Winter Wonderland - Vintage Signed Sherman Rhodium Plated Austrian Swarovski Aurora Borealis Crystal Pearl & Clip On Earring Set (VN243)

Winter Wonderland - Vintage Signed Sherman Rhodium Plated Austrian Swarovski Aurora Borealis Crystal Pearl Necklace & Clip-On Earring Set. This wonderful set is crafted from rhodium plate over metal, signed Sherman on the back of the necklace clasp. The set features numerous simulated round pearls, numerous Austrian Swarovski  aura Borealis crystal faceted beads, vintage era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This vintage necklace is comprised of a double row of graduated beautiful white lustrous pearls (simulated), interspaced by aurora borealis sparkling beads. The necklace features a gorgeous slide and lock clasp, which is also adorned by gemstones. The earrings showcase the aurora borealis crystal beads, and white pearls, which are the exact match to the necklace. They are for pierced ears, featuring secure clip-on backings. This vintage Sherman set is high quality, and highly collectible. 

History: Gustave Sherman designed and manufactured some of the highest quality and most beautiful fine costume jewelry in Canada, if not the world. Even though he had no schooling in business or jewelry-making, Gustave founded his Montreal manufacturing company, Sherman Costume Jewelry, in 1947.

1895: The Swarovski company is founded in Wattens, Austria. Daniel Swarovski and his partners were seeking a new business location and this small town offered advantages: distance from imitators, good transport to Paris and possibility of using hydroelectric power.

The Sherman jewelry company, founded by Gustave Sherman in Montreal, closed its doors in 1981, though some sources say production ended in 1980, following a decline in rhinestone popularity and increased costs for precious metals, with the founder passing away in 1984. 

Rhinestones which are also known as diamantes or paste date back as far as the thirteenth century where they were first made from Czechoslovakian or Bohemian hand blown glass. The term rhinestone came along later, when rock crystals were discovered in and around the shores of the river Rhine in Austria.

AB is the abbreviation for this special finish which was applied to rhinestones and beads in the early 1950's to make them appear more radiant. The finish was given the name Aurora Borealis, taken from the phenomena sometimes seen in the skies of Northern countries known as the Northern Lights.    

Initially, the primary application of rhodium involved its use as a catalyst rather than in jewellery plating. It was only in the 1930s that the concept of rhodium plating emerged, paving the way for its integration into the jewellery industry by the 1950s.

Measurements: Necklace 22.00 " -  23.00 "    Earrings 36.00 mm x 8.50 mm

Stone Size: Variety of sizes. 

Weight: 73.80 grams 

Condition: Very Good          Note: Minor signs of age related wear to the back of the clasp. Which does not take away from the beauty of this set what-so-ever. 

Origin: Canada 

Date: Circa 1960