purchased the earrings on the spot. A few days later, the earrings arrived and were an absolute perfect color match to the brooch and even had the same large emerald-cut purple center! These earrings were definitely manufactured at the same time as the brooch and part of this exceptional color series of Sherman designs. If you have a minute, I have a direct link to Penelopes Pearls in the column on the right, you never know, she may have something listed there that you have been looking for so check it out!

Each item documented today is valuable on its own but nothing escalates that value more than being paired with a matching piece. As you can see, even the most unusual pieces can be matched up with patience and a little research, sometimes when you aren't even looking!!!

Exquisite Lemony Yellow Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2010-05-20T22:58:00.000-03:00

Today while I was going through some jewelry, I found this gorgeous lemony yellow with just a hint of green Sherman rhinestone jewelry set.

The exquisite Sherman bracelet was purchased at a local flea market along with the flower basket style brooch. The Sherman earrings which turned out to be an identical color match were found on eBay. Trying to match rhinestones on a computer is tricky but this time I was lucky.

I've read that some Sherman rhinestone settings were gold plated which explains their brilliant and lasting shine. This set is almost factory perfect. The Swarovski rhinestones are still sparkling with no cloudiness.

This Sherman brooch is the only one I've seen that also has a loop on the back allowing it to be worn as a pendant. The combination of marquis and round cut stones is amazing and the stacked affect of the setting makes it appear almost three dimensional.

All pieces are signed Sherman and are unique in this amazing color. Now if only I could find the matching necklace!

Another Sherman Rigid Cuff Bracelet

2010-05-07T16:46:00.001-03:00

Just had to download photos of the newest addition to my Sherman vintage Jewelry collection. Another fabulous rigid and hinged cuff bracelet, this one is super wide and came with it's original Sherman case. First case by Sherman that I've seen for these highly collectible rigid bracelets.

And this little beauty came complete with a signed Sherman rhinestone necklace with a huge center drop. Nice rigid center that holds this big and bold drop in place.

Lots of sparkle and although the drop dead gorgeous earrings are not signed, they are definitely the perfect companion to these two signed pieces.

As always, all pieces documented today are in excellent condition, nice sparkling rhinestone crystals and shiny rhodium settings and of course, I paid far too much for them but hey, sometimes you just gotta treat yourself.

Oh I'm drooling over these. Now where will I wear them?

Fabulous Vintage AB Beaded Sherman Jewelry

2009-02-09T19:32:00.011-04:00

If you love vintage jewelry, every collection should contain at least one piece of fabulous, fully facetted beads. The ones I have here work so well together although only the earrings have that highly sought after Sherman signature.

All the beads used in this "set" are of the same weight and quality, each featuring a colorful aurora borealis wash so they reflect a wide range of colors when the light hits them. The colors range from clear to yellow, to pink, to turquoise, to teal and to purple. No doubt, one of these shades will work with whatever clothing you are wearing.

The first piece I acquired was the gorgeous flexible three-row bracelet. It was one of Edie's pieces (you can read more about Edie in a post I did in September 08) and is of the highest quality. Edie had worked in the jewelry department of Eaton's many years ago and I strongly suspect that this piece was made by Sherman. All of the telltale signs of his exceptional quality and craftsmanship are present from the perfectly graduated heavy glass crystals to the lovely detailing on the metal spacers. I love how the memory wire hugs my wrist making for a perfect and comfortable fit every time. Sensational piece and a must have vintage jewelry piece.

The round beaded brooch is such a fabulous piece of vintage jewelry. Check out how the tips of each shimmering crystal bead is capped off with a clear, round sparkling rhinestone. This brooch is large being a full 1 3/4" in diameter and is domed to catch the light from every direction. The back is a solid rhodium-plated disc which holds everything securely in place. Perfect for any lapel or jacket.

The five-strand graduated crystal bead necklace is a gorgeous and heavy piece of vintage jewelry. If you don't already have one of these in your collection, get busy finding one. They are perfect to wear with any open collar or over a sweater and can be found in single strands right up to these beautiful multi-strand creations. This one features a lovely bar at each end studded with aurora borealis round rhinestones. The perfect accent and with the extender, the length can be customized for a perfect fit. This particular necklace was recently purchased at a charity sale for only $5 and is in fabulous vintage condition.

Both pair of crystal drop earrings featured today were purchased at auction on eBay for a steal of a price. One pair was less than $20 and the other was under $30. Terrific value considering both pair are in excellent condition with Sherman signatures. The main difference between the two are the shapes of the crystal beads used in the drops and that one pair has screw-backs while the other are clip style.

The aurora borealis wash on this type of jewelry is delicate. Be sure to store them separately where they won't come into contact with other jewelry which can scratch and wear off this pretty reflective coating.

Overall, every collection of fine vintage jewelry should have some of these fabulous aurora borealis coated crystal beaded pieces. They are plentiful making them very affordable and they look as elegant and classic today as when they were all the rage back in the 1950's. You will find these at great prices online and at flea markets so keep your eyes open and make sure you add some to your own jewelry collection but don't stop there, Wear Them!! They are gorgeous!!!

Unsigned Beauties Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry

2009-01-30T23:16:00.016-04:00

For those of you who cringe at the prices of the signed Sherman, Kramer, Weiss , Eisenberg etc. , there is a more affordable and equally beautiful option. I have many pieces of vintage rhinestone jewelry that are commonly called "Unsigned Beauties". A lot of these pieces are so well made and so gorgeous, it's hard to believe that the manufacturer did not take the time to mark the item with their name out of a sense of pride and for a job well done. You can find entire jewelry books devoted to these uniquely beautiful and highly collectible pieces.

Of course, there's nothing better than finding jewelry in the most unlikely of places. The best story I have about collecting is how I acquired the simple, three-row, clear crystal bracelet shown. This lovely unsigned beauty found its way into my collection in the most unusual way.

Two years ago, my husband and I purchased a Heritage Home that had at one time been divided into three apartments. Not unusual for older homes but we decided to take on the expense and challenge of opening it up and making it into a one-family home again. With the blessing and help of our local Historic Society, we went to work hiring all types of contractors and builders to tear out what didn't belong and put it back together in a more-updated style. During the renovation, we found out that the large fireplace in our dining room had at some point been hooked up to the oil furnace causing so much erosion to the bricks and mortar, it needed to be torn out and rebuilt. Not a small job by any means but we took it on. During the demolition of the fireplace, this lovely bracelet was found deep inside the bricks where it had most likely fallen down behind the old mantel years and years ago. It was recovered in perfect condition. The only thing that would have made this unique find better would have been to see the Sherman signature on it but for me, this bracelet represents a special "gift" from my lovely old home. By the way, for those of you who cringe at the thought of losing the old, original architectural details in historic properties, we had this fireplace photographed and rebuilt in the exact same style, we even used antique style bricks of the same color.

Getting back to the other unsigned beauties currently in my collection, the blue set photographed for this post was most likely made by Sherman. There is no mistaking the quality, weight, and craftsmanship we collectors look for in his signed pieces. The earrings were purchased separately for only $5 and again no signature but all the other signs of Sherman are there. I love how the long and slender navettes used in the construction of the bracelet are set in a North/South direction and the large round cut stones combine light blue, medium blue and aurora borealis coated crystals adding lots of depth and drama. All set in the shiny rhodium plate common in signed Sherman pieces and uses his popular push style clasp with safety chain. It's a full 7/8" wide and curves nicely around my wrist when worn.

The earrings which compliment it nicely use a similar color combination and are in excellent condition being of the same weight and quality used in signed Sherman pieces.

The clear brooch and earrings documented today were also purchased separately but use the same size and style of crystals. The brooch is heavy and rhodium plated, similar to that of Sherman but for me the jury is still out on whether it is one of his unsigned pieces. It is a very uncommon style for him so whoever did manufacturer it deserves recognition for producing such a beautifully layered, high-quality piece. The earrings photographed with it are a great "match" and again, are of the same quality and weight found in Signed Sherman pieces.

Overall, anyone can put together a very impressive vintage rhinestone jewelry collection at a very affordable price. Pieces can be found at yard sales, flea markets and even hidden in the most unlikely of places just waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated!

Unique & Beautifully Made Artisan Sterling Silver Jewelry

2009-01-02T13:09:00.018-04:00

A couple of years ago, I saw an article in our local newspaper advertising an upcoming jewelry making workshop. Well, anyone who has been following my blog knows that collecting jewelry is one of my favorite hobbies when I'm not busy taking care of my 2 1/2 year old daughter. Here was an opportunity to try my hand at making something for myself and afterall, how hard could making jewelry be?

Well, let me be the first to tell you that making jewelry is not for the impatient or anyone with a type "A" personality! There is so much more involved than I realized and I can tell you that through that experience, I certainly have gained a new respect for how perfectly created my Sherman jewelry is!!

The teacher had studied the art of jewelry making for many years, first at the Academy of Art & Design in Jerusalem and then, to further her knowledge and to learn new skills, she completed a Masters Degree in Fine Arts & Jewelry Design in Japan. Talk about someone who knows what she's doing. So overqualified to be wasting her time teaching a beginner like me! The class was for about 2 1/2 hours, one night per week over an 8-week period. In all that time, all I was able to create was the sterling silver link bracelet and the sterling silver hammered ring with a large, green cabachon, you guessed it, rhinestone.

There is so much involved, just making the tiny loops for the bracelet chain, bending them in a uniform way, filing and more filing and then linking them together took me hours! I made a large, hollow ball with a textured finish as a charm on the end of the bracelet and again, the amount of work involved was staggering! It didn't help that I'm terrified of propane and had to constantly use a torch to solder together links and components! I'm sure this fear goes way back to my Bug's Bunny days when Yosimite Sam blew up his cabin with a propane barbeque! Talk about tramatic for a kid to watch!! No wonder it's now critized for being too violent for children LOL!!!!

So getting back to the jewelry, I thought you might like a sneak peek at some fabulous new designs from her Spring Collection 2009. I've photographed a couple of her pieces and I have already listed two of her designs in my shop on Ruby Lane if you would like to see more. She was kind enough to loan me several of her new designs to offer for sale in my shop and I will continue to upload new pieces as I receive them. Knowing what I do about how difficult and time consuming creating these magnificent, one-of-a-kind pieces are, her prices are rock bottom! I hope you enjoy viewing them, they are fabulous!

If any of you have the opportunity to try your hand at creating jewelry, I hope you will give it a go. Believe me, you will have a newfound appreciation for the beautiful pieces you already have!

More Sparkling Crystal Clear Sherman Jewelry

2008-12-26T19:40:00.020-04:00

Things have certainly been hectic around here for the past few weeks with company and all of the preparation that goes into getting things in order this time of year. With most of that now behind us, I thought it would be a great time to showcase the last of my clear Sherman rhinestone jewelry pieces.

Seeing all the snow outside made me think of the first set I'm documenting today. This pretty snowflake-shaped brooch is substantial in size being approximately 2 3/4" wide and long. It is done in a two-tier style common in better Sherman designs. I love the way the light plays off the long slender navette-shaped clear rhinestones. This brooch is definitely a keeper and so perfect during the Winter season.

I have paired this magnificent brooch with a pair of large clip-on Sherman earrings featuring the same slender navette clear rhinestones set in shiny rhodium plate. They are large being a full 1" from top to bottom when worn. The only problem with these gorgeous earrings is that I paid far too much for them. They were part of a "set" I purchased on eBay where the inexperienced seller stated that both these earrings and a similar style brooch were signed Sherman. I purchased this "set" based on a price that would have been reasonable had that been true. Unfortunately, when they arrived, only the earrings were signed, no signature on the brooch. When I contacted the seller, she stood behind her inaccurate assumption and there really wasn't much I could do. I'm fortunate to have had this happen only once. Lesson learned! If you are buying online, ask to see a photo of that signature, don't ever assume the seller can read or knows Sherman jewelry as well as you do LOL!!

The pretty bracelet shown is one that was purchased from a local dealer and was a very good price for the size and excellent condition it is in. It is 7 1/4" in length and features 5 rows of alternating beautiful clear and sparkling baguette and round cut crystals. Has the common push style clasp with safety chain still intact.

When I purchased this sparkling bracelet, I already had the matching clip earrings which were acquired as part of Edie's jewelry (you can read more about Edie and her magnificent jewelry in a post I did in September '08). They have the same baguette and round cut crystals in a layered design and measure a full 1 1/4" from top to bottom when worn.

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

Like I mentioned in my last post on Sherman clear rhinestone jewelry, you can wear these exquisite designs with every color or pattern in your wardrobe from the most basic pair of jeans to pant suits or that cliche "little black dress". There is no better way to add sparkle and glamor to your New Year's Eve outfit than with a magnificent piece of Sherman rhinestone jewelry regardless of its color!

Before ending this post, I'd like to say "Happy Holidays Everyone" as we all look forward to another year of fun and family and of jewelry collecting of course!!!!

Wonderful & Rare LEC Vintage Jewelry

2008-12-04T23:01:00.010-04:00

Funny how you sometimes stumble across a piece of jewelry that makes you stop in your tracks and take notice. That's exactly how I felt the first time I handled the exquisite dark LEC beaded necklace and earrings shown. Originally from Edie's jewelry (you can read more about Edie in a post I did in September), I was amazed at the quality and workmanship that went into creating this outstanding set. The beads were heavy, unique, colorful and well made. The finish was outstanding with an aurora borealis coating that was still perfect. The clasp was so glamorous, the rhinestone colors a perfect match to the exquisite beads. I was so impressed with this set and so surprised to see the LEC signature. I honestly thought only someone like Sherman could have produced such a high quality set. I was wrong, this set surpassed anything I had handled with Sherman's name on it. Why hadn't I seen this name in my jewelry books?

Even now, very little is written about this company. All I know is that this jewelry was produced in Montreal and that LEC was the high-end brand name used by Boucher. Even the Boucher crystal necklaces I documented a few posts back don't compare to the quality found in LEC.

The silver set was purchased at a flea market. What caught my attention was the fact that they were presented in a Sherman Jewels of Elegance metal case but when I lifted the necklace, I was not surprised to see the LEC stamp. Again, the quality was exceptional. The faceted beads are heavy and of the best quality I have handled. The clasp is pretty although not as nice as the one on the dark set. Once I saw that LEC stamp, I knew I would purchase it. Having the bonus of the Jewels of Elegance case didn't hurt either LOL!!

Lastly, I found the wonderful hinged cuff bracelet at Vintage Jewelry Showcase on Ruby Lane (check out that store if you love high-end designer vintage jewelry and genuine gold and gemstones!). I love the way it swirls in opposite directions and ends with a creamy white faux pearl. The textured finish and sparkle of the amber rhinestone accents make this piece a showstopper. As usual, the minute I saw that LEC mark, I knew I would purchase it.

Probably one of the most underrated vintage jewelry makers is LEC. Their pieces are outstanding in quality and detail and in my opinion surpass Sherman which is saying something. I love the Sherman rhinestones but when it comes to the beaded necklaces, LEC is definitely where it's at. If you have the opportunity to purchase one, by all means do so, if you love quality and exquisite design, you won't be disappointed by any jewelry displaying the LEC mark!

Vintage Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet

2008-11-27T14:18:00.026-04:00

Sterling Silver makes up a very small portion of my jewelry collection. Yes, I still have my high school graduation ring and a lovely little engraved locket that was the only gift I can remember receiving from my grandfather who has since passed away, but the star of my sterling silver jewelry is my vintage charm bracelet.

I can remember receiving it back in the mid 70's when I was 13. It was a gift from my mother who probably didn't realize at the time, what a wonderful role this simple sterling silver charm bracelet would play in my life. Now in my late 40's (yikes, how did that happen so quickly!), this bracelet is loaded with charms that symbolize wonderful milestones and events from the first charm which was "13", to pets I had growing up, graduation, first job, birthdays (I guess I'm going to have to start watching for a 50 now!), wedding, anniversary, the birth of my lovely daughter, hobbies, places my mom travelled, places I have traveled to, methods of transportation, just to name a very few. Some have movable parts like the unique clock my mom purchased during a trip to Switzerland, some have turquoise beads, rhinestones or enamel. This may look like a standard charm bracelet to everyone else but for me, it is a wonderful and wearable journal. I can look at each charm and remember well the event that was so meaningful at the time, it was worth symbolizing in a delicate silver charm. I now have a charm on every link and am working my way around this old bracelet for the second time. Just for fun, I checked and it weighs 108 grams!

When my daughter was born, I knew I wanted to give her this same gift so we can document events in her life that are meaningful. So far, it starts with a little Kiwi bird from New Zealand symbolizing the 4 months of my pregnancy spent there, an April charm with birthstone for the month she was born, a charm of the city where she was born, one for her first big trip at the age of 3 months to meet her grandfather for the only time since he has since passed away, one for a province she has visited and the last one was for a trip she took when she was 1 1/2 to meet a niece who had just been born (this stuff happens when you have children in your 40's LOL!!). We now have a vacation booked in January and she will be getting another charm to symbolize that trip. I hope when she is older, we can sit down together and explore each charm on her bracelet and talk about what events in her life are represented by each one.

One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give are these wearable "life journals". Luckily they can still be found online and at flea markets although it is getting harder and harder to find ones that have not had charms on them at some point. There are lots of charms available in online stores so even if you can't find a charm at the time or place you want to represent, there are other options for finding the perfect one later.

To my mom, thank you so much for starting this wonderful tradition between mothers and daughters, I hope my own daughter will do the same for hers one day.

To everyone else, next time you see a vintage charm bracelet, remember that it isn't just a lovely old piece of vintage jewelry, it's a totally unique and wearable history of someone's life!

Delightful and Chunky Bakelite Bangle Bracelets

2008-11-23T22:10:00.012-04:00

So far, my jewelry collecting has covered Sherman rhinestones, Coro thermoset and Boucher crystal beads so now it's time to take a closer look at the fun and fantastic bakelite bangles that were all the rage during the 30's and 40's.

My collection of bakelite bangles was not a conscious decision I made, the bakelite chose me! I had a 12-month spell a couple of years ago where I was finding bakelite bangles whether I was looking for them or not! They seemed to be everywhere, second-hand stores, charity shops, yard sale tables, flea markets and all at ridiculously low prices. Funny thing about this though is that at the exact same time, a friend of mine who also buys jewelry in the same town and checks the same places I do couldn't find a single piece. I guess I had them all LOL!!

The wide chunky butterscotch one with the carved diamond pattern was purchased at a charity shop for $1, the smooth orange one with the copper flower detail was purchased at Value Village (this is a second-hand chain store in Canada) for $1.49, the diamond faceted one in rich carmel was found in a box full of jewelry I had paid $25 for, the two large marbled brown ones were found by my mother at two different yard sales (on the same day!), at a flea market, I purchased a sandwich baggie that had four or five different color spacer bakelite bangles, all for $2. I could go on and on and document how little all these gorgeous bracelets were purchased for but I think you get the message. These bracelets show up all over the place and for next to nothing if you take the time to look.

The only bakelite bracelet in my collection that was purchased from a dealer is the super wide chocolate brown carved rose one. I paid $65 for it which was still an incredible price considering it is a book piece documented time and time again in books on vintage plastic jewelry.

I love the smooth, chunky feel they have and the way they clang when they are worn. They look fantastic with a warm turtleneck sweater or with a tailored long-sleeve blouse and jeans. These colorful and beautiful bangles can provide the finishing touch to any long sleeved-casual top and pants in your wardrobe. Colorful, elegant and sophisticated, they have a place in any jewelry collection, vintage or not! If you don't already own any, keep an eye out for them, they are still plentiful and priced at a point that anyone can afford!

PS: I think I might be back on a bakelite roll! Yesterday I went to our local flea market and found the marbled orange/brown and marbled mustard bracelets in the last photo for 10 cents each! They were mixed in a shoe box full of children's jewelry!! See, they are still out there!!

Glamorous Pink & Charcoal Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-11-20T12:28:00.009-04:00

Back in September, I did a post on the rigid cuff bracelet that I have in my collection of Sherman jewelry. Today, I am going to talk about my other big splurge which is this exquisite pink with charcoal grey rhinestone brooch with matching clip earrings.

This brooch is the largest Sherman I have seen thus far. It is super wide at a full 4" across and features the most beautiful large pink and charcoal marquise-shaped rhinestones. There is one tiny round cut pink rhinestone to fill in a gap in the design on the very top. Typical of Sherman, no detail was ever too small to make the finished product perfect! It is two layers high which creates depth and dimension when worn.

The matching clip style earrings feature the exact same stone colors in the same shapes with several more of the tiny pink ones. They are also large being just under 1 1/2" from top to bottom when worn.

All pieces of this exquisite demi-parure are in excellent, unworn condition and clearly marked Sherman.

I purchased this set from a seller I had contacted through eBay and I knew at the time I was overpaying for it but it was one set I just couldn't resist. I talked the seller down in price as low as she would go and ended up purchasing it for a price that was still too high. No way to ever recoup but it wasn't purchased as an investment or to resell later but as part of a collection that is constantly changing.

Sometimes when you collect, you just have to bite the bullet and pay what a seller is asking when you love the design and know it will enhance your collection. This was one of those times. Luckily, most of my collection was purchased either well below or right around a fair price so to incorporate a couple of expensive pieces isn't such a big deal.

As I continue to add to my collection, other pieces are sold off to make room which gives all of you the opportunity to add new and exciting pieces to your own inventory. .

Outstanding Coro Thermoset Plastic Parures

2008-11-16T20:12:00.018-04:00

Those of you who are familiar with my jewelry blog know that Sherman is by far my favorite manufacturer of vintage costume jewelry, however one other style I am always on the look out for is Coro thermoset.

This wonderful and colorful jewelry was made back in the 50's and 60's and featured the most beautiful moulded plastic pieces glued securely into place on rhodium and gold plated backings. The sets I am documenting today are all of the same leaf style that I find myself drawn to time and time again. There is so much of this unique jewelry available that I found it necessary to limit my collecting to specific styles.

The first set featured today is a magnificent deep red bracelet with matching clip style earrings. The bracelet features a secure fold-over clasp with red inserts that almost resemble a whale's tail pattern. It is wide at 1 1/8" and done in a shiny gold plated setting with tiny, raised floral clusters down the center.

The matching earrings are large measuring a generous 1 1/4" from top to bottom when worn. I have the matching brooch, however it has lost one of it's beautiful moulded plastic inserts but I am always on the hunt for a pair of matching earrings or another red brooch so this wonderful parure can be perfectly restored.

The deep inky blue set is identical in style and design, however it is set in shiny rhodium plate. This lovely parure is in exceptional, original condition.

The last two sets are done in the exact same style and feature the brooch with matching clip earrings only. So far no bracelet but I'm always looking! One set has inserts of a brown/rust shade while the other has the same rust/brown but mixed with redish/orange and a brownish shade. These brooches are super large measuring 2 1/2" x 2 3/4" and in exceptional condition.

The blue, red and orange/rust combo sets where all purchased as part of Edie's jewelry (you can read more about Edie in my post of September 17) so have a special place in my collection. The rust set was purchased online for a mere $9.99 with about $2 shipping which is incredible value for such large and beautiful signed pieces.

For anyone who doesn't believe they have the means to start a nice vintage jewelry collection, think again. These Coro thermoset full parures can easily be purchased for under $50 with some being well below that figure depending on the color and design. They are well worth the investment and just because there are lots to go around today doesn't mean the supply will be endless. They are magnificent and very underrated among collectors which makes them such an affordable option.

For those of you who find yourself getting interested in this wonderful style of jewelry, I have several pieces listed in my store right now (Island Vintage Jewelry in the right margin) that are offered at great prices. You can chose to collect by color, style, design, manufacturer or whatever catches your fancy. They can be found at great prices right now but as the supply eventually goes down, you can bet that the prices will have no where to go but up, up, up!!!

Beautiful Boucher Vintage Beaded Jewelry

2008-11-12T12:00:00.013-04:00

I have been collecting Sherman rhinestones for a long time but when it comes to the crystal and beaded necklaces, Boucher and LeC are by far my favorite. Unfortunately, I don't know a heck of a lot about either company other than their beaded pieces are exquisite. My understanding is that LeC was the Canadian branch of Boucher and operated out of Montreal as did Sherman.

In this post, I will document the two lovely Boucher signed crystal parures I have collected. The first is a double strand featuring amber colored multi-faceted crystal beads in graduated sizes each separated by tiny yellow spacer beads. The clasps are magnificent, this one done in shiny gold plate peppered with pave set yellow rhinestones. There is an additional rhinestone spacer that allows two different lengths, one a choker style, then a more relaxed fix when the rhinestone extender is used. The inside strand is 13" in length with an additional 3 1/4" of fold-over clasp and spacer.

The matching earrings are circular clips featuring both beads and measure 7/8" in diameter.

All pieces including the removable extender are clearly marked BOUCHER.

The second set today is remarkable made with the prettiest tear-drop shaped clear crystals. The necklace is very similar to the amber one except in a triple-strand design. The pave set rhinestone clasp has the same removable extender and is set in shiny rhodium plate. This one is more of a choker style with the inside crystal strand being 11 1/2" in length with a total additional length 4 1/2" when you include the fold-over clasp and extension.

The matching bracelet is made using the same combination of unique shaped clear crystal beads in three strands that equal 1 1/4" in width. The pave rhinestone clasp is an exact match to the necklace and there is a fold-over clasp with safety chain. This bracelet will fasten to the necklace as an extender if desired.

The matching earrings are exquisite with pave set rhinestones at the lobe and in the cone shaped drops that connect to the beautiful unique crystals. Overall, these gorgeous earrings are shoulder dusters being 3" in length and are in excellent, unworn condition.

The earrings are unsigned, however, they still have the original Marcel Boucher hang tag with a price of $25.00 on the reverse. I don't know if that was the price of the earrings on their own or of the entire parure.

These are the only two Boucher signed beaded sets I have although I will be documenting my LeC jewelry in a future post. For those of you who collect Sherman beaded parures, check out those made by Boucher and LeC. If you love quality and weighty pieces, you will love these and they are usually priced much lower!

Unique Stones Used In Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-11-06T09:06:00.008-04:00

As I look over my blog, I noticed that time and time again, the majority of my Sherman pieces are similar in that they use brightly colored crystals, some with and some without an aurora borealis wash. Rarely did I find I was attracted to the more unique style of stones which is probably not a good investment considering they would be the most rare LOL!!

The first set photographed today is a beautiful wide bracelet featuring large milky white marquises down the center set in the North/South style. These have been embellished with large round smoke colored crystals down either side. The overall width of this unusual bracelet is 1 1/8" making it one of the wider flexible style. It is set in shiny rhodium that is in like new condition with a secure push-style clasp and safety chain.

The lovely brooch that was purchased with it (both as a Christmas present from my mom a couple of years ago) is made up of mostly marquise white and smoke stones but with a large oval-shaped milk glass recessed center. It measures more than 1 1/2" across and is also set in perfectly shiny rhodium.

The delicate clip earrings that are a stand-alone part of my collection feature faux pearls which were not that common in Sherman designs although absolutely elegant when accented with beautiful sparkling marquises. I expect at some point to find a matching brooch or bracelet for them.

The last set photographed today has beautiful amber-colored stones accented with the prettiest aurora borealis washed stones. They show flashes of pink, orange, red, yellow, teal and purple and the large center ovals are outstanding. This set is large with the brooch being a full 2" across and clip earrings that are more than 1" from top to bottom when worn. These unique stones are mounted in a gold plated setting.

All pieces documented for today's post are in excellent condition and all are clearly marked SHERMAN.

For anyone who collects Sherman jewelry, it's nice to have an assortment of colors and styles but including some of the pieces in your collection that are made using less common stones will enhance that collection even more!

Gorgeous Green Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-10-31T10:56:00.011-03:00

Lately I've been busy sorting through boxes of jewelry stocking my store on Ruby Lane but I always stop and pause to admire my Sherman jewelry when I come across a piece.

The multi-colored set documented today is in absolute pristine condition done in shiny rhodium plate and featuring a dazzling combination of moss and emerald green marquise shaped rhinestones accented with sparkling blue/green washed aurora borealis. It is exquisite in the way the stones are stacked and elegantly curved to take full advantage of the light in all directions. This set is brilliant and worthy of being photographed for any jewelry book featuring high-end costume jewelry. I haven't seen too many in this particular design although there are ones similar that don't have the extra dimension. One of my favorite sets, I love the green shades!

The second set I am documenting is almost a perfect color match, the elegant drop earrings feature some of the same colors as the brooch but have some that are almost a teal shade. Not a common color in any rhinestones I have seen so I wonder if this was one of the special order colors created by Swarovski for Sherman designs. They feature a flower cluster at the earlobe and have 1 3/4" of marquise drops. Sparkling and beautiful set in shiny rhodium plate with nice tight back clips.

The domed brooch was one I just couldn't resist on eBay a few months ago listed with a $60 buy-it-now just before our dollar tumbled. I've been trying to thin out my collection (this is evident when you look at my inventory at Island Vintage Jewelry on Ruby Lane) but I couldn't resist anything with such deep green shades and at such a rock bottom price so here it is. It's a full 2" in diameter, stacked with different colors of marquises stones and then topped with a cluster of aurora borealis chatons. The rhodium plate is in like new condition (don't you love that about Sherman pieces!) and the raised dome shape captures the light in all directions.

As usual, all pieces documented in today's post are clearly marked SHERMAN.

I'm still working on thinning out my Sherman collection and including signed and unsigned beauties in my store so if you are in the mood to treat yourself this coming holiday season with some beautiful costume jewelry, click on the link over in the right-hand column and check out my store "Island Vintage Jewelry" and those listed on my "Favorite Links" and enjoy the gorgeous jewelry up for grabs!

More Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry for Sale!

2008-10-25T23:35:00.009-03:00

It's been about three weeks now and I'm still going through my stash of jewelry and finding lots of Sherman pieces to sell along with a lot of unsigned beauties. One brooch I listed yesterday sold in only a couple of hours, it was spectacular but somehow slipped through the factory doors where it was made unsigned. I have another set like that listed right now, it's the pretty curved red and fuchsia brooch with matching earrings and it's exquisite! There has to be a signed piece somewhere out there that belongs with this sparkling brooch and earrings. The quality and unique tiered design, everything that would scream designer is present in this gorgeous set. I think it proves my point about designer jewelry that did not get permanent signatures referred to in the posts I did about Signed versus Unsigned Sherman jewelry.

On the other hand, this moss green with aurora borealis brooch is signed Sherman and gorgeous! It sparkles brilliantly and is in excellent condition but since I am finding so much with green, I've decided to give someone else the pleasure of owning it, perhaps even someone who has a piece to match it.

The blue aurora borealis demi parure is striking and has been in my collection a long time. It turns out that I have others similar to it so now is the time to let this pretty set go. The condition of it is amazing considering how old it must be. One thing about jewelry that was manufactured by Sherman - it looks like it just left the factory! It too is done in a tiered fashion like many of the more sought after Sherman pieces.

Lastly, the blue earrings are huge, and since they are stand alone, I thought that perhaps someone out there would be able to match them up with another piece making a beautiful set with them.

All kinds of beautiful pieces of jewelry, some signed, some not have been listed in my store. If you have a moment, click on the link to Island Vintage Jewelry on the right and check it out. It's been quite a job to go through so much jewelry but I'm getting a handle on it and believe it or not, it has been enjoyable to rediscover so many beautiful pieces that have been packed away for so long. Time to let them go and be appreciated!

Sherman Jewelry For Sale & On Sale!

2008-10-17T11:33:00.007-03:00

For those of you who have been following my blog, you know that I do most of my purchasing of Sherman jewelry online. To get ready for each post, I have been going through my collection and finding many pieces that I had forgotten I had and even color duplicates. Because of that, I have been downsizing my collection giving all of you the opportunity to purchase one or more of these beauties at my store on Ruby Lane (direct link in the right margin), some are even on sale!

The champagne aurora borealis necklace with drop earrings is absolutely gorgeous and would not be for sale but for the fact I have another that is very similar to it. The sparkling rhinestones are incredible with flashes of pink, purple, green and yellow. I love this style, so classic and sophisticated. Who wouldn't want to dazzle everyone around with this beautiful set at their next Christmas or New Year's party!

The large pinwheel that is currently on sale in my store is so unusual and collectible with this color combination. I have not in all my collecting and searching seen anything that even closely resembles this color combination making it a rare piece indeed. The condition is excellent and would work with just about any color in your wardrobe.

Of course, the clear pieces are the most timeless and elegant. Perfect for the bride, the prom or any occasion where sparkle just sets off that outfit or dress. I know the one pictured at the right is unsigned but anyone who read my previous posts on signed versus unsigned Sherman jewelry and believes, like most of us, that there are indeed Sherman jewelry pieces that do not have a permanent signature, will recognize this style and know immediately that it was most likely manufactured by Sherman. It dazzles just as much as any other of his designs and is of the same weight, style and quality. Great opportunity to purchase a fabulous set at a great price!

Hope you will take a minute to check my store for lots of other great vintage designer jewelry some signed, some unsigned beauties, I have something for every budget so take a look!

Outstanding Apple Green Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-10-09T20:38:00.017-03:00

This is one of the prettiest colors of Sherman rhinestones and one of the hardest to find. I've been fortunate enough to find each of these sets online. The "shrimp" style brooch was purchased alone and almost two years later, the matching clip earrings finally surfaced on auction. Again, matching colors on a computer monitor is tricky and never exact but as with the yellow set documented in one of my earliest posts, the green color was "bang on". Both are set in shiny rhodium plate and clearly marked Sherman.

The gorgeous apple green bracelet (which just happens to be an exact style match to the yellow one mentioned in the post noted in my last paragraph) was purchased for a reasonable buy-it-now price on eBay. I have been waiting for green for years and didn't want to take the chance of missing it if I had left it up to a regular auction so I used the buy-it-now feature. This same seller had the pretty drop earrings with the same color combination on auction at the same time, so I waited that auction out and got them for a steal. Almost made up for how much the bracelet was LOL!!!!

As in the first set, this gorgeous apple green bracelet and drop earrings are set in shiny rhodium plate and clearly marked Sherman. Everything is in excellent condition.

Purchasing a color match to a piece you already own is tricky but doable using online options as your resource. These pretty apple green sets along with my earlier post on the lemony yellow pieces show that it is indeed possible. All Sherman jewelry is valuable on its own but collectors will confirm that acquiring matching sets is by far the most sought after. Matching a piece you already own takes patience but is well worth the time and effort. You never know, there just may be a piece you have been waiting for in my store right now so check it out!!

Emerald & Sapphire Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-09-26T20:14:00.014-03:00

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

2008-09-26T19:41:00.023-03:00

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

2008-09-23T18:53:00.022-03:00

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

2008-09-21T19:53:00.043-03:00

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

2008-09-21T13:30:00.025-03:00

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

2008-09-19T10:27:00.021-03:00

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

2008-09-17T19:48:00.057-03:00

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

2008-09-15T21:42:00.046-03:00

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

2008-09-14T15:56:00.037-03:00

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

2008-09-11T21:48:00.036-03:00

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

2008-09-10T10:35:00.027-03:00

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

2008-09-07T10:59:00.016-03:00

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!!

Vintage B David Rhinestone Jewelry The Breakup

2008-08-28T19:06:00.030-03:00

Have you ever wondered what event or special occasion inspired the original owner of your vintage jewelry to purchase it? I hadn't really given it much thought until I acquired this B. David set that was still in its original box and in mint, unworn condition. You have to wonder why a set this pretty wasn't worn very much, if at all. It wasn't until I examined the box itself that I found out why.

Carefully folded and tucked under the box liner was a handwritten letter on hotel stationary, a small envelope containing a greeting card that would have accompanied a bouquet of flowers and a large tag from the florist shop with the name and address of the unfortunate recipient. First though, the jewelry.

The necklace itself is beautiful combining faux pearls with sparkling aurora borealis rhinestones in both round and marquise cuts. The matching bracelet has the same combination of rhinestones with faux pearls and is just over 1/2" wide. Like Sherman, it has a hidden clasp with safety chain. The clip earrings, although not a perfect match, were made using a combination of round and baguette rhinestones with a generous 2" drop. All pieces are signed B. David, and are in excellent, unworn condition preserved in the original B. David case. Now the history behind the purchase of this pretty rhinestone jewelry!

The stationary was from a hotel in a small town in Georgia and was written by a married man to his mistress. It starts out "Dear Darling" and he begins by apologizing for hurting her stating that his love for his children is the reason he can never leave his wife. He tells her that he was jealous of another man she was seeing and was very hurt by that. He reaffirms his love telling her he wishes he could make her his wife but that it can never be. He writes that someone once told him that one day he would get hurt by losing someone he loved dearly and that this was that day. Of course he ends it with the standard "I'll always be around if you ever need me" line that we've all heard before. He signs it "Loving you always".

Accompanying this letter was a bouquet of flowers with an old-fashioned cardboard insert with three deep red roses "Love John" and this B. David rhinestone jewelry set. Personally, I thought the letter sounded a lot like something out of the movies from the 40's or 50's, the last scene in Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman comes to mind.

So there you have it, the reason why this pretty set is in mint, UNWORN condition. I certainly wouldn't want to set eyes on it again if I were her and those flowers would have found themselves either in the trash or mangled from hitting him over the head. Because I purchased this set online, I have no information about "Maggie" or what happened to her after "John" ended their affair (not their real names).

In my version, "Maggie" meets a tall, dark, handsome and SINGLE man who sweeps her off her feet. They travel the world together and he showers her with precious jewels and magnificent Sherman jewelry (of course!!!!).

She lives a wonderful and exciting life and doesn't give "John" a second thought until 45 years later when she finds this box of B. David jewelry tucked away up high in the back of her walk-in closet. She chuckles to herself when she sees it relieved to have made such a lucky escape. She carelessly tosses it over her shoulder and in to the pile of her discarded designer clothing. From there it makes its way to a charity auction where it was purchased and then sold online to me.

Here's looking at you, "Maggie"!!!!

Sherman Jewelry with Aurora Borealis Rhinestones

2008-08-27T10:26:00.005-03:00

Introduced by Swarovski in the 1950's, Aurora Borealis finishes would transform costume jewelry. Once a polychrome metallic coating was applied to crystals and rhinestones, they would reflect a colorful aurora similar to that produced by the Northern Lights. All of a sudden, the color options were limitless and no one could combine colors like the designers at the Sherman Factory. These outstanding designs would be copied time and time again by other companies but very few were of the quality and beauty that Sherman produced. Anyone who is familiar with his pieces can spot them a mile away.

Any rhinestones that have an aurora borealis finish will require more care when being stored. The coatings are fragile and can be scratched or flake off easily giving them a very dull appearance. Like all rhinestones, they should be stored without contact with other jewelry and gently polished with a soft, lint-free cloth to maintain their outstanding reflective quality.

The two sets I have photographed for today's post were acquired online and are perfect examples of the quality Sherman is famous for. Both sets are done with Champagne aurora borealis stones in both marquise and round cuts but with two totally different looks. They reflect a rainbow of shades from yellow to pink to green to purple. The gold plate is in excellent condition and the stones are clean with very few, if any scratches.

All pieces are signed Sherman with the exception of the screw back earrings.

These "plain" aurora borealis sets are so versatile and will compliment any color in your wardrobe. Their sparkle cannot be surpassed and the stones produced by Swarovski and used in Sherman jewelry will more than last a lifetime when properly cared for.

Striking Color Combos Vintage Sherman Jewelry

2008-08-25T12:08:00.007-03:00

Of all the rhinestone jewelry that was manufactured during the 50's and 60's, Gustave Sherman was by far the most talented when creating striking color combinations. Using all cuts and shapes of rhinestones, it is documented that Swarovski of Austria manufactured unique colors ordered by the designers at the Sherman factory. This accounts for the breathtaking array of color combinations that are so sought after by current collectors. From the most basic pieces to the most ornately decorated bibs and collars, these Jewels of Elegance were created using the most beautiful rhinestone cuts and colors available. To this day, I have not found another manufacturer who can create such outstanding, visually pleasing jewelry.

The two demi parures documented today clearly demonstrate the talent exhibited by Sherman and his designers when combining unique colors. The pretty pink aurora borealis stones are stunning when combined with the beautiful olive green.

The first set is from my own collection and was purchased a couple of years ago online. Using a basic combination of marquise and round rhinestones, there is nothing basic about the end result. This set is fabulous! The stacked fashion and curved lines of the brooch create a 3-D affect that is so unique to Sherman designs.

The second set is from my mother's collection and was purchased as a Christmas gift a few years ago. The basket-style brooch combines marquises and round rhinestones with the addition of beautiful baguettes. The unusual use of stone shapes and colors make this one an absolute showstopper!

All pieces documented today are in mint condition with shiny rhodium plate and clearly marked "Sherman".

Using superior findings and the best rhinestones from Austria enabled Sherman jewelry to surpass all others in quality, but it was the unique color combinations that made these designs outstanding in beauty. If you have the opportunity to acquire one of his unique color combination pieces, please do so, they will more than hold their value and always be near the top of the list of Sherman collectors.

Yard Sale and Flea Market Vintage Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-08-22T16:23:00.033-03:00

We've all heard about that "amazing find" at yard sales and flea markets but my mom has to be the champion when it comes to finding Sherman Jewelry at ridiculously low prices.

Early one Saturday, she and my dad were heading to their cottage which is about a 45-minute drive from their home. About a mile down the road, they happened upon a yard sale where two neighbors were busy unpacking boxes and setting up yard sale tables along their driveways.

Sometimes it pays to be chatty and my mom is always very friendly when she meets people whether on the street or at a social event. She was chatting with the ladies and during the conversation asked if either of them had any jewelry for sale. One lady mentioned she had some in the house that she wouldn't mind getting rid of. She then went inside and came out only a minute or two later with a small box and lifted the lid to show mom a rhinestone pin and earrings. My mom glanced at it and asked how much. The lady thought for a few seconds and said she would like to get at least $3 for it. My mom took the box, put the lid back on and quickly handed her $3. She then slipped the box into her purse (after showing the other lady who had become curious). She then left without inspecting the pin or earrings. She knows very well not to draw attention to jewelry at yard sales in her area, everyone is "gunning" for it, some so urgently that they will actually go to houses that have advertised yard sales the night before and ask for it in advance.

They went to a few more yard sales and a little while later stopped at one where mom noticed a known jewelry dealer leaving. She didn't expect to find any jewelry at this one but thought should would take a look anyway. As she was leaving that yard sale, she noticed that the children had set up their own table of items for sale; Barbie dolls, books and other toys. She took a walk by that table and noticed a large rhinestone pin that was missing one stone with a 10 cent sticker. Thinking the stones would be good to have on hand, she decided to purchase it. She paid the 10 cents and slipped that pin in to her purse and left.

About half way to the cottage, they were at yet another yard sale where my dad was talking to the man there about an item he had for sale. Since mom was waiting for him in the car, she decided to take a closer look at the jewelry she had purchased earlier that day. To her utter amazement, both brooches were clearly marked "Sherman".

The gorgeous champagne brooch and earrings pictured were $3 while the large fuchsia wreath-style brooch was purchased for 10 cents. It had originally been missing one of the large round rhinestones but luckily a jewelry dealer I know was able to repair it (for free!) having the exact match to that stone in her inventory. To this day, mom and I can't be certain which stone was replaced so this pin is now perfectly restored. The rhodium and gold plate on the brooches is mint which is amazing considering the fuchsia brooch found its way into the hands and toy box of a child.

The earrings pictured with the champagne brooch and purchased with it are not marked but are in excellent condition and compliment it nicely. The box still has the old-fashioned Christmas tag tucked inside having originally been a gift to a favorite aunt.

The Sherman earrings that are pictured with the fuchsia brooch were purchased separately at a flea market in my area for $5. Being a great companion to the brooch, they are now in my mother's collection.

Both of these brooches were incredible finds and only my mom could be such a "Sherman magnet" to have found two in the same day. For those vintage jewelry collectors who don't think that it's worth the bother to go to yard sales looking for jewelry, take a lesson from my mom and get out there and see what's around. Like my mom, don't be afraid to chat with the sellers and don't ignore the children's tables.... You may be pleasantly surprised!!!

Ice Blue Vintage Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-08-15T12:39:00.017-03:00

Of all my Sherman jewelry, the bracelets are the pieces that I wear more often than any other; to the theater, out for dinner, to parties or any celebration or social event where I need that extra glitter to dress up my otherwise, classic suits.

When I first started collecting, I was more interested in the color rather than the actual size of each bracelet. What I found was that I kept reaching for the longer bracelets when making my selections. Anything under 7" would fit my wrist but there was no extra length allowing it to drape gracefully down over my hand. It didn't take long before I realized that in order for me to actually enjoy wearing the bracelets I was collecting, I would have to be more selective about their length. This does restrict the number of bracelets I can purchase but does mean that I will end up with a collection that will be worn and enjoyed. Now I won't even consider purchasing anything under 7 1/4" in length and less than 3/4" wide. If I can find one that is longer or wider that suits my budget, all the better but I know from experience, anything smaller will just sit in my jewelry box.

If you are particular about the length of your rhinestone bracelets and are buying online, be sure to inquire about the width and length being certain to have the seller either include or exclude the tongue portion of the clasp in the length measurement (this can make a 1/4" to 1/2" difference). I find that my money is better spent on Sherman jewelry that I will actually wear although everyone has their own preferences when selecting which Sherman jewelry to buy.

The pretty ice blue bracelet pictured today was the perfect fit for me measuring 7 1/2" in length and being 1 1/4" wide. I love the super flexible lacey style and marquise stones set in a North/South fashion. This lovely bracelet combines both marquise stones in medium blue with medium blue aurora borealis and round rhinestones in a medium aquamarine with larger blue aurora borealis. Considering how common blue is, this bracelet is exceptional in style and condition. The earrings are a perfect match and also in mint condition.

The blue necklace and earrings pictured are probably one of my best eBay buys so far. This beautiful set was listed with a low starting bid and I ended up being the only one who bid. Somehow, other collectors overlooked it, perhaps because of its more common color or because the auction closed mid afternoon. Whatever the reason, this necklace is my favorite blue one to date and also in exceptional, unworn condition. The center is large and combines deep blue with aquamarine blue marquise rhinestones with a combination of dark blue and medium blue round rhinestones, some with aurora borealis but most without. The earrings are the perfect match and are in mint condition.

Everything featured today is set in heavy rhodium plate, in unworn condition, and all pieces are clearly marked Sherman.

I know that blue may not be that highly sought after by Sherman Jewelry collectors but these two sets clearly demonstrate the classic beauty and elegance Gustave Sherman designs are famous for.

Vintage Black Alaska Hematite from the 1950's

2008-08-13T10:01:00.014-03:00

As a young child, I remember admiring the huge Black Alaska Diamond ring my mother would wear whenever she and dad were going out to enjoy an evening away from us children. She would get dressed up and just before leaving the house, she would slip that stunning ring onto her right hand. We didn't see it any other time, it remained safely tucked inside her jewelry box where we couldn't reach it.

More than 15 years later, my mother and I decided to take a drive and stop by some yard sales in her neighborhood. Attending yard sales had not been one of our usual activities but on this Saturday morning, we were looking for an excuse to go out and enjoy the sunshine. About three miles down the road, we happened upon a yard sale and there on the table was a huge Black Alaska Hematite ring (it is the one pictured in the navy blue ring case). I tried it on and it was a perfect fit! What made that find so special was that I had been looking for one like my mothers but the jewelry stores in the 1980's were carrying smaller versions, not nearly as elegant and beautiful as the 1950's originals. I purchased that ring for $15 and as anyone who knows me can confirm, it has hardly left my right hand. I have worn it almost every day; all day, in the shower, doing dishes, housework, and to the office. Contrary to what most people believe, these stones can take a lot of wear and tear. This ring is just as beautiful today (20 years later) as it was when I purchased it.

Over the years, I have picked up two more of these elegant rings (I have to have at least two spares!) from antique shops for excellent prices. The one in the green case is identical to mom's and the one in the blue case is the same only done in white gold which is more rare than the yellow gold.

The pretty drop earrings were found in a full Buxton jewelry box that mom and I purchased at an auction for $5 during the early 1980's. They had originally been screw backs, however, I had a jeweler convert them to pierced so I could enjoy wearing them. They are done in 10kt gold, just like the rings.

My mother purchased the large pendant and clip earrings about five years ago among other costume jewelry and although they are not genuine gold, they compliment my many rings perfectly.

During the 1950's, these large marquise-shaped hematite rings were all the rage, as popular then as the Mood rings of the 1970's or Slave rings of the 1980's. I have had more compliments on my Black Alaska ring than any other. If you have the opportunity to pick up one of the 1950's originals, go for it! They make your hand look graceful and elegant and believe me, no one who sees you wearing it will be looking past it to check your manicure!

PS: To My Mom: Thank you for introducing me to these gorgeous Black Alaska Hematite stones and for sharing my love of vintage jewelry and most of all, "Happy Birthday, I Love You"!!!!

Sparkling Hematite With Clear Rhinestones Sherman Jewelry

2008-08-11T08:32:00.022-03:00

For those of us who reside in small towns, the best source for buying specific color combinations of Sherman Jewelry has to be online vintage jewelry websites or on eBay. I know that some people shy away from setting up Paypal accounts uncertain of how secure their personal banking information will be. From my own personal experiences, I have not had any problems thus far, (knock wood). Overall, the majority of online sellers are friendly, professional, honest and prompt in mailing out their items. Online is also a great place to find the "perfect match" to a Sherman piece already in your collection.

Both of the beautiful sets posted here today were acquired through eBay. To date, I have not been able to find any Sherman with hematite at flea markets or antique stores in my area. Anyone who knows me well can vouch for my love of hematite. I will be devoting my next post to this magnificent stone used in jewelry all through the 1950's.

The first demi parure pictured was purchased about two years ago and is a large "Shrimp" or "Pinwheel" with matching earrings. Combining hematite with clear sparkling marquise style rhinestones is the perfect way to accent the deep grey color of these marvelous stones. This set is a showstopper and has been worn by me more than any of my other Sherman pieces.

The large open-style wreath brooch with identical earrings was also purchased on eBay around the same time as the first set and again combines clear with hematite. This time, Gustave Sherman designers used large round rhinestones to offset the slender hematite marquises. Brilliant!

All pieces are in excellent condition, clearly marked Sherman and are presented in heavy rhodium plating.

Both sets featured today with hematite are perfect examples of popular 1950's style and are as wearable today as they were then. Both are timeless, elegant and beautiful and I am certain will remain that way for the next generation of Sherman Jewelry collectors!

Magnificent Siam Red Rhinestone Sherman Jewelry Demi Parure

2008-08-08T10:22:00.010-03:00

Without a doubt, this is my favorite Sherman brooch and earring set to date. I found it on eBay one night while cruising around checking for all kinds of vintage jewelry items listed for sale. Imagine my surprise to come upon this magnificent set and notice that the inexperienced seller had neglected to use that magical word "Sherman" in his title. This meant that this beautiful set would only be found by a handful, if any, avid Sherman jewelry collectors. I waited until there was less than 30 seconds left in the auction and typed in my bid which was more than double what the price was currently at (this takes nerves of steel for those who do not have access to a sniper program). One other collector must have been at their own keyboard since in the last 15 seconds, both of our bids hit this set but luckily for me, mine was the highest and I found myself the proud owner of this truly incredible set at a mere fraction of its actual value.

The brooch itself is large measuring 2 1/4" across and features long and slender sparkling siam red rhinestones accented by red aurora borealis ones. By far one of my favorite Sherman brooch styles, I know that many collectors and dealers call it a pinwheel but I see a porcupine when I look at it. It is nicely domed and is presented in the highly sought after black japanned setting.

The matching clip-style earrings are large and also domed combining both the deep red with red aurora borealis rhinestones in both marquises and chaton styles.

As usual, all three pieces are clearly marked Sherman and in excellent condition, worthy of being photographed for any jewelry book on exquisite costume jewelry.

Check the photographs to see the original "Jewels of Elegance Sherman" metal hang tag as well as the "Jewels of Elegance" storage box.

If you are looking for a bargain on Sherman jewelry, this set proves that they are still out there, even on eBay but you have to take the time to look for them. Good luck in your hunt, getting these at bargain prices is by far the most fun I have in collecting these truly magnificent "Jewels of Elegance"!

Clearly Elegant Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-08-07T10:10:00.014-03:00

In my opinion, one of the most underrated and under appreciated styles of Sherman jewelry has to be these elegant, clear rhinestone designs. These can be snapped up on eBay and on other sites for a fraction of the price their colorful counterparts command. I agree that they were made in much larger numbers and are more plentiful but there's a reason for that. These pieces can be worn with just about any color and look fantastic on nearly everything from the most basic denim all the way to the most formal evening or bridal gown. Gustave Sherman knew this and manufactured these clear timeless pieces more often than any of his other styles.

What bride wouldn't be thrilled to have this beautiful necklace and drop earrings to embellish her wedding dress? The mass-produced bridal sets today are usually more expensive and made with stones of lesser quality that are sometimes glued rather than delicately hand-set like Sherman jewelry. The sparkle and reflection Sherman jewelry emits is as close to the "real thing" as you will find at Red Carpet events. Every serious jewelry collector should have a wardrobe of clear pieces and because they are so affordable, why not Sherman!

Not every budget can afford the thousands of dollars that the higher-end Sherman sets go for but when you buy clear like the fancy bracelet and drop earrings featured in this post, the price drops dramatically. This particular set was purchased for less than $100 only a couple of years ago and is absolutely gorgeous! I love how the long, slender marquise stones are set at an angle to add drama. The matching clip-style earrings are a perfect match and measure 3" in length. Stunning!!

The last set showcased today is what I like to call the "Shrimp" pin with matching earrings all done in heavy rhodium plating with sparkling clear Swarovski rhinestones. The bracelet features 5 rows of alternating marquise and round rhinestones and is over one inch in width. This pretty bracelet can be worn as a match to either the brooch set or necklace and earrings.

As usual everything is in near mint condition being heavily rhodium plated and clearly marked Sherman. For some reason, no matter how many photographs I take of clear Sherman jewelry, the crystal clearness just can't be captured and they look dull (this could account for why these pieces go so low on eBay so take advantage!!).

Overall, please don't overlook these timeless clear rhinestone beauties. They were manufactured using the same quality and attention to detail that Gustave Sherman used when designing all of his fabulous jewelry. Anyone can easily put together a full parure using any combination of their favorite rhinestone styles (all of these pieces were purchased separately with the exception of picture #2) for an amazingly affordable price. I promise anyone who wears their vintage jewelry that they will reach for these "clearly elegant" pieces time and time again!

Passionate About Purple Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-08-06T10:46:00.011-03:00

Since creating this blog, I have been going through lots of Sherman jewelry and I have to say that purple is one color I wish I had more of. I once met a woman who collected Sherman but "Only the purple ones!!!" and I think she was definitely on to something. The colors are amazing. The deep amethyst colored rhinestones look like precious jewels on their own and when done in groupings with aurora borealis and paler shades, they just seem to come to life.

This pretty necklace and earrings, although not a perfect match, were purchased together at a flea market by my mom as a Christmas gift for me several years ago. Nothing screams Christmas louder than a beautiful Sherman glittering under the Christmas tree! The necklace combines deep amethyst ovals with pinkish/purple marquises in perfect rhodium plating.

The large clip-style earrings have the exact same colors but incorporate marquise cut stones instead of ovals plus have the additional beautiful long baguettes on one side. Absolute showstopper set!

The gorgeous brooch pictured with the necklace and earrings was purchased at an auction on eBay for a ridiculously low price considering it's color, quality and condition. The unfortunate seller had a terrible picture of it that looked like it had been taken from across the room. I was familiar with this particular style so felt confident bidding in spite of the blurred image on eBay. What a joy to receive it and see that it was in factory perfect condition! The rhodium plating shows no signs of wear and the Sherman signature is crisp. The stones combine an almost aquamarine blue with amethyst and are offset by long, slender marquises in a pink/mauve shade. Splendid and I love the large emerald-cut center.

As usual, all pieces are clearly signed Sherman.

Lastly, the large purple with aurora borealis brooch and earrings were purchased on eBay with the buy-it-now option. All pieces have super shiny rhodium plating and the earrings are clearly marked Sherman. The brooch, although unsigned, mimics Sherman's styling having been made in three tiers and having the exact same rhinestone color combination as the signed earrings.

As mentioned earlier, I will be doing a post down the road giving my opinion on Signed versus Unsigned Sherman pieces so check back often. I welcome your comments!

Fabulous Rootbeer with Champagne Sherman Rhinestone Jewelry

2008-08-05T10:24:00.009-03:00

One of my favorite thrift store finds so far has to be this large and fabulous signed Sherman brooch. This was purchased at between 1/4 and 1/3 of its true value.

Typical of Sherman designs, it is three tiers high and heavily gold plated. The chubby rootbeer colored marquise rhinestones are accented beautifully by the slender champagne marquise-shaped aurora borealis stones. Three open horseshoe shaped rings on top of aurora borealis chatons add that extra sparkle that set Sherman designs apart.

The pretty signed earrings shown were purchased on an eBay auction and are the perfect companion to the brooch.

The exquisite butterfly-style bracelet features a similar color combination and was purchased at a flea market. Although unsigned, it is made with the same attention to detail and quality that Sherman used. I like that it is extremely flexible and flows elegantly over my wrist without being stiff or awkward. It is large for this style measuring almost a full inch in width. I had previously owned a black bracelet like this that was signed Sherman, however, it was much more narrow.

The earrings pictured with the bracelet and purchased with it are signed Sherman and are identical in color although feature different shapes of rhinestones.

In a future post, I will be discussing my opinion on the ongoing debate of signed versus unsigned Sherman pieces.

Welcome to my blog of Sherman & Other Vintage Jewelry

2008-08-02T22:21:00.002-03:00

Hi, thanks for stopping by. I have been collecting anything 50's for about five years now at yard sales, flea markets and anywhere else these retro goodies are available. Of all things 50's, the gorgeous rhinestone and costume jewelry have become my passion. I created this blog to document and share my finds.

Of all the rhinestone jewelry I have collected thus far, my favorite designer is Gustave Sherman who manufactured from 1947 to the mid 1970's in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. My first Sherman Rhinestone piece was acquired at a local flea market and I can't believe I actually bargained the seller down to $5 for this beautiful crescent shaped blue rhinestone brooch shown here. It was only later after talking to other collectors that I realized I should be checking for the manufacturer's mark on the piece itself to determine the value. This gorgeous brooch is heavily rhodium plated with the most brilliant sparkling rhinestones and on the back is the signature "Sherman". That was it. I am now the proud owner of about 100 Sherman rhinestone jewelry pieces along with lots of other costume jewelry, some signed by other manufacturers, some not signed at all.

I have also been accumulating purses, linens, pyrex, and fireking from the 50's to 70's and fiesta dinnerware from any time period.

Hope you stop by often to see what's new and to share your own stories of collecting.